A suited “Harlem Nights” cosmopolitan affair with a live jazz band performing at the IMAX Theatre versus a laid-back upscale event with dancing all night at the Double Tree Hotel is what the men of the Beta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. plan on poppin’ off Oct. 23 during homecoming week.
This seemingly double-jointed event is referred to as “Sweat v. Suit” and it will cater to two totally different crowds: the older conservative and the feisty-cool youngster.
The idea was a spin-off from the dual album released by Nelly. However, neither Nelly nor his record company is in conjunction with the event.
“We are trying to make sure everyone is satisfied for his or her homecoming event,” Elton Anderson Jr., fund-raising chair for the Beta Nu Chapter.
Anderson is a senior business administration student from Detroit. He said the organization wants to provide an alternative event not limited to students.
The “Suit” event will feature a live band, “Above Standards,” performing in the planetarium room of the IMAX Theatre from 10 p.m.-12 a.m. Following the live band act disc jockey KD will be spinning the record until 2 a.m.
“Sweat” party will take place simultaneously at the Double Tree.
“Back in 1947, the Beta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. was the first on campus organization to host an event off campus in the history of Florida A&M University,” Tony Pearson, an Alpha, said.
“Today we continue to be the distinguished front-runners on campus providing two parties at two totally separate venues,” added Pearson, university service chairperson.
Pearson, a senior biology student stated the advancement of service and dedication is what continues to separate the Alphas from any other organization on this campus and worldwide.
“I think it’s hot,” Derek Sutherlin said. Sutherlin, 19, is a junior pharmacy student from Chicago.
Sutherlin said the double play should show the versatility of students.
“Trendsetters are people who aim high and go beyond the call of duty, and the Alpha’s seem to be implementing just that,” Sutherlin said. “It’s a ‘Face off.”
Anthony S. Ray Jr., 23, is a senior newspaper journalism student from Miami. He can be reached at aj4_21@hotmail.com