Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story included the wrong name of a Fraternity in a caption, along with a name misspelling. It has since been corrected. The Talisman regrets this error.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek Yard Show took place on Friday, Sept. 19 in the Downing Student Union auditorium. This year, it was hosted by the Eta Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
According to WKU’s website, NPHC governs the nine historically Black Greek letter sororities and fraternities, commonly known as the “Divine Nine”.
The fraternities include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Lota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
The sororities include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Each year, these organizations host yard shows to attract the community of Bowling Green and the students at WKU.
Music filled the air as crowds gathered for the show. A vibrant display of the Divine Nine organizations’ on stage brought rich traditions and cultural pride.
Senior Micah Thigpen, from Bolingbrook, Illinois, is a member of the Eta Rho Chapter. He said the point of these yard shows is to represent each organization and also share their history.
“We want to show what makes us important as an organization and perform step shows while also incorporating history with it,” Thigpen said.
Additionally, Thigpen said the yard show takes time to rehearse and prepare. Each organization dedicates countless hours to perfecting their routines, Thigpen said, ensuring every step and chant resonates with precision and passion.
Senior Nadia Shobe is a member of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter. She said these yard shows bring together the community both on and off the Hill.
The yard show is not just about a display of performances, Shobe said, but also the result of all of the hard work to make the show what it is.
“It provides a space for Black students to come out and enjoy,” Thigpen said. “It’s a great feeling to see people who look like me.”
Senior Jakota Warfield from Franklin, Kentucky, a member of Phi Beta Sigma, said the crowd engagement along with the support is what makes the show what it is.
“The crowd is full of family, friends and alumni,” Warfield said. “Seeing the crowd cheer is a reminder that all of the hard work has paid off.”
Thigpen said these yard shows can also be a recruitment opportunity. This is especially true for freshmen who are interested in Greek life and who may not be familiar with D9.
“We want to show what each D9 organization is all about,” Thigpen said. “We let students have the opportunity to know some of the history behind it.”
The show also incorporated spirited competition among fraternities and sororities. Warfield said the friendly rivalry often manifests as playful trash talk. Groups often boast about their history, step skills and overall performance.
“Trash talk is a part of the friendly competition,” Warfield said.
Shobe said this banter adds to the excitement and energy of the events. He said this showcases the pride and passion within each organization.
Shobe said that the atmosphere at the yard show is intense, blending cultural pride with a sense of community. Shobe also said the air is filled with music, cheers and the rhythmic sounds of stepping, participants and guests.
“It’s like a family reunion, a concert and a history lesson all rolled into one,” Shobe said.
Warfield said the yard show is a vibrant expression of D9 organizations, also blending tradition, competition, and community. She said these events offer a unique glimpse into the values and legacies of the D9 fraternities and sororities.
“It’s more than just stepping; it’s about showcasing our history and what we stand for,” Warfield said. “It’s a message to let everyone know that we are still here and we aren’t going anywhere.”