Stomp the Yard Celebrates the Black Greek Tradition of Stepping

Sony Pictures new movie "Stomp the Yard" is timed to release in January 2007, only a few weeks after a monumental celebration for all Black Greeks. Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc. will be 100 years old on December 3, 2006. The significance of this date affects the movie because it is a sign of the tremendous influence that the organization has on African American culture.

A college step show is a part of everyday African American culture. Nearly all African Americans can identify all of the historically black fraternities and sororities also known as the Divine Nine. Each organization has its own history based on the actual lives of founders and organizers. Each organization has its own set of colors, letters, and shields. Each organization has its own traditions that can be traced back to its origins. One of the most popular traditions that all black Greeks share is the tradition of stepping.

Each Greek lettered organization followed the template that was laid out by White Greeks. Each organization had a shield, motto, ritual, and membership regimen. The overall purpose of Greek letter organizations is for networking purposes. It was on the heels of Alpha Phi Alpha that other black Greeks took flight.

Stepping can be described as a combination of signing, dancing, and rhythm. There is a military type precision in the step routines performed by each organization. The history of stepping comes from multiple sources, but one trend is true. Black fraternities began with singing and added the elements of dance, marching, and chanting. The result became a popular art form that has continued until today. Each organization has its own identity in stepping. The Alphas (Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc.) can be expected to use precision steps utilizing common moves associated with Egyptian themes. The AKAs (Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Inc.) utilize steps that promote their beauty. Kappas (Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Inc.) commonly use canes to step and twirl with accuracy. The Deltas (Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Inc.) emphasize their strength and character. Omegas (Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Inc.) often use rhythmic hops that equally match their chants and calls. The Zetas (Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Inc.) step to signify finer womanhood. Sigmas (Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Inc.) use extremely lively moves to show dexterity and accuracy. Sigma Gamma Rhos (Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, Inc.) can be seen using canes along with traditional stepping. Iotas have a signature walk that showcases their spirit. All organizations that participate in stepping show a high level of energy and pride as they give tribute to their organization and traditions.

The central premise of "Stomp the Yard" is based on the tradition of stepping. Without stepping, the movie would only be another drama about a dance contest. Hopefully, the movie will pay homage not only to the tradition of stepping, but also the organizations that participate in the tradition. Happy 100th Alpha Phi Alpha! The impact that the organization has made on African American culture through stepping should be expanded with the release of the movie January 2006.