Strut the Yard: USC Yardshow Through a Lense of Fashion 

By Muriel Clarke

Black History Month may be over, but Black stories should be shared proudly year-round. And, at a predominantly white institution like USC, it is critical that Black student voices are amplified. USC’s historically Black Sororities and Fraternities held their annual yard show in February, where the “Divine Nine” demonstrated a series of steps, strolls, and dance moves while sharing the history of their chapters.

For those not familiar, the Divine Nine are the 9 affiliate members of The National Panhellenic Council, a council composed of historically African American Fraternities and Sororities, also known as Black Greek Letter Organizations. The NPHC was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., on May 10, 1930. With the addition of the 9th affiliate in 1997, the Divine Nine was complete and ready to step!

You see, the performers could have told you that and so much more, alongside a captivating step series, followed by a finale to a classic Greek song like Crime Mob’s “Knuck if you Buck,” but you just had to be there! So keep an eye out for the next yard show and let the Divine Nine show you how they do it!

Now, for someone like me, who’s always thinking about clothes, this was equal parts fashion show & step show. And best believe, I was taking notes. So, allow me to recap the yard show through the lens of a Black fashionista.

On such a chilly night, it was fitting that the first performers were the ice-cold brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. They perfectly represented the Alpha Delta chapter of the west coast, arriving in a western giddy-up— but black and gold style. They wore cool cowboy hats and fly fringe jackets with their Greek letter tee shirts. Their look was completed with black bandanas and some fresh, ranchero-style boots to make some noise while they stepped in.

The next to hit the step stage were the pretty girls of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and this really solidified my need to write an article about the yard show fits because y’all.. they delivered! The girls arrived in sleek, black, long-sleeve unitards and the dopest pink and green cargo vests with little buckles. They looked like scuba-vested vixens here to rescue the yard. It seems they got the Alpha’s memo about the cold, because they came prepared to show us what they got while staying warm and staying cute.

The Beta Omega chapter strolled over from Kappa Land in black button-ups and skinny jeans. They paired this with their signature cane, red shoes, and, someone call Prince because they are bringing back the “raaaaspbery beret!” The Ques, the big bad brothers of Omega Psi Phi, did an exhaustive routine in their distinguishable look of camouflage pants and purple Greek letter hoodies. They spiced up the look with some shiny gold combat boots, perfect for some flashy steps.

Then, the night got red-hot when the Devastating Divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. showed us who’s boss. They stepped out in white tanks with “yardrunner” spray painted across in red. The Divas paired this top with bold black cargo pants and combat boots. Rachel.Amir held an impressive signature Delta pose for what felt like infinity and she did not even quiver! The strength it takes to do that alone was impressive, but in that weather?! Incredible.

The men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. wrapped up the show wearing some classic yellow Iota tees with cargo pants, and combat boots. They brought in members from several chapters — some brothers came all the way from the South to step. The show was a great example of how Black people come together, have a great time, and make their mark. It was an inspiring display of Black excellence. Everything from the fits, the skillful movements, and the passion of these students and alumni was truly delightful to see.