The 14th Annual Black Greek Step Show is once again expected to sell out for its Friday show at Mershon Auditorium.
The show is a part of African American Heritage Week and is a perfect way to show brother and sisterhood within the black community, as well as a connection to historical ties.
The show is popular partly because it explores the culture, heritage and various forms of African dance from which the act of stepping is derived, said Zakiyah Smith, Office of Student Activities coordinator of greek life.
“It shows the black greek organizations in a social light and a light that is attributed to our history,” Smith said.
Unfortunately the show this year will be without Omega Psi Phi and Zeta Phi Beta, two of the nine black greek organizations, said to Terina Matthews, office of African American student services coordinator.
But the show will still receive performances from Ohio State chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Iota Phi Theta, according to Smith.
Two citywide undergraduate and graduate chapters, Omicron Rho and Alpha Rho Lambda, will combine this year to represent Alpha Phi Alpha and Kappa Alpha Psi will be represented by the University of Akron’s chapter, said Smith.
Smith recommends that people purchase tickets, which are $10, ahead of time through Ticketmaster, even though tickets will be sold at the door, if available.
The show not only serves as entertainment but as an introduction to black greek organizations, for those who are not familiar with them, in a different form than parties.
“[The Heritage Festival] wouldn’t be the same if the step show wasn’t a part of it. I know people that come from out of town to see it.” said Sanleda Pitts, a junior in mechanical engineering who attended last year’s show.
The winners of last year’s show were Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Phi Alpha.
According to Smith, a radio personality from Power 107.5 FM and a campus staff member will be hosting the show. The show will also feature students from the Columbus Africentric school which some of the black greek organizations have worked with in their community service projects.
