As a school student within the early 2000s, Delphanie Daniels was tasked with a daring vision: Introduce step shows to the Upper Midwest. On the time, step shows were virtually unheard of within the Twin Cities, but Daniels’ determination and leadership transformed the landscape, making a movement that resonated across the nation.
What began as a fundraiser for the ACE Institute of Learning mobilized the community, leading to a widespread impact that continues today. The vision wasn’t nearly entertainment; it was about connecting with the community and exposing youth to the positive outcomes of attending college and joining the Divine Nine, Black Greek-letter organizations.
With strong ties to the Divine Nine, Daniels offered precious insights to the community, emphasizing that attending college was about academics—but additionally cultural enrichment and private growth.
“We had all of the talent here, but step shows were only happening within the South,” says Ray Seville, brought in to advertise the unique show. “It was Minnesota’s first step show and opened gateways for all of the fraternities and sororities to get their shows together. It showed parents that their kids could perform on a national level and arrange an entire other part of faculty life beyond academics.”
For greater than twenty years, people from across the Midwest reminisced in regards to the impact of the unique Midwest Greek Step Show. And over time, Daniels was asked when she would bring back the long-lasting event.
That point has finally come. Doors will open on “The Return: 2024 Midwest Greek Step Show” at Northrop Auditorium on Oct. 24.
With the support of Steve Davis, senior director of affinity engagement on the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, Daniels worked tirelessly to revive this cherished tradition.
“Certainly one of the explanations it has taken so long to relaunch is because now we have been working behind the scenes to create a sustainable model to maintain this event going on the University of Minnesota and make it a component of the Homecoming festivities with university support,” Davis says.
“I’m super proud that now we have secured that, and after a significant turnout on the step show from the community this yr, we are going to make a press release as to why it is necessary to raise this event yearly on the University of Minnesota.”
Daniels, community engagement director of Best Buy, is thrilled to see the Midwest Greek Step Show return, offering a platform that highlights the achievements and potential of the Black community.
“I had no idea what the impact could be,” she says. “I’m so deeply honored the community requested that the step show return. It’s an event that genuinely celebrates the culture of the Divine Nine and shows youth a path forward that they could not know. You possibly can matriculate, go to school. It’s all about inspiring our youth to go to school and to hitch a lot of these organizations.”
This event reminds students and young those that success doesn’t come only through paths like music or sports. Doctors, lawyers, educators and lawmakers are represented in these Divine Nine organizations—all finding success and giving back to their communities.
The Midwest Greek Step Show is greater than a contest; it’s a celebration of resilience, culture, and the ability of community. It offers a probability to witness the pride of organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.
This event is the place for individuals who wish to see these fraternities and sororities in motion and experience the spirit and unity of the community. It’s a robust reminder of the strength and vitality of the African American community, having fun with fellowship and sharing their wealthy heritage with the University of Minnesota and beyond.
“For the Black community specifically, it adds visibility to a presence that has been lacking for quite a while,” Davis says. “That is a possibility to honor the wealthy history, tradition, and unity of those iconic Black Greek organizations and have fun culture.”
This yr’s event is sponsored by FaceTime, the University of Minnesota Office for Student Affairs, the Office for Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the University of Minnesota Black Alumni Network.
It is an element of the University’s Homecoming celebrations and is free for UMN students. Tickets are $25 for community members.
The Return: 2024 Midwest Greek Step Show
Oct. 24
Northrop Auditorium, 84 Church St. SE in Minneapolis
Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show at 7 p.m.
Ken Foxworth welcomes reader responses to kfoxworth@spokesman-recorder.com.