Alpha Phi Alpha had its second annual Alpha Apollo Amateur Night Thursday, bringing in talent from all over the community.
The show, at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center, is part of a week-long celebration to commemorate Alpha Phi Alpha's founder's day, brother Matt Filer said.
"We were the first minority fraternity nationally incorporated," Filer said. "We do a lot for the students and for the community, and that's what this week is all about."
Thursday's talent competition imitated the national television show "Showtime at the Apollo," where the audience decides the winner.
Cierra Jackson, a senior from Delta High School, won the competition with an a capella gospel song.
"I grew up in the church singing," Cierra said. "When I'm singing gospel music, I'm not really nervous, because I'm singing for God and I know he's with me."
Cierra received $100 for winning the competition, and she said she was going to spend it on Christmas shopping.
Contestant Emmanuel Exum, who sang in the show, said it was a challenge.
"You have to show your talent, and it's competitive," Exum said. "The crowd will boo you - you have to bring it."
The show had some good, solid acts this year, Filer said.
One act was junior Terry Jackson, who played both a saxophone and a soprano saxophone at the same time.
"I've been playing for 11 years," Terry said. "I perform so people can be encouraged. If I encourage one person, it's worth it."
Terry performed two acts in the show; one was instrumental and one was an interpretive dance.
Beth Leavell-Davis entered the competition with a record of victory.
"I won the homecoming talent search and the Middletown Idol here in Muncie," Leavell-Davis said. "I try to perform whenever I can. Anytime someone gives away something, I try to take it."
Two days of festivities remain in Alpha Phi Alpha's celebratory week.
Comedian Juan Vellareal will perform tonight in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Ballroom, Filer said.
"Juan Villareal has been on BET Comic View, so he's pretty famous," Filer said. "We went through a talent agent to find him."
The event starts at 7 p.m. and is free to all students.
Saturday, Alpha Phi Alpha will have a bowling tournament in the Student Center from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Teams of three can register at the door for $15. The winning team will receive the registration money.
They will also have the Gold Rush party in the Student Center ballroom.
"It's an annual party where students can come and dance," Filer said.
The event starts at 10:30 p.m. and admission is $5.
Alpha Phi Alpha will donate all money and canned goods collected during the week to local charities, Filer said.
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