Graphic by Cameron Adams
Shakell James
Staff Writer
The anticipation for the eight Greek organizations at The Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center were off the charts.
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, Jackson State University National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) hosted “THEE Great Reveal”, an exciting presentation introducing the new members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority, and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity.
The various organizations revealed their new members with an assortment of styles and with attention-grabbing rituals representing each organization’s values.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. members were the first to grace the stage with their twenty-one new members. The Alpha Tau chapter entered the area on a mission. They were dressed in royal blue tops, radiant gold skirts, along with swirled blue and gold masks. Their coordinated appearance did not stop there, with each new member having shoulder-length locs.
They definitely set the scene for probate, especially with their signature lift towards the end of their performance.
Next was the introduction of the new members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. The three new members lined up with blue and silver masks, waiting to be revealed.
The members had a classy vibe as they rocked blue suave suits, accompanied by a white turtleneck underneath.
The Sigmas may only have a few new members, but that did not keep them from putting on a show. The new members presented a series of acrobatics, keeping the audience highly engaged. The work did not go unnoticed, but members emphasized that it required a great amount of support and energy.
Spring 24’ initiate Javon Gray, a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Tacoma, Wash., stated that he is thankful for the work that was put in to perfect their performance.
“As a new member, I am proud of myself and I’m glad I made my family proud. I’m very proud of this fraternity. Everything I was put through made me a better man, made me more consistent, and more efficient than I’ve ever been in my life. I really want to give praise to God, because without him this wouldn’t be possible,” stated Gray.
As the new members made their way off of stage, the crowd began to anxiously await the performance of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The organization welcomed 65 new members, who were eager to be freed.
They were dressed in silk red blouses and black pants, black sunglasses, and with black berets with white pearls, ready to bring the heat.
The Delta Pi chapter did not only reveal new members, but also a fresh amount of energy on the stage. The divas filled the entire platform with their fiery presence, with alumni and current members surrounding the gates psyched.
Kiden-Aloyse Smith, a senior journalism major from St. Louis, MO., expressed the joy of it being a new legacy for her organization.
“I feel very proud. I’m very proud of my neos. I’m very excited for them. They worked really hard, and it’s great to see the work they are about to put in,” said Smith.
Next up on the platform were the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Before the six new members entered the stage, the chapter’s promotional video was played, amping up the crowd.
The Upsilon Epsilon chapter surrounded the new members with a generous amount of purple and gold. They were dressed in a black ski-mask, a gray hoodie with green spray paint symbolizing the members’ numbers, and army green pants as if they were ready for war.
The Omega’s energy was nothing short of exhilarating. As the Ques hopped off the stage, the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. entered the arena in a poised manner.
These elegant ladies wore all black, long-sleeve tops and skirts, with green and pink silk ascots adorning all 58 new members.
The last Divine 9 organization presented was The Delta Phi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The Alphas presentation was far from boring as they welcomed 12 new initiates.
The Alphas stepped on the floor with their faces hidden behind the mask of ‘Bane’, a well-known character from the Batman series. Their outfit was completed with a black beret, a gold tie, black sunglasses, and black combat vests. Their motions were smooth and distinct like a domino effect.
The thrilling actions did not stop there, as they paid homage to the Divine 9 sororities. Multiple emotions were through the roof as the fraternity released a triumphant salute for the late member, Jaylen Burns. This was a special moment for the members as they honored Burns, as well as the relatives who supported them throughout their journey.
Finally, the program was closed out by the members of Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity.
The Zeta Iota chapter welcomed eight members, with customized black jumpsuits and vests with blue, gold, and white paint representing the musical values. The ladies’ faces were covered with white bandanas and black sunglasses, waiting to be freed.
Their stepping included a steady beat, making their rhythm flawless. New initiate Treasure White, a sophomore music education member from Jackson, Miss., expressed her grateful appreciation for the organization.
“As a new member of Tau Beta Sigma, it’s been such an emotional experience. I feel like I’ve gained a different level of sisterhood. Ever since I joined the band, I’ve watched the members and always wanted to emulate them. It’s been an experience like no other,” said White.
The Sonic Boom of the South members/alumni showed excitement as KKPSI brought the house down. The seven A.G.E.N.T.S. were dressed in a blue ski-mask and a black suit symbolizing the famous movie series, “Men In Black.”
The Eta Eta chapter ended the show with their unique slides and motions, ending probate on a great note.
As Jackson State University welcomes the new members of these eight organizations, they prepare to make various appearances on campus.
