As a college student in the early 2000s, Delphanie Daniels was tasked with a bold vision: Introduce step shows to the Upper Midwest. At the time, step shows were virtually unheard of in the Twin Cities, but Daniels’ determination and leadership transformed the landscape, creating a movement that resonated across the nation.
What began as a fundraiser for the ACE Institute of Learning mobilized the community, resulting in a widespread impact that continues today. The vision wasn’t just about 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 valuable insights to the community, emphasizing that attending college was about academics—but also cultural enrichment and personal growth.
“We had all the talent here, but step shows were only happening in the South,” says Ray Seville, brought in to promote the original show. “It was Minnesota’s first step show and opened gateways for all the fraternities and sororities to get their shows together. It showed parents that their kids could perform on a national level and set up a whole other part of college life beyond academics.”
For more than two decades, people from around the Midwest reminisced about the impact of the original Midwest Greek Step Show. And over the years, Daniels was asked when she would bring back the iconic event.
That time 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 at the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, Daniels worked tirelessly to revive this cherished tradition.
“One of the reasons it has taken so long to relaunch is because we have been working behind the scenes to create a sustainable model to keep this event going at the University of Minnesota and make it a part of the Homecoming festivities with university support,” Davis says.
“I’m super proud that we have secured that, and after a major turnout at the step show from the community this year, we will make a statement as to why it is important to elevate this event every year at 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 would be,” she says. “I am 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 may not know. You can matriculate, go to college. It’s all about inspiring our youth to go to college and to join these types of organizations.”
This event reminds students and young people 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 more than a competition; it is a celebration of resilience, culture, and the power of community. It offers a chance 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 those who want to see these fraternities and sororities in action and experience the spirit and unity of the community. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength and vitality of the African American community, enjoying fellowship and sharing their rich 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 some time,” Davis says. “This is an opportunity to honor the rich history, tradition, and unity of these iconic Black Greek organizations and celebrate culture.”
This year’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 part 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.