Hairstyles Worn By Members Of Historically Black Sororities- Sigma Gamma Rho. Inc)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases hair styles worn by some members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc chapters as documented in seven YouTube videos from various Sigma Gamma Rho chapters throughout the United States (from 2015-2017).

This is the fourth post in a pancocojams series that documents various straight/straightened and natural hair styles that are worn by some members of a specific chapter of a historically Black sorority or hair styles that are worn by some members of multiple chapters of that particular sorority.

Click the "Black sororities hair styles" tag below for those posts.

The content of this post is presented for socio-cultural and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the publishers of these videos.

****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
In 1966 I pledged and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Zeta chapter, New Jersey). In those days, it was both expected and required that women pledging any Black sorority wear their hair straightened/or naturally straight in uniformly shoulder length hairstyles-without any hair extensions, hair weaves, wigs, or braids. Midway in my pledge process, I challenged that rule by getting my hair cut and wearing it in an afro style. Although I received a lot of pressure to straighten my hair from the women pledging me, I refused to do so and was allowed to continue my initiation.

I realize that was waaaay back in the day, but after happening upon a video of another historically Black Greek letter sorority in which a number of steppers wore their hair in natural styles, I decided to document in a small way the impact-if any-of the Black natural hair movement on each of the historically Black Greek letter sororities that are members of the "Divine Nine"*.

*"Divine Nine":
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pan-Hellenic_Council
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. The nine NPHC organizations are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Divine Nine". The member/partner organizations have not formally adopted nor recommended the use of this term to describe their collaborative grouping."...

Sororities that are members of the Divine Nine:
(given in order of their founding dates)
Alpha Kappa Alpha

Delta Sigma Theta

Zeta Phi Beta

Sigma Gamma Rho
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/10/articles-about-black-natural-hair.html for a 2016 pancocojams post entitled "Articles About The Black Natural Hair Movements In USA, Brazil, France, Ivory Coast, & South Africa". This is part II of a four part series on current (as of October 2016) attitudes among African Americans about the word "nappy".

The first post in this series includes selected comments from this 2013 New York Times article about Black women wearing their hair natural: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/03/fashion/the-afro-as-a-natural-expression-of-self.html "The Afro as a Natural Expression of Self" by Ruth La Ferla.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
[Pancocojams Editor's Note:

After watching fourteen YouTube Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. videos, I decided to showcase these seven videos from various Sigma Gamma Rho chapters throughout the United States. I selected these videos because of the diversity of the hair styles as well as the different performance activities documented in these videos.

Most of these videos had at least one comment in their discussion threads, but no comments about hairstyles.

Example #1:Sigma Gamma Rho Step



De Shaun, Published on Jan 19, 2012

The Alpha Zeta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Incorporated at Virginia State University stepping!!!

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Example #2: Alabama A&M University Sigma Gamma Rho Founders Day Stroll Off



DayswithClint, Published on Nov 14, 2014

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Example #3: Duke 2015 Stroll Off Sigma Gamma Rho Round 1



nakita vincent Published on Sep 14, 2015

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Example #4: Gamma Nu Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho - NSU 2015 Homecoming Alumni Stroll off



Ariel Foreman, Published on Nov 10, 2015

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Example #5: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc - Alpha Phi Chapter Neophyte Presentation Spring 2016



Tyshana Richard Published on Apr 7, 2016

Alpha Phi chapter, Howard University, March 31, 2016

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Example #6: EZ Sigma Gamma Rho Alumni Greek Weekend Stroll Off VCU



Epsilon Zeta (VCU Sgrhos), Published on Aug 31, 2016

The Oh So Elegant Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. during Alumni Greek Weekend at VCU with some of our alumni sorors from Spring '09 to Spring '16!

***
Example #7: Alpha Zeta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Probate



Shamir Tyner, Published on Jun 14, 2017

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Visitor comments are welcome.

Categories: African American fraternity and sorority stepping Black natural hair movement in the United States Black sororities hair styles Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority

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Hairstyles Worn By Members Of Historically Black Sororities - Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases hair styles worn by some members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc chapters as documented in seven YouTube videos from various Zeta chapters throughout the United States (from 2010-2017).

This is the third post in a pancocojams series that documents various straight/straightened and natural hair styles that are worn by some members of a specific chapter of a historically Black sorority or hair styles that are worn by some members of multiple chapters of that particular sorority.

Click the "Black sorority hair styles" tag below for those posts.

The content of this post is presented for socio-cultural and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. In addition, thanks to the publishers of these videos.

