Alpha Phi Alpha and Omega Psi Phi Fighting at stepshow

[stomparama]

I am a promoter of stepshows called Stomp A' Rama and Greeknic.com in the Southeast and Augusta, Georgia for eleven years.

Yes, I am Greek - Alpha Phi Alpha, '88. Yes, I am financial - Alpha Chi Lambda Graduate Chapter of Augusta, GA. My wife is a lady of Delta Sigma Theta. My sons are called "19" "06", twins.

I understand the frustration that the Omega's are going through with stepshows. There are a lot of dancing instead of stepping in these shows along with the ones I sponsor. Omega's continue to step like you step, but look deep within your organization. I saw an Omega stepteam open with music and close with music. But, they stepped their ass off in the middle. This was one of the best Omega shows that I had experience.

At the Augusta Greek Picnic Foundation, we are going to establish national rules and regulations on stepshow. Promoters and schools/universities will be asked to put these rules into action at their shows. Stepshows that are accredited will be listed on all the National Stepshows websites. If you do not find a stepshow on this website, I would caution you about stepping. Members on the committee will be selected from across the United States. There are too many other groups stepping for the NPHC to oversee this. Rules - A promoter must be a Greek before their show will receive the approval of the committee. This will help Greeks determine if they want to step in certain shows.

As a Greek, I, along with Christian of Greekfest.com, are trying to change the stepshow problem. Therefore, I have started something called the Augusta Greek Picnic Foundation a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status. We have joined forces with the National Legacy Foundation. This is the first organization established for stepping. Profits from the Greeknic.com will be used for scholarships for Greeks, non-Greeks and school age children.

Yes, there are people putting on shows that are not Greek, and Greeks continue to step in these shows. These people could care less about "our legacy". Greekfest.com, Greekfeakinc.com, Philly Picnic, Delta-Ice Breaker of Savannah, Greeknic.com, Stomp A' Ramas and any homecoming stepshow are stepshows.

Brothers/Sisters of Greekdom, stepping is our legacy. There are several Greeks that are taking our steps and using them aganist us. Hell, they are sometimes better than our "9" organizations. We better wake-up before it is too late. The time is coming when you will step aganist other organizations. They are good!!

Stepping started with either the Omega's or Sigma's. We as BGLO need to embrace our legacy.

As for the problem at hand... Omega's -- find that brother and turn him in to your National Organization. As Greeks, we can't let a few destroy our legacy. Then, appeal the decision of the school. Best of luck. Contact me at 706-303-4563.

[stomparama]

Injustice to the Bruhs at Southern U.?
I have read many different versions and opinions as to who was in the wrong. You be the judge.



Omega's Suspended

by Gary Holloway
April 19, 2002


Southern University has placed the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, on suspension.

The fraternity was suspended stemming from two separate incidents that occurred this past weekend.

According to Joseph K. Byrd, Vice President of Student Services at Xavier University, the Beta Sigma Chapter of the fraternity won second place ( and a$750.00 check) in a step show at Xavier University.

In a statement released to Robert Bennett, director of student life, Byrd claims that as they were exiting the gymnasium one member stated "we followed your rules and did a clean show and you still f*#ked over us! F*%k it and f#@k you!"

The next night on April 13 Louisiana State University sponsored a Springfest Greek Step Show at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. A police report released by Lieutenant Robert Jones of LSUPD states that the Omegas received second place in the contest, which the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity from LSU won the first place prize. As the first place check, worth $3000, was being awarded to Alpha Phi Alpha one member of Omega Psi Phi jumped up and grabbed the check tearing it.

The check was then grabbed back by members of Alpha Phi Alpha, when members of Omega Psi Phi began jumping on stage and fighting with members of Alpha Phi Alpha. An estimated 30 people took part in the brawl and approximately eight officers arrived on the scene to disperse the crowd. With help from other fraternity members the fight was broken up in about four minutes. Officers were able to prevent a second effort by both fraternities to continue fighting.

