Carolina’s NPHC to continue rich tradition of step at homecoming

This Friday, UNC’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) will put on a step show to commemorate 2018 Homecoming. The show will both entertain and highlight the hard work and dedication of Carolina’s historically Black Greek organizations.

Alton Peques, president of the NPHC, sees value in the council’s ability to bring people together. 

“UNC’s NPHC is pretty important, because a lot of students who are underrepresented find community within those organizations, and the Council itself helps to facilitate the activity of those organizations,” Peques said. 

Step shows can bring wider attention to these NPHC organizations, especially during an event as big as Homecoming. As president, Peques played a major part in planning the event, but the preparation was a group effort. Jalea Morris, a social chairperson for NPHC, worked with Peques to put on the show along with Ion Outterbridge, director of UNC Fraternity and Sorority Life.

“Ion is a huge spearhead of this,” Morris said. “He’s a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.,  so he’s a huge proponent of activities like this that bring the community together, especially around Homecoming. It’s something that’s kind of built into the UNC culture, since UNC NPHC has made its mark since 1973, and we continue to do so.”

Each chapter of NPHC is involved in putting on the show. From the style of preparation to the individual flourishes to the performance, each group is unique in its contribution.

“Each chapter has their own methodology in terms of preparation,” Peques said. “For this type of event, usually chapters may begin preparing as little as two months in advance, or maybe two to six months in advance. There are usually visual elements, interludes and video introductions. There are costumes and attire that are designated, so it does take a lot of hours and a lot of time commitment.”

Keith Beasley, NPHC Parliamentarian, said the precision of step is one of his favorite parts. 

"I love the entertainment piece of it. So while you’re being judged on your performance and how crisp you guys can look, it’s also good if you can perform and be a little bit comical in addition to being precise,” Beasley said. 

The importance of step goes far deeper than simple entertainment value. There is a cultural aspect to the performances. 

“It’s a way that we can showcase our cultural roots from past and present and how they’ve evolved,” Peques said. 

This connection to the past history of NPHC is showcased by the many graduates who return during Homecoming. Morris said the Black Alumni Reunion is when past members of NPHC return to campus for Homecoming. 

Peques said hundreds of graduates can return during Homecoming, which provides a positive opportunity for current students as well as those returning. 

“It’s good because we don’t get to see a lot of them during the school year, so this is one time for us to just kind of network, see who’s around and who’s been through Carolina and has similar experiences to us, and then it’s just good to have fellowship with them after the fact,” Beasley said. 

The show will also give NPHC a chance to promote its other activities and initiatives, such as the NPHC Garden Project. Morris said the garden will serve as a way to represent NPHC and call attention to the organization. 

“The show’s like no other, because each performance is a different experience due to each chapter having their own style and approach and creativity,” Peques said. “There won’t be a dull moment.”

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