Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., nicknamed the “Ques,” will be stepping and strolling on the Student Union Plaza for this week’s Union Unplugged 12:15-1 p.m. today. This event, hosted by the Student Activities Association, aims to highlight student organizations.
“This semester we have many NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council) organizations, Rebel Radio, The Ole Miss Idol Winner — Guy Krauskopf — and UM Ignite,” Student Activities Association Co-Director of Entertainment Bella Van, a senior southern studies major from Kennesaw, Ga., said.
Union Unplugged events occur every Tuesday and Thursday on the Student Union Plaza. Van spoke about why the organization chose this time for Union Unplugged.
“The reason Union Unpluggeds are on Thursdays from 12:15 – 1 p.m. is because students are walking to and from class during this time period, and for the most part, there are no classes during this specific time, which means we’re allowed to have amplified noise,” Van said. “Students are able to enjoy the performance with classmates and friends when walking past the Union Plaza.”
This week’s Union Unplugged will feature the Eta Zeta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., which was established at the University of Mississippi in July 1973. Currently there are 16 members, and at least half will perform at today’s event.
Joseph Sharp, an exercise science major from Canton, Miss., is the vice basileus for the fraternity and spoke about why his organization takes part in Union Unplugged.
“We always participate in these (events) because it brings Greek unity to the university as well as advertises our skillset and our performance ability,” Sharp said.
Stepping and strolling routines are an integral aspect of Black Greek Letter Organizations’ traditions. The NPHC organizations, often referred to as the Divine Nine, each have a different routine.
“Students can expect to see us members performing various hops and marches that we do as part of tradition and our very own culture,” Sharp said. “(Stepping is meant) to show our enthusiasm for the fraternity as well as our devotion to community service — including theatrics to give viewers a show.”
Amy Nyary, a senior psychology and Spanish double major from Hattiesburg, Miss., plans to attend today’s Union Unplugged.
“I think it’s so amazing that Omega Psi Phi is being showcased, as they and all the other NPHC organizations do such a great job of showcasing the service and talent of their members,” Nyary said. “I’ve been lucky enough to go to a couple of probates, and it is an environment of joy and celebration unlike any I have ever experienced.”
Nyary expressed that the event sheds light on student talent that might otherwise be unrecognized.
“It’s so important, particularly during Black History Month, that the university does their part and uplifts organizations like Omega Psi Phi that have historically not been visible on our campus,” Nyary said. “I really look forward to seeing the Ques stroll.”
