Black Greeks celebrate Zeta Day

Phi Beta Sigma, a historically black sorority, celebrated its founding at the seventh annual Zeta Day with a step show and exhibition in Superblock Saturday. College junior Candice Gallagher, president of the University's chapter of Zeta Phi Beta, said her sorority sponsors the event at the beginning of each year. This year's theme, "Back Together Again," highlighted the reunification of the black Greek community after the summer break. "We are here to get together, perform, have fun and celebrate black Greek life," Gallagher said. "Many times Penn lacks strength in its African American events, and Zeta Day attracts black students from Penn and all around the area." Engineering senior LaShanta Johnson said she comes to the event "for chilling purposes." "A lot of people who come here are not a part of the Greek system, but just want a chance to socialize, come together and relax," she said. President of the BiCultural InterGreek System and Wharton senior George Holt said the event also served as an introduction of black Greek life on campus for freshmen. "We come together for a free [step dancing] show and to celebrate our organizations and our African past," the Alpha Phi Alpha brother said. College senior James Wilburn, president of the University's chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, explained that step dancing derives from South African Gumbu dancing. "It is a celebration of our heritage and of African tradition," he said. "The only thing Greek about us is our letters." Gallagher added that the chapter invited each of the four black Greek sororities and fraternities to participate in the step show. "Each organization has its own type of step," Gallagher explained. "The steps are allegorical and are a good way of disseminating information about our chapters." Wharton and Engineering senior Athelstan Bellerand participated in a step event to introduce the members of his fraternity. "Stepping is the ultimate expression of love of your organization," he said. "We introduced ourselves and gave a brief introduction to our group." The event featured a raffle with proceeds toward scholarships for West Philadelphia high school students and a voting registration table. Gallagher added that members of the Greek system from Temple University, Drexel University and other colleges in the area attended the event.