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Greeks stomp diversity into UK (The University of Kentucky)
By Rob Oakley
Wildcat Weekly

This past Thursday, Alpha Phi Alpha hosted their first Stomp-A-Palooza. With seven sororities, one fraternity, and one incredible finale by the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, this was a spectacular event. According to Sam Gaines, a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha, this was “the highlight of Greek Service Week.”

Some organizations practiced weeks before the show, others just days before the show, but one thing they all shared was a once in a lifetime experience. With all the articles about diversity on campus, this event proved actions are louder than words.

Bridging gaps in diversity is within our reach, and this event proved just that. This was the “most diverse atmosphere this campus has seen,” according to Sam Gaines. This event has the potential to be as big as Greek Sing, which is hosted by Chi-Omega sorority.

This show was in Memorial Hall, and with over 400 tickets sold, the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha raised more than $2,300. This money will go to the construction of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington D.C. “Despite any controversy, we are one step closer to making Dr. King’s dream a reality,” said Jonathan Beatty, a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha.

According to Chris Crumrine, a brother of Phi Gamma Delta (which was the only participating fraternity), “I had a blast rehearsing, and I am looking forward to it again.” He also said this event will help fix the “diversity gap that UK has.”

Each team was assigned a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha as a coach to teach them their step routine. The judges for this event were graduates of Alpha Phi Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, and Delta Sigma Theta, all National Black Fraternities or Sororities.

There was a sorority first and second place, and only one fraternity winner because only one fraternity participated. Phi Gamma Delta won in the fraternity division. Kappa Alpha Theta received second place and Chi-Omega won first place. With eight participating organizations, all groups went away with a new experience and something else to look forward to in the Greek community next year.

This article was originally posted on April 14, 2005