Pan-Hellenic organizations at The University of Memphis stand on a legacy of brotherhood, sisterhood and excellence.
But for almost 40 years now, these groups have “stepped” up their expressions of goodwill and unity and flashed a little style along the way.
The U of M steppers first got their feet moving in the Spring of 1963--but the “step” was spawned from the rich tradition of African culture.
History passed on the tales of African tribal dances and their messages, but the tradition has since evolved and re-rooted itself in the African culture of American college campuses in the form of stepping.
“Every organization has its own style, just like the African tribes,” said Mario Brown, Phi Beta Sigma stepmaster. “But step-shows take it in a new direction.”
The first joint meetings of any African-American fraternities date back to the early 1920s, with sororities following several years later. Afterwards, from the Inter-Fraternity Conference of 1922 in Washington D.C., stepping made its mark. Following World War II though, stepping began to evolve, with the incorporation of songs, canes, chants and line formations.
The U of M, however, has witnessed its own evolution.When step was born on The U of M campus, it was very individualistic, according to Omega Psi Phi sponsor and athletic academic advisor Richard Jones. He said groups used what they had--hands, feet, canes, uniforms--that conveyed a message. If they had a voice, they used it.
“Sometimes there were themes and sometimes there were no themes,” Jones said. “But there was always a sense of unity with the performers, and it was always to have a good time.”
Sigma Gamma Rho’s Katiah Young said that in ancient Africa, tribes would gather to celebrate each other’s energy and message.
No matter what route of expression is taken, the excitement of a step show never fails to sweep through and captivate onlookers.
Some groups stick to the roots, playing African drums and using body beats, but some groups like to show off. Presently, U of M steppers have taken a more artistic and theatrical approach.
Gymnastics, pitch-black darkness, glowing hands and blazing torches have all worked their way into the show time performances folks see today.
Essentially, step shows foster a sense of pride and provide an opportunity for fraternities and sororities to showcase who they are and what they stand for.
All week long, groups focus on their goals, mottoes and belief. But when classes let out on Friday afternoons, it’s time to let loose and lay it all out for the student body to see. Crowds have been packing the University Center mall area on Fridays since the beginning of the semester to see the step teams unwind.
Roberto Young, Alpha Phi Alpha chapter president, said his step team refers to Fridays as “being out.”
“When the crowd feels you 'being out,' you can really feed off it,” Young said.
It?s a highlight and a climatic period at the end of the week, and that?s why 300-500 people turn out on Friday afternoons, according to Jones.
“It’s a calling card,” Jones said. “When people find out there?s a show, it’s like a microwave--instant. There?s an instant crowd.”
Phi Beta Sigma president James Bailey said Fridays are just another display of the excitement and enthusiasm at The U of M. He said there’s plenty of motivation and preparation involved.
Every organization picks its week to showcase during the fall and spring semesters, and the time and sweat spent in the days leading up to the performance are geared at topping what was done before.
“People get tired of the same stuff and styles,” Brown said. “The idea is to get more artistic and more creative and out-do last year’s performance. People like (step shows) because it’s just something different. There’s a sense of pride and entertainment at the same time.”
According to Jones, there’s still room for competition, though, and it comes down to dollars and cents.
Pan-Hellenic organizations compete for national acclaim, but even more--with victory comes monetary rewards for the organization.
“Competition motivates us more than anything else,” said Young. “You pride yourself against others.”
In addition to tradition, expression and competition, groups have been known to step for a cause.
“We do it to show off our brotherhood, to express ourselves and our fraternity and for good things and purposes too,” Bailey said.
In November, some students will be “Stepping for the Cure,” working to raise money for the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Brown said stepping has taken him around the country, and the excitement and colorful tradition The U of M has established over the years is unmatched.
“There has always been a strong tradition for stepping at The U of M, and it will continue to grow and grow,”Jones said. “There’s emphasis on shining at our show. We need to rise and shine because the people are looking.”
Students can take a look at The U of M step-shows every Friday of the fall and spring semesters at around 12:30 p.m. on the UC Mall.
