Clement Gibson
Editor-in-Chie
Family and friends gathered from far and wide to support their loved ones as they stepped into their new fraternities and sororities at Jackson State University’s annual and highly anticipated Great Reveal.
Sonny Mitchell, also known as Sonny Thee Tiger, Jackson State’s talented mascot and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, hosted the event, which started around 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, in the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center.
Of the nine Greek organizations on campus, five welcomed new members to their brother and sisterhoods.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., all revealed their Neos to the world.
Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta were among the fraternities and sororities that did not participate but attended in support of their fellow PanHellenic Greek brother and sisters.
The show opened with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as they welcomed nine new members into their organization.
They appeared in black crew necks with a gold A in the center and acted out scenes along with their steps— which kept the audience entertained.
DeMerrius Plair, a junior civil engineering major from O’Fallon, Mo., was proud of his new fraternity brothers for their hard work.
“It felt wonderful because I was just in their position a year ago. Seeing their hard work made me feel extremely proud,” said Plair.
Plair originally started off as the recording secretary for the Delta Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., but moved up to vice president later in the year.
He continued, “My favorite part was seeing my Neos probate in a different fashion,” said Plair.
Next was Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., as two new members revealed themselves and joined the sisterhood.
Albeit only two women, they showed the audience that sometimes, less is more. After removing their black shades and revealing themselves, they joined their sisters for their first official stroll.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., entered the stage next with 26 new members. When they began their performance, every new member wore scarves to hide their identity.
But in due time they were removed as the audience cheered for all the familiar faces.
Gwendolyn Joy, a junior marine biology major from Memphis, Tenn., shared her favorite moments from probate.
“During the probate, I had butterflies but I was excited to finally be free… Seeing my family and friends faces when I was doing the routine was the best part. I also liked seeing everyone who did not see me revealed and how shocked they were,” said Joy.
She is officially a new member of the Lambda Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., something she has always wanted.
Joy finished, “I’ve always wanted to be a part of Zeta Phi Beta because of how we give back to the community and uplift others.”
Last, but not least for the women was Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., as they welcomed the largest line of the night.
They marched on the stage with pink scarves, green skirts, and black tops, barrettes and shades.
After not having a line the previous year, the AKA’s welcomed 88 new members into their organization.
Jasmine Gibson, a senior elementary education major from Terry, Miss., said the anticipation made this probate special for her.
She stated, “My favorite part about this year’s probate was the anticipation. Everyone was on the edge, waiting to see who would be revealed next.”
Gibson currently serves as the president of the Gamma Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and took joy in seeing the new members join her family.
“I also enjoyed seeing the sense of accomplishment each new member had once they revealed themselves,” said Gibson.
To cap off the night, the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., strolled onto the stage to the new remixed version of “I Got Five On it,” by Luniz, previously used for Jordan Peele’s new film, “Us.”
They also waved their flag and dimmed the lights as the 31 new members lined up to be introduced.
Masquerade masks were used to hide their identity but did not stay on long as the men closed the show with individual dances.
Once the Kappa’s finished, family and friends from the audience came on stage to take pictures and share unforgettable moments with their loved ones.
Many shed tears of joy as they watched the young men and women enter a new chapter of their life.
Tameeka Jackson, a freshman psychology major from Memphis, Tenn., spoke about Greek life in the south.
“Greek life is important to us here in the south… It helps mold young men and women and our communities. If you didn’t know any better you would think this is a graduation ceremony with the amount of people here,” said Jackson.
