Josh LaBella – General Assignment Reporter
Dozens of Southern students and people from around Connecticut joined together in the Adanti Student Center to celebrate African American culture.
The event, called Hidden Kolors, was hosted by the Multicultural Center and the “Divine 9” fraternities and sororities on campus.
Kyra Robinson, a sophomore political science major, worked the front table and helped people sign in. She said they were putting on a display of African American Greek life, fashion and dancing.
“Tonight is a showcase of our nine fraternities and sororities,” said Robinson. “There is going to be singing, dancing, fashion, and African American artifacts on display.”
The “Divine 9” are nine historically Black Greek letter organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The primary purpose and focus of member organizations remains camaraderie and academic excellence for its members and service to local communities.
Early on in the showcase, Pauldine Joseph and Berdine Joseph sang a beautiful rendition of “Glory” by John Lennon. They finished to a loud round of applause from audience members.
Aaron Washington, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, was the keynote speaker. He talked about the importance of Greek life groups in promoting the civil rights of African Americans. He also said it is immensely important for people to commit to these groups for life.
“Remember this is an organization you join for life,” said Washington, “not just college.”
Ade Paul, a University of Bridgeport health sciences major, said he was excited the event was taking place during Black History Month.
“I am here to support the cause,” said Paul. “It is always good when there is an event that showcases black history”
Jazzminda Acevedo, a junior marketing major, said she likes events when the Greek life groups collaborate together.
“I like to see all types of Greek life celebrate their roots,” said Acevedo. “This is a celebration of holding true to African heritage.
The event also had a student fashion show displaying African and African American clothing. Out in front of the room there were dozens of artifacts from African spears to early rolling pins.
In his speech, Washington told students to be proud of their heritage. He talked about the importance of young African American students supporting each other.
“This is Black History Month,” said Washington. “One of the things you should learn as you matriculate out of Southern is that when you hear Black History Month you stick your chest out and be proud.”
Afterwards, Washington said this event was very important that Greek life events like these take place on campus and elsewhere.
“It’s a part of African American culture,” said Washington. “It has been that way for the past 100 years.”
In the middle of the event they held a moment of silence for all lives lost to injustice in America. A slide show showed the faces of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and many others.
Myles Page, a senior communications major, created the event three years ago and said it has only gotten better with time. He said the event was his was of unifying the different groups.
“When I first came here, all the black Greek life groups had different events and they were always trying to outdo each other,” said Page. “I felt we needed to be more unified and that is why I came up with this event.”
Photo Credit: Josh LaBella
