In the midst of Bama Hate Week, or as some describe it, “LSU’s second Homecoming,” is National Pan-Hellenic Council Week. NPHC is the governing body of traditionally African-American organizations, also known as the “Divine 9.”
“The general purpose of NPHC Week is to present events on important issues, as well as events of unity, amongst not only the Divine 9, but the LSU minority community as well,” said Zeta Phi Beta president Terri Smith.
The week consists of various events revolving around social issues, along with fun events such as Wild Out Wednesday.
The first event, a viewing of the documentary “13th,” was held on Monday. On Tuesday, the NPHC Greeks table sat for Box Tops of Education, then had a “Beyond The Letters” panel discussion.
The panel discussion created an open dialogue about race relations and the Divine 9 experience at a predominately white institution.
Wild Out Wednesday took place 11 a.m.-2 p.m., followed by Jeopardy: Safe Sex Edition, which incorporated sex education into the family-fun game show.
Wednesday’s events will lead into free HIV Testing on Thursday. The New Member Presentation will occur on Friday. Closing out NPHC week will be the UnityFest tailgate, presented by SellSwipe.
Members of each organization will be represented. The Divine 9 consists of: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.
Alpha Phi Alpha president Chase August said this is the first NPHC week in his four years at the University.
“It’s a time to promote and give exposure to NPHC Greeks through things like stepping and strolling,” August said.
Theatre and film senior Oluwaseyi Bamgbola and Phi Beta Sigma member Darius Walker said their favorite part about NPHC week so far is Wild Out Wednesday because it serves as an opportunity for the black community to interact with other minority and non-minority students, showing Greek unity in a more public setting.
Graduate assistant for the Black Male Leadership Initiative and Kappa Alpha Psi member Michael Coleman said his favorite part of the week is seeing students of all colors come together and have meaningful events.
“New Member Presentation showcases a student’s entrance and journey into Greek life,” August said.
“The largest characteristic of the presentation is that it’s a surprise. No one, besides the people in that particular organization, know who is participating or being presented,” Smith said.
New Member Presentation consists of the participants singing, dancing, stepping, strolling and reciting the history of their organization. It will take place Friday at 7 p.m. in the Greek Amphitheater.
“It’s gonna be lit,” Smith said.