The Eta Mu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. hosted their 16th annual “Tribute to a Black Woman” event Tuesday evening in the Houston Room in the University Center.
The fraternity provided an evening of music, poetry and other gestures to pay homage to the lives of black women at UH and throughout history.
The event was featured a live band, spoken word, musical performances, catered meals and complimentary back massages by an on-site masseuse.
Each woman was given a gift bag with a rose before taking photographs with their escorts. Once inside, they were seated at a round table for eight.
The program’s host showed a brief video in which the brothers shared their thoughts on who the most influential black woman in their life is and what the tribute meant to them.
Information on the fraternity’s annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant, which will be held in the spring semester, was given as well.
Spoken word performers included John Jack of Visionary Movements LLC, a local production company, fraternity brother Dre Green and author and keynote speaker Detrick Hughes, who gave a special tribute to his mother and daughter.
Hughes spoke about how his mother was always there to encourage him, and pushed him to get past his speech impairment during his youth and his fears of public speaking.
He also said he never knew he could love someone more than his mother until his daughter was born.
The host honored Financial Coordinator Jacqueline Burkes and Assistant Dean of Students Myra Conley with plaques for their accomplishment and ongoing support.
The women in attendance were constantly encouraged and reminded of their beauty, importance, intelligence and influence in the world.
“Every woman in this room has the power and ability to do great things,” said Keirsten Harris-Andrews, the 2012 Miss Black and Gold.
The event concluded with YouTube sensation Phill Wade, who performed serenades and a poem titled “My Baby’s Hair,” which was a light-hearted, humorous depiction of the effect that a woman’s hair has on a man and the man’s perception of it.
“My favorite part of the program was Dre’s poem, he was really passionate,” said pre-pharmacy freshman Kei’Chara Fleeks.
The fraternity members were later introduced and given a round of applause for their efforts in organizing the event.
Attendees were given the opportunity to mingle afterwards and receive more information about the upcoming pageant and future events from the members of the fraternity.
“This event was strictly for the empowerment of ladies, and it’s giving us a free day to spoil them,” said Chapter President Elliot Wright. “The most important thing they could gain from this event is showing them that we care.”
