The tradition behind the Divine Nine new member showcases

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) new member showcases are highly anticipated events where recently inducted members of the Divine Nine make their official debut to the campus community.

The Divine Nine refers to the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

New member showcases may feature synchronized strolls, step routines, or chants unique to each organization. These performances serve as the first public appearance of newly initiated members, allowing them to represent their organizations with pride.

All NPHC organizations have different traditions when it comes to these showcases. Something that is common between all of them is that new members are often kept secret until their official debut at the showcase.

Jalik Smith, a senior communications disorder major and chapter president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., said during showcases they wear masks to build anticipation on who is being showcased.

“We want it to be a celebration for you. People want to know, they want to figure out who this person is. Everybody wants to be guessing,” Smith said. “Under the mask it’s a whole different person.”

Fall '22 pose during new member showcasePhoto submitted by Jalik Smith

Smith said the most memorable part of a showcase is being revealed.

“For me it’s being revealed. It’s one of the only parts where it is totally on you and your creativity because you get a song to get revealed to the campus as you get your new name and it shows your personality.” Smith said.

Shea Shelton, a junior political science and communication studies major and chapter president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., added that you can’t help but feel proud of the members showcasing themselves.

“I didn’t have a showcase, but I helped prepare my newest member's show. I would say I felt proud in a sense of working hard on this show and presenting it to the populace,” Shelton said. “It felt relieving in a sense, because you see them work hard and see them put in the effort behind the entertainment and preparing for the show.”

Smith explains the historical roots that these showcases hold within NPHC organizations.

“Strolling is a certain type of dance moves that we usually do in a line that are specific to your national organization as a whole. Then you have stepping, which is similar but roots back to making different sounds or beats with rhythmic hand clapping or stomping,” Smith said.” And that goes all the way back to slavery times for the slaves to communicate with each other so they can understand what’s going on or when they need to move. So that’s why NPHC organizations put that inside their shows.”

Smith added that during these presentations, new members wear certain uniforms/costumes for their show.

Jalik Smith poses with brother D.J. Johnson.Photo submitted by Jalik Smith

“Every chapter might have a different one, we had a full mask on, a royal blue bow tie, a white dress shirt with overalls and dress pants,” Smith said. “There’s gonna be certain things that are symbolic in our organizations that are going to be a part of the dress code.”

The on-campus advisor for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. D.J. Johnson said the identities of new members remain secret until the day of the showcase.

“For NPHC it’s more discrete, we want it to be a surprise. Of course people might know but we don’t want them to really know because when they come out it’s like ‘dang you’re doing this now it’s something new.’” Johnson said.

Johnson explained that new members have creative freedom when it comes to the showcase but they have an active member oversee them.

“It’s called a MIP coordinator for us, so yes there’s someone who oversees them but we still allow them to do what they want cause it’s their show,” Johnson said. “We still guide them and teach them everything they’re supposed to know but when it comes to doing stunts or something we give them the room to do it.”

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Fall '24 line poses for a photo.Photo Submitted by Shea Shelton

Johnson added that these events are open to anybody on campus.

“It’s open to everyone on campus to come. We want you to see everything that they learn and see if they added anything special. We want you to see all of the hard work that is put into becoming a member and revealing themselves to the campus,” Johnson said. “So be on the lookout for new member presentations to be happening soon. Usually spring is when we bring out a lot of new lines.”

New member showcases are more than just performances-they are a celebration of history, tradition, and the dedication each member puts into their journey. As these events continue to bring excitement to campus, they serve as a lasting reminder of the pride and legacy within NPHC organizations.