Graphic by Monica McGhee
Cameron Adams
Editor-In-Chief
The Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center was ecstatic as four out of Jackson State’s nine Greek organizations welcomed a new line of members during their probate.
On Saturday, March 28, 2023, the Jackson State University National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) hosted “THEE Great Reveal”, a thrilling showcase introducing new members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
The different organizations revealed their new members through a series of unique and attention-grabbing rituals, each with its own distinctive flair.
The Alphas were the first to introduce its new line of members. They revealed 12 new students to represent their organization.
The Alphas entered the arena on a mission. They were dressed in black SWAT uniforms with “Delta Phi” written in gold lettering across their chest. They were determined to cease all the noise in the room and arrest the crowd’s attention.
Delta Phi welcomed Douglas Taylor, Najavion Goudy, Downie Grim, Jordan McCollins, Jordan Brown, Diata Callwood, Jaylen Burns, Quindarius Thornton, Dynale Washington Jr, Hugh Taylor, and Caleb Haley.
The Alphas set the tone for the show, mixing several crowd-pleasing antics within their routine.
Their performance was near flawless, but members of the organization emphasized that it could be done without countless hours of practice.
New Alpha Jaylen Burns, a junior industrial technology major from Chicago Ill., claimed that the organization lost many hours of sleep trying to perfect their performance.
“There were many nights where we got minimal amounts of sleep simply because we wanted the show to be the best it could be,” stated Burns.
Their hard work did not go unnoticed in the slightest. The crowd was constantly engaged throughout each segment of the performance.
Next was the introduction of new members of Phi Beta Sigma. The 14 members lined up in black face masks and sunglasses, waiting to be revealed.
The members had an old-school aura as they rocked a fully customized black vest with blue detailing, accompanied by a blue turtleneck for an undershirt.
The Sigmas moved in unison as they marched to the middle of the court and performed their signature chants.
The new line of Sigma members include: Quad Hunt, Tre Hunt, Jamie Johnson, Tyler Huckleberry, Jordan Ambrose, Michael Stewart, Jeremiah Hudson, Grant Harris, Trevion Cobbins, Kevin Dobson, Sean Harris, Daniel Hillman, Xavier Hall, and Shomari Smith.
As the new members made their way off the court, the crowd began to anxiously await the performance of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Their organization welcomed 11 new members, who were eager to be freed.
A few of the 11 new members included: Junebug Robinson, Ben Barner, Malachi O’neal, Arwyn Peak, and Deonte Graham.
They were dressed in a purple ski mask, a gray hoodie repping their Upsilon Epsilon chapter, and camouflage pants as if they were preparing for battle.
The Omega Psi Phi chapter didn’t only reveal new members, but also a new level of energy in the probate. Alumni and current members were emphatic during their reveal, causing the crowd to match their energy.
Britney Taplin, a junior marketing major from Byram, Miss., was taken aback by the amount of energy the organization brought.
“The Ques are always full of energy and excitement,” stated Taplin. “Seeing their reveal was one of the best parts of the event.”
Finally, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. welcomed 13 new members into their organization.
Some new members that were revealed were Ezekiel Joseph, Nathan Stewart, Daylen Glover, Errick Simmons, Byram McKinney, Desmond Washington, and Jeremiah Dierre Hartman.
The new line entered the court in true Kappa fashion. Dressed in suits replicating their signature colors of red and white and masks similar to the “The Phantom of the Opera” theme, the group caught everyone’s attention.
Jeremiah Hartman, a junior journalism and media studies major from Indianapolis, Ind., emphasized his gratitude for being a new member of the Kappas.
“Being a member of Kappa Alpha Psi to me is a dream come true,” stated Hartman. “Being a native from Indiana was something I took pride in because not many men have the opportunity to pledge where I’m from.”
The Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity was founded in 1911 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, which was a predominantly white institution at a time when racism and prejudice were still present.
Fast forward 112 years and black colleges and institutions have embraced the chapter as their own and continue to create opportunities for black students.
Now Hartman wishes to use his platform to create opportunities for others.
“I want to be able to provide for those that need opportunity,” stated Hartman.
As Jackson State welcomes the new members of the four fraternities, they prepare to make their presence known on campus.
Following their reveal, students can look forward to Greek Week, which includes multiple events hosted by different organizations.
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