Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity on Tuesday celebrated the notion that behind every good man is a great woman.

The 4th annual “Tribute to Black Women,” held at the Holmes Student Center’s Diversions Lounge, recognized outstanding female leadership and commitment to the NIU community. Every woman who walked in was greeted with a hug from one of the Alphas and a Hershey’s kiss.

“We give them this as a token gift from the Alphas,” junior communication major Ed Quinn said. “It is a symbol of our heritage in the way that when we gather together, we show affection toward one another.”

The room was decorated with round tables and candles for the women, for whom men performed songs and poems of encouragement.

“We as black men show tribute to our African queens,” sophomore management major Karega Harris said. “That queen will one day nourish a seed, just as one once nourished us.”

Black men were not the only ones who expressed their gratitude. Women like Brandy Jordan also honored women by performing an interpretive dance.

“It feels good to do a show like this, on this campus, considering there aren’t that many of us,” said Jordan, a sophomore elementary education major. “As a dancer in the show, I feel privileged and humbled to think and act in recognition and respect for women.”

The sentiment was well-received by award winners and audience members alike.

“There are so many men that batter and abuse women,” said Johanne Silencieux, a sophomore corporate communication major. “It is refreshing to know that a group like the Alphas can praise us.”

Words of praise and a reminder were given by Derrick Smith, program coordinator for the Center for Black Studies.

“Sisters need to respect themselves by learning, reading and appreciating what they really are, which is the mother of creation,” Smith said.

Recognized Tuesday night were several members of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

“I appreciate the award,” said Jamie Lowe, of On-Point Entertainment, an NIU programming and performing group. “It is a gift not just to me, but it represents a greater love for all my sisters. It’s good to be praised for the positive things we do and not just the negative.”

The Alphas owe a lot of their success to women on campus, fraternity member Marcus Dailey said.

“This is our way of saying thank-you to the leaders on campus,” the junior OMIS major said. “They support so many of us — especially the Alpha fraternity — and they are more involved in other campus activities and organizations. We are here to unify ourselves in reflection of them, our black women.”Keith