Sunny day brings "unity" to Norfolk State students
Lerone Graham
Section: Student Life
On a sunny spring day, a number of Norfolk State students gathered in the picnic area outside of Dick Price Stadium to celebrate "Unity Day".
"Be sure to tune in to Rap City on BET," said DJ Vince, giving a brief intermission between spinning songs on his turntable. He vowed to represent Norfolk State well when he appears on the nationally televised show.
A sense of pride and belonging was felt throughout the event. The lawn turned into an array of colors, as students wore the hue that represented their school, fraternity, sorority or organization.
The scene was reminiscent of a family cookout. With plates of hot dogs and hamburgers going around, and upbeat music playing, all groups seemed to be in high spirits.
"All of the Greek organizations can be in the same place on campus and get along," said Kelly Hopkins, a member of Omega Psi Phi. "We're all just having a good time," he continued.
Hopkins feels that people often get the wrong idea about fraternities, Omega Psi Phi especially. While he admits that his brethren are often rowdy and animated when partying, he knows there is a time and a place.
"Contrary to popular belief, there are educated Ques (Omega Psi Phi members)," Hopkins said.
As a member of Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences (DNIMAS), Hopkins fits the bill of an educated Omega.
Mykia Smith, a member of sister sorority Delta Sigma Theta also feels that Greek organizations are misunderstood.
"We're not just about partying, we're devoted to sisterhood and community service," Smith said.
With so many personalities and groups present, it was hard to tell that these misconceptions exist, judging from the smiles seen and laughter heard. At one point, members of different fraternal organizations began stepping with each other, as if they were frat brothers.
As heated as Greek stepping competitions can become, it was clear that everyone was making an effort to make Unity Day more than just a meaningless school event.
"Be sure to tune in to Rap City on BET," said DJ Vince, giving a brief intermission between spinning songs on his turntable. He vowed to represent Norfolk State well when he appears on the nationally televised show.
A sense of pride and belonging was felt throughout the event. The lawn turned into an array of colors, as students wore the hue that represented their school, fraternity, sorority or organization.
The scene was reminiscent of a family cookout. With plates of hot dogs and hamburgers going around, and upbeat music playing, all groups seemed to be in high spirits.
"All of the Greek organizations can be in the same place on campus and get along," said Kelly Hopkins, a member of Omega Psi Phi. "We're all just having a good time," he continued.
Hopkins feels that people often get the wrong idea about fraternities, Omega Psi Phi especially. While he admits that his brethren are often rowdy and animated when partying, he knows there is a time and a place.
"Contrary to popular belief, there are educated Ques (Omega Psi Phi members)," Hopkins said.
As a member of Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences (DNIMAS), Hopkins fits the bill of an educated Omega.
Mykia Smith, a member of sister sorority Delta Sigma Theta also feels that Greek organizations are misunderstood.
"We're not just about partying, we're devoted to sisterhood and community service," Smith said.
With so many personalities and groups present, it was hard to tell that these misconceptions exist, judging from the smiles seen and laughter heard. At one point, members of different fraternal organizations began stepping with each other, as if they were frat brothers.
As heated as Greek stepping competitions can become, it was clear that everyone was making an effort to make Unity Day more than just a meaningless school event.
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