Upon hearing the words, “sorority” or “fraternity,” many people may think of hype parties and probate shows. But, Greek organizations are not limited to hosting social events.
For 15 years, the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. has been dedicated to improving the social and economic conditions of the Frenchtown community.
In keeping with the tradition, the Deltas will kick off its annual Frenchtown Explosion Friday at 5:30 p.m. with a lock-in at the Fourth Avenue Community Center.
For some members such as Christina Monford, 20, the event is more than a community service opportunity.
“I grew up in an area that was similar to Frenchtown,” said the sophomore mathematical science student from Jacksonville. “This event will show parents that we are reaching out to help them,” Monford said.
Additionally, members of the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band fraternity will serve as male representatives for the youth.
On Saturday, members of the organization will cleanup the community.
“We will have a road clean up where we’ll walk around and pick up trash around the neighborhood,” said Quentasha Banks, 22, the chairperson of the event.
The community clean up will be followed by a carnival at the community center.
Students with children are especially invited to come out and participate.
“We would love for the parents to come out, that’s one of our goals,” said Banks, a senior business administration student from Atlanta. The carnival will run from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will include free rides, food and a health fair.
“We will have free sickle-cell screenings, eye exams and a blood drive,” Banks said.
The event will also include giveaways such as a computer, restaurant gift certificates, door prizes and raffles.
“We’re raffling off to pay someone’s utility bill up to $125,” Banks said.
“I feel that we have been very blessed, and feel that helping others goes without saying,” said Danielle Haywood, 21, the co-chairperson of the event.
The junior biology student from Atlanta said the explosion is an important opportunity that the sorority is very proud of participating in.
Sponsors of the event include the City of Tallahassee, Pizza Hut, who donated pizza for the lock-in, and Walgreen’s. Banks said this is the first year that the organization has received complete sponsorship.
The Frenchtown Explosion will end Sunday with church service at New Mt. Zion A.M.E. church at 1401 Old Bainbridge Road.
“It is very important that people of the community see that we are collegiate students who care,” Monford said.
“Maybe, if they see that we are reaching out to them, then they would want their children to go to college and someday reach out to others.”
contact diamond washington at diamondw02@yahoo.com.