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Jackson State Greeks Stomp on "Stomp the Yard"

By Ashley Je'Nae Belton
Black College Wire

Some Greeks refer to it as "the art of stepping." Others recognize it as "strutting" or "hopping." At fictitious Truth University, members of Greek-letter organizations prefer to "Stomp the Yard."

Sony Pictures Alpha Phi Alpha wanted its trademarks pulled from "Stomp the Yard."

The highly anticipated movie with that name debuted Jan. 12 at No. 1 and grossed $22 million. Coincidentally, the movie about Greek life opened during the same week that the membership intake process began at Jackson State University.

The movie's release has drawn conflicting sentiments from Jackson State's experts in Greek life.

"While accurately displaying basic information and the extracurricular activities of an organization, the movie failed to mention behind-the-scene efforts, such as meetings and community service," said Faith Hannah, a member of the Lambda Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Je'Juan Gray, a member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., agreed, saying, "The portrayal of Greek life in the movie is only general and a brief example."

Tiaunn Foster, a senior biology major and member of the Delta Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., said, "I wanted other aspects of Greek life such as scholarship and service to be included in the movie as well."

In the movie, a street dancer from California seeks refuge and comfort at the fictional, historically black university in Atlanta after the death of his younger brother.

As he focuses on his education and tries to woo the girl of his dreams, two campus fraternities try to recruit him. Both realize they need his edgy dance style to win a coveted national step show competition. The street dancer finds himself having to choose.

Prior to "Stomp the Yard's" release, its producers received criticism from the nation's largest black fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.

Darryl Matthews, general president of the fraternity, asked the film's producers not to include any of its trademarks.

Producer Rob Hardy, also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, responded that, "In a society where the value and relevance of black colleges, universities and black Greek letter organizations are under increased attack, the mainstream circulation of the types of images in our film can renew interest around our youth."

After weeks of negotiations, the film was revised and all references to the fraternity were removed. Sony and Screen Gems agreed to donate funds to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation, which is seeking to build a memorial on the national Mall in Washington. King was a member of the fraternity.

Brandon Manning, a member of the Delta Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha and president of the Jackson State PanHellenic Council, wholeheartedly supported his fraternity's decisions.

"Our general president didn't want our fraternity to have such close associations with street life," said the senior English major.

He said he found the movie funny but mediocre.

"After the initial comical aspect faded away, I began to feel slightly disgusted with the image that was portrayed," the Atlanta native said. "They did a poor job protecting and exemplifying very rich legacies of Greek organizations."

Kristian Weatherspoon, president of the Gamma Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., agreed with the support her sorority gave to Alpha Phi Alpha's objections.

"I would have had the same stance if it was another member of the 'Divine Nine,' if their integrity was being challenged," said the Jackson, Miss., native. "I think Alpha Phi Alpha was greatly justified in not wanting their coveted trademarks associated with the movie." She added, "They have the legacy and heritage of their founders to uphold and should [in] no way be exploited."

The central theme of "Stomp the Yard" was "stomping," but some Greeks at Jackson State were not impressed by the characters' moves.

"The stepping was more like a college rendition of 'You Got Served' that meets 'Drumline,' " said Foster, a native of Cleveland, Miss. "You Got Served" was a 2004 movie about a dance competition; "Drumline," released in 2002, was based on a band contest.

Gray, a junior business administration major, said the stepping was good. "We will never see dance moves in a real step show," he said.

"Stomp the Yard" is not the first movie whose central theme was about Greek life. In 1988, Spike Lee directed "School Daze" about Greeks at fictitious Mission College. Both films portrayed Greek life, but focused on different aspects.

"'Stomp the Yard' is not on the same parallel as 'School Daze,' " Hannah said of the film that introduced her to Greek life. "'School Daze' brought [out] societal issues and color issues among African Americans, whereas 'Stomp the Yard' focused merely on stepping."

Some Greeks fear "Stomp the Yard" may heighten interest in their organizations for the wrong reasons.

"No one should let the hype of the movie or organizations influence him or her to join," said Gray, a native of Forest, Miss. "The main objective should be centered on the organization's purpose."

Ashley Je'Nae Belton, a student at Jackson State University, writes for the Blue & White Flash. To comment, contact [email protected]

Posted Feb. 8, 2007

Just Enjoy the Entertainment

To the editor:

The black Greek organizations were a little too harsh on the movie.

It was purely for entertainment purposes and exactly what they stated — "fictitious." I don't understand what was so bad about the movie. The dancing was awesome and the story line was decent. Tradition is beautiful, but there is nothing wrong with change and I believe that's what that story was about: Coming from a bad situation and changing for the better.

Also, the movie expressed how the organizations can, without disrespecting their traditions and rituals, move with the times. It showed the black Greek organizations in a decent light and in a positive manner. Sure they didn't go into detail, but no "fictitious" movie ever does. It wasn't a documentary, just a means to an end and to show how "some" organizations operate on a basic level.

The movie did focus on the stepping and not the organizations themselves but here again, it wasn't reality. I say stop taking life too seriously and just enjoy the entertainment.

Aaliyah Santiago
Columbus, Ohio
Feb. 17, 2007