Pan Afrikan: 2014 Step Show

DeErricka Green | Managing Editor 

On Sat. April 5, 2014, seven National Pan-Hellenic Council teams continued the annual tradition of honoring African American culture and African roots through stepping, in the conclusion of the Pan Afrikan Festival.

Since the early 90s, members of the Divine Nine NPHC organizations have competed during Pan Afrikan for the title of step show champions and bragging rights. The organizations perform rhythmic displays in front of a panel of judges who are also members of NPHC organizations, as well as a captive audience.

Colton Palmer, an alumnus member of the Kappa Xi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. facilitated Saturday’s event in the new Talley Ballroom.

The Mu Omicron chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Mu Xi chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., as well as the Eta Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. represented the Wolfpack in this year’s show.

Other performers, including East Carolina University’s Eta Mu chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Duke University’s Alpha Alpha Chi chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Shaw University’s Delta Gamma chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. went the distance in an effort to take home the gold.

The men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. impressed judges and the crowd with their precision and welcomed the Spring 2014 initiates of N.C. State’s own Xi Zeta chapter to close out their performance.

Members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. shocked the audience by daringly swinging golden shovels while wearing blindfolds during their Saw-themed routine.

Despite stiff competition from members of Greek organizations at other schools, both titles of sorority and fraternity step show champions stayed with the Wolfpack.

The Eta Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. took first place dressed as high-energy special agents, and the Mu Omicron chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. won battling the forces of the Jumani board game. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. each earned second place.

Each performance in the year’s show, and since the 90s, represent not only the hard work and determination of these organizations and our community, but the unchained legacy of our African roots and culture.

Check out the gallery below of pictures from the step show!