“It expands far beyond college,� Jones says, adding, “We are not in the recruiting business.� In the film, two fraternities approach the main character about joining their organizations, both hoping his membership will help them win the step competition.

“We don’t go around sizing people up for their ability to step. These kids are going to go to colleges and universities expecting people to approach them, and that won’t happen. And if it does, it shouldn’t,� says Jones.

Before the movie hit theaters, traditional Black Greek organizations threatened to file lawsuits and boycott the film. Sony Pictures Entertainment agreed to edit out symbols of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and donate money to build the planned memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the National Mall. Even after the film garnered the support of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Black fraternity and sorority organizations continued to express their concerns on the college social networking site Facebook.com as well as on blogs and other medium.

As Black culture continues to be depicted in films, the students hope that the real picture will emerge.

“There should have been more substance about the organization,� says Bramletta.

Adds Jones: “The acting was great, the story line was creative and the special effects were captivating, but I had an issue with the fact that the only thing they showcased about Greek-lettered organizations was stepping. I just hope someone paints the whole picture one day, and I’m sure it can and will be just as entertaining and interesting.