To celebrate Black culture and remember Black history, departments throughout UNCW hosted different events such as a step show and a read-in. On Feb. 15th, UNCW’s Fraternity and Sorority Life and National Pan-Hellenic Council hosted the NPHC Homecoming step show.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council coordinates nine historically Black Greek organizations across the United States. Since this organization coordinates nine chapters, it is known as the Divine 9. At UNCW, the four active chapters are Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
From the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Omega Psi Fraternity organizations, three chapters performed: Gamma Beta, Tau Psi and Upsilon Zeta. In addition to these chapters’ performance was The Dancing Divas, a dance troupe of young Black girls. UNCW students, alumni and community members came out to celebrate and support; however, those weren’t the only groups who attended. Fraternities and sorority chapters across the nine organizations came out to support the next generation of fraternity brothers and celebrate step.
The emcee, DJ Bigg B tells the crowd, “Let’s give them a taste of the culture.” Each fraternity and sorority he called, the members, whether students or alumni, would rise from their seats. During the interlude music DJ Bigg B played, members represented their chapter with their signature calls, hand signs and dance moves.
Each group showed a video to set the scene for their performance before coming on stage. Slapping and clapping, stomping their feet; they followed each other’s movements in their routine. Yelling and jumping, the passion in their high-energy performances thrilled the crowd. The crowd in response applauded or shouted their chapter’s call.
In between performances, DJ Bigg B brought out Mid Day Miss, a radio host and DJ, to mix and play 80s and 90s favorites. As music reverberated through the hall, people danced and sang along.
The sixth annual African American read-in was hosted in Discovery Hall on Feb 18. The English Department, Randall Library, Watson College of Education, Black Student Organizations, and Upperman Center collaborated with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy to bring the event to life.
The diverse panel of departments and organizations hosting the event was also reflected in the racial and generational diversity of the crowd. Students, families, professors and community members alike came together for an evening of literature.
Twelve readers shared an excerpt from literature or a whole children’s book. Current and retired professors of history and education came up to read excerpts from literature such as “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison and the poem “Hope is a Woman” by Alice Walker. Some professors read children’s books such as “Change Sings” by Amanda Gorman, and “Saturday” by Oge Mora.
Dr. Caitlin Ryan, a UNCW professor who specializes in early education and special education, chose “Saturday” by Oge Mora. “It is important to show diverse families,” said Ryan. “And also, Black joy.” Showcasing these diverse stories is only part of what the read-in is about. For Dr. Ryan, it is an opportunity “to build a community in-person and in local ways.”
The selections highlighted Black characters and figures but also themes of resilience and courage.
For the elementary education college students who came, the read-in was moving and inspiring. Incorporating stories from different perspectives is key to resonating with students in the classroom. One of the students said, “Books are mirrors, and it’s important to see the other perspective.”
In addition, professors, librarians, community members and even students read excerpts.
Lindsey Morgan, the instructional coach of DC Virgo, encouraged students participating to find readings that were uplifting. Students from third to eighth grade read books and poems about the resilience of soul and Black heroes. She describes this opportunity as a great way for the kids to see themselves not only in literature but also in a college setting.
Executive board members of UNCW’s National Society of Black Women in Medicine read an excerpt from “Twice as Hard,” by Jasmine Brown; a book about nine black women who pioneered in medicine. Following their excerpt, they shared how their organization provides a safe and educational space for students in pre-health programs on campus. As young women, the excerpts and children’s stories were great not only for the kids but also held deeper themes for them. For one of the members, Marva S. Moss’s reading of “The Other Side” was an example of this.
Moss, is a N. C. storyteller and artist, and she read Jacqueline Woodson’s “The Other Side.” A story about a young Black girl befriending a white girl in the 1950s by sitting on a fence. “It is a reminder,” said Moss, “of how children change the community.”
In between readings were raffle drawings for adult and kid prizes. As a part of the raffle, each child was encouraged to choose a new book to take home.
These events celebrated of Black culture through literature and Greek life while paying homage to Black history. Events like these are proof of how far American society has come.
When reflecting on how things used to be and how things are now. Moss says, “Things were different back then. We’re part of a generation where you and your friends are together.”
