As the lights dimmed inside Burr Gymnasium, the crowd erupted into cheers as a wave of dancers dressed as Lola Bunny sprinted down the aisle, tumbling and dancing across the floor as the crowd roared in anticipation. Moments later, the Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. hit the stage in red jumpsuits and white sweatbands, kicking off their high-energy “Nupe Squad” performance inspired by Space Jam.
As Yardfest came to a close, students, alumni and Greek-affiliated guests swarmed the entrance of Burr Gymnasium for one of Howard’s most anticipated Homecoming traditions — the Annual Greek Step Show. Sponsored by Peacock’s “Bel-Air,” the event celebrated its 101st year by uniting the Divine Nine for a night of creativity, precision, and time-honored tradition.
Among the sororities, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. claimed first place, marking their third consecutive win. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. followed in second place, with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. earning third.
For the fraternities, the Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. secured first place, achieving their fourth straight victory. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. placed second, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. rounded out the rankings in third.
Each performance had a distinct theme based on a film or television show. Before each performance, the fraternities and sororities presented short films introducing their themes, giving the audience a visual preview of the creative concepts behind their routines.
Attendee Amailee Crisp, a junior psychology major from California, said it was exciting to see everyone’s creativity and storylines.
“The films they’d showcase before the performances, they’d have acting scenes, costumes, celebrity endorsements,” Crisp said. “It was really cool just to see how everything came together, and how everyone had their own style and confidence. It just shocked me the whole night.”
The night kicked off with the performance from the Xi Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. with their “Nupe Squad,” whose theme centered around Space Jam. Darrah Spencer, a freshman business management major from Boston, Massachusetts, said she was particularly impressed by the opening presented by Kappa Alpha Psi.
“I think celebrating Greek Life and showcasing the traditions are very important because it gives people a glimpse of our deeper culture as Black people, and we get to admire the hard work that the Divine Nine organizations put in,” Spencer said.
Following their performance, the first sorority performance began with members of the Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with their “They Cloned The Deltas” performance as they entered the stage to Jay-Z’s “Otis” featuring Kanye West.
With a variety of stunts, members performed synchronized step routines. Throughout their performance, they paid tribute to other Divine Nine fraternities, such as their special ‘Q’ Lub reference to members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Spencer adds, “A theme that stuck out to me during the show was the Deltas with their “They Cloned Tyrone” inspired performance and all the tumbling and cheer instituted stunts.”’
As members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. left the stage, members of the next fraternity — Alpha Tau Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. took their stage in black and white camouflage attire and metal shovels with their “The Step Games” performance, based on The Hunger Games.
The women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., took attendees to another galaxy with their “Guardians of the Galaxy” inspired “Poodles of the Galaxy Vol. 7,” in which they fought off Thanos to save the planet from destruction.
The women presented a jam-packed performance with acrobatics and traditional step moves. One member hung upside down on a cane held up by two other members, causing the audience to roar in excitement at the shocking stunt.
Following the performance, the audience erupted in cheers as the reigning step show fraternity champions, Beta Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., took the stage.
Bryce Anderson, a junior international business major from Jersey City, New Jersey and a member of Alpha PhI Alpha Fraternity, Inc. said performing was amazing and an honor.
“Coming from a chapter that has strong roots and tradition in competing and winning step shows and being able to add on to that legacy was a humble experience,” Anderson said. “Additionally, being able to be the highlight of many alumni’s homecoming was something I’m very grateful for during the 101st homecoming.”
This year, the fraternity presented “Beta Wars: Battle for the Yard,” an adaptation of the “Star Wars” franchise.
Members entered with glowing red lightsabers, performing a choreographed fight scene before transitioning into a series of step sequences. The routine also included dedications to their affiliated sororities, emphasizing themes of protection and unity.
The performance also showcased a dramatic step-infused battle sequence in which a member dressed in a white robe fought a “Darth Vader” figure, ending the act with a midair flip that energized the crowd.
Crisp also discussed how the intricate stunts and social media references in the performances engaged and energized the audience.
“I loved the energy. I loved how they mixed stepping with real acrobatics, and doing fun trends like Whoopty-Doo and the Six-seven memes and got the audience laughing and engaged. It was just a vibe the entire time,” Crisp said.
After the performance ended, the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Alpha Chapter took the stage with a spy-themed routine titled “OSSZ.” Dressed in all-black leather, members performed a coordinated sequence centered on a rescue mission, incorporating elements of teamwork and precision while also paying homage to their brother fraternities during the routine.
Following their act, the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Chapter, presented a “Matrix: Follow the Blu’ Code” themed performance. Dressed in black long-sleeve shirts, leather pants and blue bandanas, members delivered a sequence of choreographed steps aligned with the futuristic concept. At one point, members performed blindfolded, demonstrating coordination and control as they jumped over one another and moved in synchronized patterns without sight.
As their performance ended, the final sorority of the night took the stage — the two-time champions, Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Before appearing, a short video introduced their theme, “Ladies in Pink,” inspired by “Men in Black.” The performers then entered to Kanye West’s “Monster,” wearing pink blazer suits with black ties.
Their routine mixed stepping, dance and stunts, including members lifted into an ivy-shaped formation. They also paid tribute to their fraternity brothers through themed segments that tied into their story of “saving citizens from aliens.”
The final act of the evening featured the Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. which presented a “The Terminator” themed performance. Members wore all-black attire with yellow bandanas and sneakers. The routine included precise step movements, coordinated claps and spinning formations that engaged the audience throughout the performance.
As the final performance concluded, the judges deliberated on the 2025 Homecoming Step Show winners. The first-place winners received $3,000 on behalf of Howard University and Peacock’s “Bel-Air.” Anticipation filled Burr Gymnasium as the results were announced in ascending order.
“I feel like the audience’s reactions were split after the winners were announced. Some people were super hyped, some people were confused why someone else didn’t win. Overall, I felt everyone was just happy for each other. We love seeing Black people win and everyone is cheering, every team did good, and it was overall an amazing experience,” Crisp said.
Copy edited by Damenica Ellis
