The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) at Western Carolina University will host a Yard Show to celebrate Black culture and Black Greek history through strolling and stepping.
The show is part of the homecoming festivities scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8 near the WCU fountain. In the event of inclement weather, the show will be held in the Coulter Recital Hall.
Yard Shows are ways for Black Greek organizations to entertain the community and show the organization’s history. The show will feature five organizations that will have about 5 to 8 minutes and they will perform one at a time. The show will be roughly 45 minutes to an hour long.
“Stepping is derived from traditional African dances,” said Tristan Benson, president of NPHC at WCU and sergeant at arms of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
As he explained it is a series of percussive sounds made by stomping, clapping or other methods in different fashions. Strolling is mixed with more contemporary music and dancing. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc will step, stroll and offer comedic relief.
NPHC is a traditionally Black Greek-lettered organization focusing on brother and sisterhood to tackle racial isolation and opportunities historically only offered to white students and white Greek organizations. Benson said that all nine NPHC organizations are service-based. There are only seven active NPHC organizations at WCU.
“We all really thrive in service. That’s… one of our founding principles. Even though we’re all founded for slightly different reasons, that’s one of the things we all agree on,” Benson said emphasizing the bond within the organizations.
This will be the first Yard Show since 2018. According to Benson, NPHC tries to have a show at least every other year.
