Greek Unity fest brings music and memories to Goldstein Auditorium

SU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) held their annual Greek Unity Fest this weekend in Goldstein Auditorium. The celebration kicked off with a performance from Lola Brooke, an artist from Brooklyn, NY, who is well known for her song “Don’t Play With It” and for collaborations with artists such as fellow New Yorker A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and Bryson Tiller.

Friday night’s NYC representation was strong. Brooke’s openers featured SU’s own artists ÉTN and Chris Neptune who are from Harlem and Brooklyn, respectively. They kicked off with solo performances and then collaborated on the final song before Brooke’s DJ came out to introduce the rest of the show.

Finally, Brooke came onstage for an energetic and vibrant performance. The crowd cheered as she invited student dancers to the stage, gave out free merch and even came down into the crowd to serenade SU students.

All performances brought an energetic and positive aura to introduce this year’s showcase of the hard work and community aspect present within NPHC and Black Greek life.

The following day, attendees returned to Goldstein for a step-show featuring several performances of the many chapters present on SU’s campus. As audience members made their way in, the DJ played several hit songs such as “Before I Let Go” (Beyoncé’s version), V.I.C.’s “Wobble” and other classics from Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot and Remy Ma.

There were several members of the crowd singing and dancing before the performance started – a reminder of the power behind a killer playlist and a sneak peek into what was to come. 

The show started with a performance from the Delta Zeta Alpha chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in honor of the chapter’s 75th year on Syracuse University’s campus.

Their routine initially featured current members, and then called on stage alumni to help represent the long lasting impact of this brotherhood. The performance featured songs like Future’s “Like That,” 21 Savage’s “Redrum” and M.O.P. ‘s “Ante Up Remix” ft. Busta Rhymes.

After, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority came on stage, kicking off with an original video which displayed a day in their life that emphasized on their longstanding history of serving their community.

The video ended and the sorority started their routine, featuring songs like Keri Hilson’s “Pretty Girl Rock” and original lines which reminded their audiences to never forget “what makes an AKA woman truly one of a kind.”

The Kappa Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity came in with Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative. ” The group gave impressive vocals detailing their journey on campus saying, “I was on the road all alone, for the purple and gold. And I had to kick down the doors for the purple and gold,” representing the perseverance and dedication behind being part of this chapter.

The Kappa Lambda Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority gave a nod to Toy Story in their performance, as they dressed as their own versions of some of the toys featured in the movie – stylishly emphasizing the importance of representation in popular culture. Their performance featured songs like Soulja Boy’s “Pretty Boy Swag” and Beyoncé’s “Diva,” along with several chants about confidence, self love, and about maintaining confidence and poise.

Next, the Zeta Phi Beta ladies of the Phi Iota Chapter brought some classic vibes onto the stage with hits like Das EFX’s “Mic Checka” and Ginuwine’s “Pony” as they each rocked a 90s style of baggy jeans and unbuttoned plaid shirts.

Last, but certainly not least, the Theta Tau Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority kicked off their performance with “I am my sister’s keeper, what she does I do, where she goes I go,” effectively bringing home the unity aspect of this year’s festival. 

Congratulations to the ladies of the Kappa Lambda Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for their win. This two-day event filled with dance, step, drill, classic and present day hip-hop and R&B hits served as a celebration of community collaboration and salute to the accomplishments of SU’s Divine Nine.