Spray paint fumes in the air could not dampen the rejoiceful atmosphere Wednesday at the restored Minority Greek Rock.
Over the summer, the large boulder was placed south of Park Library’s southern doors and west of the Music Building.
For several, the rock has a lot of meaning. It will be available for painting by the “Divine Nine” of the National Pan-Hellenic Association, as well as the member groups of the Multicultural Greek Council.
“We’ve been working for three years to get it back,” said Charmane Thurmand, a Romulus senior and Alpha Kappa Alpha member.
A history of rock
The rock was removed during the construction of the Fabiano and Celani residence halls from 2004 to 2006.
“We purchased a replacement rock for the groups,” said Tom Idema, Assistant Director of Student Life. “Students will notice it when it’s painted.”
The rock has served as somewhat of a signpost to keep Central Michigan University students informed of Minority Greek activities and their new member inductions.
“To my knowledge, the rock’s been at Central for at least 20 years,” Jason Lewis said as he watched the painting start.
For Lewis, the current president of Phi Beta Sigma’s CMU chapter and a Detroit junior, it represents a reclaimed opportunity.
“At the time I became a member, it was behind the (construction) fence,” Lewis said.
Now he can finally paint the rock with Phi Beta Sigma’s colors and letters.
“Even (before its removal) it was a sign of unity. To have that back means the most.” said Chelsea Calton, Fowlerville senior and Sigma Lambda Gamma member. “We’re really
excited. It’s a big unity thing for not just my organization, but all the Greeks.”
Laughing and joking could be heard between the various groups over the sound of spray cans rattling Wednesday.
The rock will be used not only to showcase new member arrivals, but also to advertise the week each organization takes to put on informative events about its services.
“It shows that we’re unified and working together to serve CMU,” Fowkes said.
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Connor Sheridan
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Let me understand this. All members of the Greek system paints one rock??? WTF??? What kind of a Greek system do you have at your school? Might as well get rid of the rock altogether because it means nothing.
Do white students get to paint the rock?
This is not a “Minority Greek” rock. This rock is carries a long tradition for the National Pan-Hellenic Council along with a few organizations that are not a part of NPHC. Although the NPHC are historically black fraternities/sororities, there are some white students who are members of these organizations. Same is to say for all the historically white fraternities/sororities as well. They have people of color in their organizations.
So, to answer your question, yes Frank. White students do get to paint the rock.
Unfortunately, this article gave a poor representation of what these organizations really are, what they stand for and the history of this rock.