NPHC Step Show features repeat champions
November 22, 2019
The Beta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. continued their reign as step show champions, by winning the annual National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) step show on Nov. 14 in the Dunn Oliver Acadome.
The Beta Eta Chapter won against the Beta Chi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The Beta Eta Chapter’s performance was centered around the movie “Saw.” The crowd erupted in applause when the Jigsaw character, played by Khalil Watts, rode onto the stage during the ladies of DST’s performance. On the other hand, the Beta Chi Chapter employed a “Stomp the Yard” theme. The highlight of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.’s performance was a stunt where one member was held upside down as she beat her marked canes on the stage.
“The step show was so much fun. It actually made me more aware of the Greeks on campus. I love seeing stuff like that. Real brothers and sisters supporting each other,” said Jakhena Ray, sophomore forensic biology major, from Fort Deposit, Ala.
The Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. began their performance with the first wedding scene from the film “Coming to America.” The men of Beta Upsilon were charged with the task of entertaining their queen. They moved through the routine fluently and even created a human bridge during one of their stunts.
The host, Alexis Skyy kept the crowd entertained while the fraternities and sororities prepared their performances. She encouraged the audience to dance and the visiting sororities and fraternities to stroll during the intermissions.
There were six judges: Jordan Brooks, Howard L. Cooper, Stephanie Pruitt, Reginal Lorick, Krystal Dinkins, and Cameron Gray each being a member of one of the nine NPHC organizations.
“I enjoyed the event. This was a great addition to homecoming events. I cannot wait to see what next year’s show will consist of, ” said Lennox Francis, a freshman biology major.
Despite not winning, the Alpha Alpha Lambda Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. from Troy University entertained the crowd with their reenactment of the movie “ATL.”
The Delta Eta Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. utilized the theme “White House Down.” They effortlessly recreated scenes from the movie, while former Student Body President, Jaylon Pickett acted as the United States President.
Kamela Kennedy, Student Life Coordinator, and Orlando Arnold, a university alumnus and member of the Alpha Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., spearheaded the step show.
“ I think the step show went well! Next year we look forward to making it bigger and better and we definitely hope to pack out the Acadome. It’s always good to see Greek participation during Homecoming week,” expressed Arnold.
In comparison to last year’s show, Kennedy believes that this year was an improvement as far as Greek involvement goes. “Although there were highs and lows, overall, I believe the step show went well. Also, I think mostly everyone was pleased even though you cannot please everyone,” said Kennedy.
The Gamma Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was the last organization to perform. The men of Omega Psi Phi dedicated their performance to John “Pops” Witherspoon by reenacting the movie “Friday.” The highlight of their performance was when a little boy came out from the crowd during a skit and participated in a stroll.
“I loved the step show. The creativity displayed by the organizations was unmatched. I thought all of the performances were great. I thoroughly enjoyed ladies of Delta Sigma Theta,” said Junita Riles, a sophomore from Birmingham, Ala.