Also included in the statement by Jones is that he spoke with several witnesses and some said that it was Southern Universities’ Omegas combined with Omegas from LSU who instigated the situation.

In a letter sent to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., by Bennett he informed the fraternity that after a thorough investigation of the altercation the Omegas were found guilty of fighting. The investigation consisted of series of interviews and a conference with the Dean of Students at LSU.

"This incident is totally embarrassing to Southern University, the fraternity and the entire community of Baton Rouge," said Bennett.

He informed the fraternity that was placing the members of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi on suspension until the Spring of 2003; the suspension was to start upon immediate receipt of the notice, which was handed out on Tuesday April 16.

Due to the suspension members of Omega Psi Phi can not wear their letters, have programs, or participate in any campus activities. They must also complete 100 hours of campus service with Eli Guillory at the Physical Plant before next spring. Any further violations of the rules may result in expulsion of the fraternity.

Darian Howard, President of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., sent a written letter to the Digest, which stated:

The Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at Southern University fully intends to appeal the decision to suspend the organization until Spring 2003. In accordance with the Code of Student Conduct, Student Organizations are subject to the same provisions as that of any individual student, which warrant due process. Beta Sigma has been accused of collectively engaging in an altercation with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Louisiana State University on April 13, 2002.

No interviews were conducted with the members of the Beta Sigma Chapter, or any other Greek organization, which were present at the event.

A statement was released to the DIGEST from the Beta Sigma Chapter that read:

"We, (the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.), agree that the incident was embarrassing to the Pan-Hellenic Counsel and to all Universities and Colleges represented. The Beta Sigma Chapter acknowledges their presence and participation in the Greek Show and our dissatisfaction with the matter in which the Greek Show was managed. However, the Beta Sigma Chapter denies our involvement in the fight that took place between the three to five individuals lasting less than four minutes. The Beta Sigma Chapter did actively participate in separating members of both organizations representing numerous chapters from several colleges and universities within the region, including the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., of Southern University. It is estimated that some one hundred Alphas and Omegas at both the undergraduate and graduate level were in attendance (Dillard, Xavier, LSU, Southern, Lafayette, Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, etc.) The members of Beta Sigma are requesting a Pan-Hellenic Judiciary Hearing."

The Beta Sigma Chapter has the right to appeal the decision if new evidence is found.

[stomparama]

My 13 cents...
Okay. I hope this makes it this time…

To summarize my opinion on this particular incident, I have to say that, while I understand the Bruhs’ frustrations, I think it was wrong of them to release their rage in the matter they chose. However, seeing as though the initial act (tearing up the check) was not an attack to/on the Alphas, I disagree that the Bruhs should be held solely accountable for the altercation that followed. I could agree that both frats should take the blame, but I honestly think that the actual FIGHT was instigated by the Alphas who opted to be reactive rather than proactive. Once the check was seized and torn, the onus fell upon the step show committee to see to it that the Alphas were compensated. But, of course, they (the Alphas) reacted as they did in an effort to not be “punked” by the Bruhs. That being said, to punish one frat and not the other—I think—is very unfair. I also find the consequences to be extremely, ridiculously, and unnecessarily severe—even more so because the Alphas didn’t get as little as a slap on the hand!

Now, as I stated earlier—I totally understand the Bruhs’ frustrations. While I wish more maturity and respect for WY F’s honor and reputation had been exemplified, I do not blame the Bruh’s for being fed up with the commercialism of stepping. There is a very Que-nique stepping-style characteristic of and mastered by ONLY the Bruhs’—ALL tradition-oriented members of the black greek family should know this. Sadly, however, the Bruhs represent the only BGLO that completely maintains a stepping legacy/tradition. All others prefer to give the crowd what they want by implementing the latest tunes, theatrics, props, and multimedia possible to arouse the applauds. And, the intensity of the applauds is usually what sways the judges (whom I’ll attack in a second) to give the scores they do. Unfortunately, stepshow audiences are packed with GDIs and new skool greeks who don’t know/appreciate the tradition of the African Boot Dance (tweaked and named “stepping”). So, the Bruhs’ tight precision, military-style steps/hops aren’t valued nearly as much as (for example) the redundant, masturbatory cane-movements the Kappas might do to “Feelin’ on Yo’ Booty.” Why? Because the silly little girls in the audience are more (for whatever reason) intrigued by that kind of stuff and they scream and clap louder for that than they do for the real stepping done by my Brilliant Bruhs.

