Fraternities and sororities are a large part of student life at Grand Valley State University.

Every year the National Pan-Hellenic Council of GVSU presents a yard show where the nine historically black sororities and fraternities, the “Divine Nine,” each perform a step show. This year the event took place at the Amphitheater at the Mary Idema Pew library. 

Step is a type of dance that focuses on footwork. Limb movements and styling are restricted or not as important. An example of this would be doing clog dancing. To those involved, the yard show is about so much more than just the step show that everyone loves to see. 

“It’s about Greek unity when it comes to showcasing what their organization is all about and having a good time,” said Ja’lyn Goolsby, a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. 

The event kicked off with the president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council at GVSU, Sade Hall, introducing herself to the crowd of hundreds of people. She began the event by introducing the first organization to perform, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. 

The organization performed along with giving engaging historical information about what their colors are (in this case black and gold), the year they were founded, the organization’s motto and the bylaws they live by. This was followed by another step show.

Kiara Walker, a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, said their routine took about two weeks to learn with practices every day. 

The next performances were by the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. While all of these Greek houses are part of the Divine Nine, Delta Sigma Theta was the first of the Divine Nine to be founded at GVSU.

There was a brief intermission where students spoke about why, to them, the yard show should be attended regardless of involvement. 

“I wanted to show support to my black community, there aren’t many of us here so when we have events it’s a great way to bring us together,” said sophomore Taryn Williams.

During the intermission all of the students sitting decided to get up and do various popular hustles to the music playing. 

The intermission was followed by performances of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho (SGR) and the rest of the Divine Nine. SGR had lots of graduates and alumni join them in performing, showcasing their sisterhood. 

“I think it’s good for people who want to join certain organizations to see what they’re about, this is a great way to communicate with other organizations out here,” Goolsby said.