UCA’s Minority Mentorship Programs hosted its “Meet the Greeks” Greek Expo, which allowed students to come out to the Ida Waldran Auditorium to learn about the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s organizations with a ‘90s and early 2000s-inspired showcase.
The Aug. 29 event provided students with important information about the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s organizations, and the sororities and fraternities showcased their choreographed and costumed strolls and steps.
Chapter presidents introduced themselves and provided some fast facts about each organization.
The Theta Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. kicked off the showcase with a “106 & Park”-themed performance, a play on the popular hip-hop music video show. The fraternity dressed in their colors, black and gold, with 2000s-inspired jerseys, jeans and sneakers.
Then, dressed in pink-and-green schoolgirl fashion, the Theta Mu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. introduced themselves with a Pretty Girls-inspired routine, a play on the popular drama film “Mean Girls.” The women strolled and stepped to the movie’s theme song and recreated scenes from the movie.
As the crowd awaited the next performance, there was a brief intermission where all the organizations came together for a stroll off through the auditorium aisles to popular hip-hop songs.
After the moment of fun, MMP co-directors Aniya Polite and James Buckley gave some insight into what MMP does and how students can get involved in the program.
Next, the men of the Iota Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Si Fraternity, Inc. were introduced. In red, black and white clothing, the group gave a secret agent-inspired performance, with a host of missions showcasing their strolls and steps.
Following their performance, dressed in blue-and-white early-2000s fashion, the men of the Iota Si chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. showcased their moves to the nostalgic hip-hop song “Walk It Out.”
The MMP executive board held a brief interlude in between segments, leading the crowd in a dance to the popular 2000s hit, “Swag Surfin’.” After the collective dance break, the president and vice president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council at UCA shared additional information for intake.
The Gamma Eta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. was introduced, and members showcased their strolls and steps to an array of early 2000s hip-hop hits. The group wore blue-and-white oversized T-shirts, baggy jeans, and baseball hats to pay homage to the era.
To conclude the showcase, the women of the Lambda Xi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. were introduced to the crowd before performing a set inspired by “House Party,” stepping and strolling to popular ‘90s songs reminiscent of the movie.
Brennan Price, a UCA student and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Jaidyn Simington, a UCA student and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. shared why they believe it’s important for MMP and NPHC to host events like “Meet the Greeks.”
Simington said, “It exposes freshmen to the National Pan-Hellenic Council on UCA’s campus, where we are able to tell them a little about each organization and show them that we work hard and know how to have fun as well.
“Some people do not have the resources or background to know who or what the Divine Nine are, and this event was a great way to introduce them to that part of our culture. Being able to see firsthand the presence of African American leaders on campus is something that is widely needed, especially when you are the minority.”
The Divine Nine is the nickname for the NPHC, which is an umbrella council of nine historically Black sororities and fraternities.
Price said, “I hope and pray students gain a sense of belonging. I also pray that they feel led to join and — whatever the outcome — they see themselves as leaders on this campus in many capacities.”