And, what about those Nasty Shows the Bruhs are notorious for? Well—they’ve been banned for years! Any Dawg Team that comes on stage with that in mind can expect immediate disqualification. So, in my opinion, the Bruh who was quoted as saying we followed your rules and did a clean show and you still f*#ked over us! F*%k it and f#@k you! had every right to be pissed. It’s the Damned-if-I-do/Damned-if-I-don’t Syndrome that is bound to incite anger in anyone.

Nowadays, the judges are NOT qualified to judge stepshows. Folks are trying to get away from having an NPHC panel of judges because they think it’s fairer to the step teams that the judges are not greek. So, you’ve got people judging this stuff who don’t have a CLUE what it’s all about. Like the crowd, they're more fascinated by an org’s use of music, theatrics, props, and multimedia than they are with precision stepping, because they don’t understand stepping at all. And, to make matters worse, lots of shows now have white faculty/staff judges who are usually the least knowledgeable about and understanding of stepping!

Basically, step shows are DEcreasing in quality while INcreasing in admission fees! In most cases, the Bruhs are doomed from jump, even when they do damned good, rules-following shows. I feel badly for the BS Bruhs and I hope they appeal the sanction.

So, Bruh’s, even when y’all mess up, you can count on me to always have nuttin’ but COLEMAN LOVE for all of ya!

[stomparama]

As a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha....
I think that swamp thang's advice is well stated. You must understand that increasingly, stepshows are being promoted by people who are not in the NPHC and basically see them as ways to make money with no respect to tradition, heritage, and culture. With that being said, know the parameters of the show going in. The 411 said it best when she stated that we have a new generation of "greeks" that have no clue on tradition. They would rather see "chip-n-dales " rather than true, all out, "just put on the letters and step" shows with no music, just boots, chants, and sweat. Know this going into the show, and do not be surprised with the outcome of the show. With that being said....

I have to defend the my brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha who were acosted by the act of protest by the members of Omega Psi Phi. Men of Omega, understand this, your gripes, while valid, should have been handled with the organizers of the step show, not by trying to publically display your protest at the expense of the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha. Let's keep in mind that we should in all things respect our repsective legacies and carry ourselves and treat each other with respect at all times. You may also have a valid way of appealing by wanting an NPHC hearing. I think that this is a great idea. I think what we are seeing here is a bastardization of the image of all NPHC oranizations, with the appropriation of our image by people who are not aware of our heritage. We have to protect against this, whether it be by copyrighting certain symbols and paraphernalia, on down to only participating in NPHC sponsored step shows where vulgarity (masked as crowd response) will not be valued as a criterion in the judging. We have to reclaim our image, our heritage, and our culture as NPHC members and not take our frustrations out on each other.
Respectfully,
Blackwatch!!!!
P.S.
By the411...

quote:
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I honestly think that the actual FIGHT was instigated by the Alphas who opted to be reactive rather than proactive. Once the check was seized and torn, the onus fell upon the step show committee to see to it that the Alphas were compensated. But, of course, they (the Alphas) reacted as they did in an effort to not be “punked” by the Bruhs.
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This was obviously logic inspired (or blinded) by Coleman Love
How would you expect any man to respond to this? While you admit that the tearing of the check was wrong, you actually believe the Alphas instigated the fight? Let's be reasonable now.

I think Doggystyle82 said it best...
quote:
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First and foremost, the Bruh who snatched the check and tore it up was wrong. There would have been no fight nor a subsequent suspension if he had acted in a mature fashion.
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__________________
Rom. 8:35-38

Last edited by Blackwatch

[AKA2D '91]

where is the smilie with the banner that waves...wth?

