Deltas host Jabberwock

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Treasurer Vanita Powell is looking forward to a busy week. As students settle into their third week of classes, Powell and the rest of her sorority sisters will be working around the clock to make "Jabberwock 2003: Operation Code Red" a success. \nJabberwock, an international event for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. was created in 1925 by Iota chapter member Marion Hope to give Deltas the opportunity to program events that incorporate arts programming and fund-raising efforts. Although the word comes from Lewis Carrol's Alice in Wonderland, the Delta founders adopted it to mean a celebration of culture and the arts. \nThis week, the IU Deltas are planning events to live up to the legacy of this well-established institution and that incorporate their five principles of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health and political awareness and involvement.\n"Our founders believed that the arts was a way for African-American women to express ourselves," said DST Financial Secretary and parliamentarian Monique Guyinn. "This week seems like it is going to be very successful."\nThe floor of the Whittenberger Auditorium shook last night as the Deltas and their guests sang gospel songs as a part of the first Jabberwock event, Gospel Explosion. The audience barely sat down during the program, which included vocal performances from singers both inside and outside the chapter. A trio of young female vocalists called Three By Faith came from Indianapolis for the event and had everyone clapping by the end of their version of "Amazing Grace." Guyinn, one of the organizers of the event, gave a powerful sermon after listening to a performance of "Blessed Assurance."\nFreshman Jordan Huffer and Sophomore Jim Walsh were blown away by the performances. Huffer said she found out about the event from one of her friends who is a Delta.\n"It was so peaceful," Huffer said. She also said that she plans on checking out the other events of the week if they are going to be anything like the Gospel Explosion.\nIf the amount of planning is any indication of the potential quality of the events, Huffer will not be disappointed. Powell said they have been planning this year's Jabberwock since the end of their Jabberwock week last year.\nTonight the Deltas and other participants will be learning how to "get down" to different beats at the World Dance Explosion. Several groups including the Indian Students Association, a hip hop group called Essence and a break dancing group will all be there to give lessons. The event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Willkie Auditorium.\nTuesday night will shift focus to two other artistic arenas -- the screen and the stage. The "Thespian Infiltration" program will explore the obstacles many black men and women face as they enter the acting world.\n"Minorities typically have struggles getting involved in the arts," Powell said. "This can really open the campus up to different things."\nPowell, one of the organizers of the "Thespian Infiltration" said they plan on showing a documentary about minority filmmakers and will drum up a little audience participation by engaging in some acting exercises. This program will take place in the Grand Hall and starts at 7 p.m.\nWednesday evening's program will take a more serious tone as the Deltas are joined by the African Students Association to discuss reparations. The event entitled "Economic Warfare" will feature speakers including Dr. Conrad Worril, Chairman of The National Black United Front and IU Law Professor Kevin Brown. Powell said the program will also include some artistic reflection about reparations in the form of poetry and song. This event starts at 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall.\nThe fundraising event of the week will take place at 7 p.m. at the IMU Back Alley Lanes as the Deltas and others bowl a few games to raise money for Bi-Polar Disorder and Manic Depression research and treatment. \n"We usually try to select (a cause) that hits home," Powell said. "One of our sorors has family members who are affected by it."\nAs one of the committee members in charge, Delta First Vice President Samia Hall is looking forward to Friday's Delta Academy Awards. Officially titled "A Salute to Excellence," this program will recognize outstanding students on campus that were nominated and selected by other students. Hall said they will tally almost 100 votes. The location and time of this program is yet to be announced.\nThe week will culminate with their Neophyte of R.E.V.E.L.A.T.I.O.N 22, their youngest pledge class. This ceremony marks the one-year anniversary of their induction into the chapter, and will culminate in a step show that they have been practicing for since August. The women in R.E.V.E.L.A.T.I.O.N 22 will present gifts to several important people, including their parents and pledge parents. They will also receive gifts at the end of the show.\nPowell said this ceremony is a way to show the community that "after one year of being in a sorority, this is how we have grown." She said she expects Alumni Hall to be filled to capacity for the ceremony. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the show will commence at 10:22 p.m.\n"The programs are not just for minorities," Powell said. "They are meant to educate the entire campus"