The African and Latino Fraternal Sororal Alliance held its annual Colors Dinner and unveiled the first official ALFSA crest.

The dinner was held in Marillac Terrace on Nov. 12.

Junior Michael Molina, president of ALFSA, opened the evening by describing the dinner as “a staple event of the council that exemplifies the ultimate and most significant goal of the council: To unify the diverse fraternities and sororities within the Greek Life at St. John’s University.

The alliance is the umbrella organization which encompasses all 14 of the Black and Latino Greek organizations on St. John’s campus.

This year’s theme for the dinner, “New Light,” was chosen by the executive committee to “present Greek Life, especially minority Greek Life, in a way that strays away from the negative, stereotypical images that students are accustomed to seeing,” said Molina.

Senior Asia Nettles, corresponding secretary of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, spoke about what sororities and fraternities look for in new members.

“Each of the sororities and fraternities is looking to appeal to students who are active in the community, have exceptional grades, and will improve the quality of our organizations’ well-being,” she said.

Junior Latisha Hanna spoke about her experience at the dinner.

“This dinner gives us an opportunity to get to know the current Greeks on a different level, and introduces us to all the organizations in a unified manner,” she said.

The first official ALFSA crest was unveiled at the dinner.

The images of Latin America and Africa on the crest represent the heritage and pride of the organizations within the unified council.

Keynote speaker Jodi Cox, director of Campus Activities, conveyed the ALSFA message in her speech.

“You carry the torch of leadership. You possess the necessary passion to excel. You will always find a way, a solution to overcome any obstacle placed in your way,” she said.

“You possess clarity of vision and without you there is no community of leaders.”