It was a very special week for the sisters and brothers of the D9.
Alumni and Students gathered all around campus to witness members of D9 Fraternities and Sororities come together and celebrate numerous milestones. Being that the yard is now home to all active divine nine organizations the first time in years, this made everything even more significant.
The day for the Greeks began with the Greek Rowe Darty on Greek Rowe Friday, October 18. A gathering such as this is so rich and sentimental because of the history it brings. Alumna Tina Whittaker, a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and product of the Alpha Tau Chapter right here at Southern University was asked “what does an event like this mean to you?,” she responded “We’re coming back to celebrate our 90th … so seeing our line sisters, seeing the other new sorors that are here. We’re showing love for each other and just being back on Southern University’s campus. Divine 9 is more than just the nine sororities and fraternities, it is an atmosphere that supports everyone.”
Beyond the darty, the Greeks fueled the energy on campus and gave it life, even into the evening as the mini dome in the F.G Clark Activity Center was packed almost to capacity around 7 pm for the “Break the Stage Greek” Step Show later that day. It was considered a “family affair” as brothers and sisters from numerous chapters and affiliations from all over came together as one.
Every act that participated gave it their all. As groups made it on stage, they exuded precision, synchronicity and greatness. Although everyone performed with purpose, there were a few standout groups that the crowd just could not keep their eyes off: these electrifying acts were the pretty girls of the Beta Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. with their laboratory themed performance, the smooth brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Sigma chapter with their confidence and harmony. The brothers of the Beta Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Incorporated, moved the crowd with their energy and aura, while the ladies of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority rocked the crowed with their Michael Jackson inspired routine that embodied precision and authority. The judges were given far from an easy task as each group came and performed with the intent to secure the win.
After much deliberation, the winners were announced. Second place for the ladies were the devastating divas of the Alpha Tau Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and First place were the ladies of the Beta Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. . For the fraternity category, second place was awarded to the pretty boys of Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Sigma chapter, and the first place title went to the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, Beta Sigma chapter. Judge Jasmine Price was asked “What did you base your criteria on and what were you looking for in these performances?” To which she responded, “I was looking for teams that could execute their steps, show precision, and be able to fully take out their entire theme throughout the entire show, very clean steps, stunts, and very entertaining.” This could definitely be seen as each performance was better and better throughout the night, and each group executed their steps with a goal in mind.
This concluded the eventful day for the Greeks as it ended on a high note.
Homecoming is a time for everyone to come together as one. Nickerra Sam, a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated was asked “What does it mean to be a part of the D9 and be able to gather with alumni here?” She answered “It’s actually very special, it’s very welcoming. It’s home away from home. Everybody is so warm, everybody’s so embracing, everybody is so welcoming, it’s just like coming home.” With that being said, the essence of homecoming is to spread joy, show love, and unify people. It is a tradition that never fails and can bring together the entire community. It has been proven there is no homecoming like Southern University’s. They just not like us.