[Greeknic.com]

Go to the Omega area.

[Greeknic.com]

DoggyStyle82
Moderator

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 470
Thank you Blackwatch and Greeknic for your well-reasoned responses. I abhor violence between Black men, especially amongst Black Greeks. I feel the Bruhs at SUs frustration. I do not feel that they should have been suspended, especially over off-campus events. This is where I feel that they have an argument.

Greeknic: I also applaud you for trying to return Greek Shows from "freakshows" and back to stepping.


__________________
Dawg For Life

[SweetestDiva]

Why not just link to the original thread? It took me forever to figure out what was going on here.

http://greekchat.com/gcforums/showth...threadid=17455

[Dexter]

Originally posted by SweetestDiva
Why not just link to the original thread? It took me forever to figure out what was going on here.

http://greekchat.com/gcforums/showth...threadid=17455

Thank you for clearing this up for me. I've been sitting here trying to figure out what the hell is going on. Who is writing what? I was confused, But now I'm clear thank you.

[stomparama]

Sorry, I am new at this.

[CountryGurl]

Alphas, Kappas conflict result in events suspension


BY MYLES MINIX
March 24, 2006



An altercation involving the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. during an Alpha probate Wednesday resulted in the suspension of some events and operations for both fraternities, according to Robert Bennett, Southern University dean of student life.

Witnesses’ accounts state the Alphas made negative references to the Kappas during the Alpha probate, which took place during what was initially designated as “Kappa Week,” a week designed for the Kappas to celebrate their fraternal history with the campus.

Allegedly, the Kappas’ intended to disrupt the Alpha “Death March,” which took place on the night before, however, nothing happened.

“When I first heard about it (the incident), I thought it was really bad and it was bad enough,” Bennett said. “But after I looked at the video today, I saw it was just a lot of pushing and shoving that occurred between the Kappas and Alphas. I didn’t see any punches thrown.

“It was initiated by the Alphas poking fun at the Kappas and using derogatory and vulgar language toward Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,” Bennett said.

Bennett dispelled rumors that other organizations were involved in the dispute that was broken up by the SU Police Department.

No arrests were made in the incident. But Bennett said all future Alpha events were suspended until further notice and without further explanation, said some Kappa events were suspended, including a scheduled fashion show.

No member of the Kappa’s Alpha Sigma chapter could be reached for comment and Hope Coleman, president of Southern’s Pan-Hellenic Council, declined to comment.

According to the Alpha’s Beta Sigma Chapter President Paul DeRousselle, the dispute was a minor altercation fueled by outside entities.

“Outside entities started the initial conflicts but some of the (Alpha) Neophytes said some things and apparently the Kappas felt disrespected,” DeRousselle said. “But Greek-bashing goes on every year. They say things about us and we say things about them.”

DeRousselle said he felt some people were making the incident to be more than what it was and said the Alphas’ were sorry the conflict ever came up.

“It’s actually nothing to talk about, and on behalf of Alpha Phi Alpha we would like to apologize for our actions,” DeRousselle said. “We don’t take things personally, this is nothing to us.”

http://www.southerndigest.com/vnews/.../442412f636fa2

[Lady of Pearl]

STOP THE MADNESS we should have gotten past this by now-behind every dig every joke is an underlying meaning which results in sad situations or misunderstandings as this! Reeducate yourselves we need not cast dispersions on any other greek no matter what organization they belong too! in the name of fun

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by Lady of Pearl
STOP THE MADNESS we should have gotten past this by now-behind every dig every joke is an underlying meaning which results in sad situations or misunderstandings as this! Reeducate yourselves we need not cast dispersions on any other greek no matter what organization they belong too! in the name of fun

Exactly. Folx say it is all in fun, but it really isn't.

[IntegriTY1908]

In the famous words of Rodney King "Cant we all just get Along"