Kappa Alpha Theta and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. joined forces Saturday to host the second annual Black and Gold Bowl, a flag football tournament that included students from each of the four Greek councils.
The event was a step forward in connecting Northwestern Greeks, said Theta Special Events co-Chairwoman Hannah Fraser-Chanpong.
“It’s one of the only events on campus that brings together all four of the councils,” the Medill sophomore said. “That’s our main goal – to bring everyone together and bridge the gap between what people consider the more mainstream fraternities and sororities and the multicultural ones, because they’re no less important on campus even though they might be a little less visible.”
About 90 participants competed at the event – each chapter was asked to volunteer three members, and teams of nine mixed students from all four councils – the Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and Panhellenic Association – attended.
Meredith Dawson, a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, said she thought Black and Gold succeeded in building connections between Greek chapters.
“It was really a good chance to meet people,” the Communication freshman said. “We were split into different teams according to different houses, so you’re exposed to a lot of people you don’t know.”
Theta sold baked goods and Jamba Juice smoothies while Alpha Phi Alpha grilled hot dogs. Brandon Brooks, social chairman of Alpha Phi Alpha, said holding a free event was important for a campus with a large Greek community.
“There was a push in Greek leadership to make (Black and Gold) an event of Greek unity,” Brooks said. “We needed a free event where people could come and connect.”
But he said the event might have attracted fewer people than last year because it moved from Deering Meadow to Long Field.
“We wanted to incorporate not just Northwestern Greeks but the whole NU campus,” the SESP junior said. “We were hoping for Deering (Meadow) because you can draw in passersby, but I feel like we were still able to have a wonderful event.”
The tournament last year was held at Deering Meadow with approval from the president’s office, but Fraser-Chanpong said the administration was more stringent in approving a space for them this year.
“We were definitely worried about (Long Field), because it’s so far north,” she said. “But it turned out to be a great space. I feel like we were still able to achieve what we wanted.”
Fraser-Chanpong said she hoped that as Black and Gold becomes more popular, the event will continue to help unify the Greek community at NU.
“It’s really important for bringing people together under the umbrella of being Greek instead of dividing ourselves in different houses,” she said. “I wouldn’t say we’re totally integrated now, but we’re definitely moving forward.”
