`Greek Freaks' Step to Raise Money

Greek Freak 2001 drew an audience of nearly 8,000 as well as eight step teams from regional universities Friday night, making Carmichael Auditorium the venue for what organizers call the largest step show on the East Coast.

Stepping, which originates from a form of worship in African culture, incorporates both traditional and modern dance elements to express cultural pride. For the 14th year in a row, Greek Freak succeeded in showcasing this sense of unity.

As Alpha Phi Alpha's primary philanthropic project, the annual show generates funds for the Sonja H. Stone Black Cultural Center, the Inter-Faith Council homeless shelter and academic scholarships.

The 2000 competition raised more than $6,000, but organizers would not disclose how much money this year's event garnered.

BET television personality Hits From the Street was the emcee the event, infusing the crowd with energy and not missing the opportunity to poke fun at some audience members, bringing many to their feet with his trademark comedy.

Senior Charles Campbell, Greek Freak's coordinator for the second year, said months of planning went into Friday's step-off. "This is our biggest event and one of the most well-known step shows on the East Coast."

Eight teams representing seven of the nine National Pan Hellenic Council groups vied for the two $1,500 first-place prizes and two $500 second-place prizes. The money was awarded to each of the two top fraternity and sorority teams.

Kevin McDowell, a senior from South Carolina State College, said his team started rehearsing nine months in advance. "We've worked really hard, and we came to win," he said. "(To us), this is a sort of fund-raiser to help keep our chapter going."

In the end, McDowell's group, the Eta Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity Inc., walked away with second place, edged out for first by the Beta Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Inc.

Ending with Eve's "Who's That Girl?," the Gamma Iota chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority Inc. told the audience exactly who they were, taking home $500 for second place.

But the Rho Alpha chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority Inc. left with first prize, dedicating part of their routine to unity between competing groups.

Cognizant of the step show's historical roots, some audience members also echoed Zeta Phi Beta's sentiments on harmony in the black community. Freshman Deone Powell said the event fosters a feeling of pride in audience members. "It's all about unity and showing that people can get together and be on one accord."

Shavone Moore, a freshman nursing major, said she was eager to watch the show after hearing word-of-mouth hype about Greek Freak. "I have been hearing about the show since I was in high school and wanted to come even then," she said.

But despite the show's far-reaching reputation, Campbell said he and his fellow Alpha Phi Alpha members aren't satisfied -- yet. "Our ultimate goal would be to sell out Carmichael and then convince (the University) that we need to take the show to the Dean Dome."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.