Chatter and the mellow sounds from a live band floated in an auditorium filled to capacity. The Eta Gamma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. kicked off Alpha week with a musical, ‘Something about the Name Jesus,’ Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. in the MSC auditorium.In the play, Kayla, played by Angel Porter, loses her virginity to boyfriend Jamaal, played by Darian Epting, who later finds out he has contracted HIV/AIDS. Through reaffirming their faith in the Lord, the couple finds the strength to forgive themselves and each other.
Interspersed with acts from the PV Mimes and songs, the play was a success with the student body, generating laughter and tears.
“I hope students learned from this that God is real,” said junior biology major, Ebony Burns. “When all else fails, He needs to be the one that you turn to. And it only takes one time. Don’t take HIV/AIDS lightly.”
Demetrius Blacklock, junior electrical engineering major and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. agreed, “The reason we’re here is for God,” said Blacklock. “A lot of times we get caught up in the struggle. We need to make sure we keep our focus on the Lord and trust Him to bring us through.”
Written and directed by Kendrel Robinson, a graduating senior criminal justice major, preparations have been in route since November when he first began writing.
Robinson credits the success of the play to the support of his brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha and the cast. “Without the cast it wouldn’t have happened. A lot of people I told looked at me crazy,” he said, as tears sprang to his eyes. “I never thought I’d see it happen. I thank God for all that.”
Cast members Karen Bradford, John Clifton, Krystle Curtis, Darian Epting, Angel Porter, William Stinson and Phillip Wade seemed to share his sentiment as they crowded around, embracing him during the grand finale. Audience members chimed in as the cast sang a favorite of Robinson’s; Kirk Franklin’s Lean On Me.
“We had too many trials and tribulations,” said Robinson. “It was a process and it wasn’t an easy one.