****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
In 1966 I pledged and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Zeta chapter, New Jersey). In those days, it was both expected and required that women pledging any Black sorority wear their hair straightened/or naturally straight in uniformly shoulder length hairstyles-without any hair extensions, hair weaves, wigs, or braids. Midway in my pledge process, I challenged that rule by getting my hair cut and wearing it in an afro style. Although I received a lot of pressure to straighten my hair from the women pledging me, I refused to do so and was allowed to continue my initiation.

I realize that was waaaay back in the day, but after happening upon a video of another historically Black Greek letter sorority in which a number of steppers wore their hair in natural styles, I decided to document in a small way the impact-if any-of the Black natural hair movement on each of the historically Black Greek letter sororities that are members of the "Divine Nine"*.

*"Divine Nine":
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pan-Hellenic_Council
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. The nine NPHC organizations are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Divine Nine". The member/partner organizations have not formally adopted nor recommended the use of this term to describe their collaborative grouping."...

Sororities that are members of the Divine Nine:
(given in order of their founding dates)
Alpha Kappa Alpha

Delta Sigma Theta

Zeta Phi Beta

Sigma Gamma Rho
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/10/articles-about-black-natural-hair.html for a 2016 pancocojams post entitled "Articles About The Black Natural Hair Movements In USA, Brazil, France, Ivory Coast, & South Africa". This is part II of a four part series on current (as of October 2016) attitudes among African Americans about the word "nappy".

The first post in this series includes selected comments from this 2013 New York Times article about Black women wearing their hair natural: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/03/fashion/the-afro-as-a-natural-expression-of-self.html "The Afro as a Natural Expression of Self" by Ruth La Ferla.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
[Pancocojams Editor's Note:
After watching twelve YouTube Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. videos, I decided to showcase these seven videos from various Zeta Phi Beta chapters throughout the United States. I selected these videos because of the diversity of the hair styles as well as the different performance activities documented in these videos.

Most of these videos had at least one comment in their discussion threads. However, none of the discussion threads had any comments about hair.]

Example #1: Every beat of my heart - Pi Mu Chapter Zeta Phi Beta



jmarce1971 Published on Dec 1, 2010
Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta singing

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Example #2: Carolina Greek Explosion Stroll off - Zeta Phi Beta



MagicVideos Published on Jul 31, 2013

The Lethal Lamda Mu chapter performing at the #CGE2013 Carolina Greek Picnic in Charlotte, North Carolina July 27th.

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Example #3: CAU�s �Prolific� Psi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta - Founder's Day Yard Show [Clark Atlanta University]



emmanuel11246 Published on Jan 18, 2015
-snip-
6:10 of this video showcases a steppin performance by members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the brothers of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

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Example #4: Blue and White BBQ: Zeta Phi Beta. Mama Jama UCF 2015



RAKCM Productions, Published on Apr 16, 2015

University of Central Florida

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Example #5: Zeta Phi Beta WINS 2016 Atlanta Greek Picnic stroll off (Official Video) #AGP2016



Atlanta Greek Picnic Published on Jun 13, 2016

The Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc WIN the 2016 Atlanta Greek Picnic Stroll off. Saturday June 11th, Morris Brown College.

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Example #6: Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Chapter - Howard 2016 Step Show



Kaelan Laurence Published on Oct 25, 2016

The winners of the 2016 Howard HC step show

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Example #7: ZETA PHI BETA GAMMA CHAPTER FALL 2016



Chinedu Nwokeafor Published on Nov 3, 2016 (Morgan State University)

****
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Visitor comments are welcome.

Categories: African American fraternity and sorority stepping Black natural hair movement in the United States Black sorority hair styles Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

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Hairstyles Worn By Members Of Historically Black Sororities - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Inc.

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post documents the hair styles worn by some members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc's "Sweet" Mu Pi chapter at Spelman College as documented in three YouTube videos from 2014 and 2015.

This is the second post in a pancocojams series that documents various straight/straightened and natural hair styles that are worn by some members of a specific chapter of a historically Black sorority or hair styles that are worn by some members of multiple chapters of that particular sorority.

This series also documents selected discussion thread comments that viewers (particularly Black viewers) made about the hair styles that are worn in these videos.

Click the "Black sorority hair styles" tag below for those posts.

The content of this post is presented for socio-cultural and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. In addition, thanks to the publishers of these videos.

****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
In 1966 I pledged and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Zeta chapter, New Jersey). In those days, it was both expected and required that women pledging any Black sorority wear their hair straightened/or naturally straight in uniformly shoulder length hairstyles-without any hair extensions, hair weaves, wigs, or braids. Midway in my pledge process, I challenged that rule by getting my hair cut and wearing it in an afro style. Although I received a lot of pressure to straighten my hair from the women pledging me, I refused to do so and was allowed to continue my initiation.

I realize that was waaaay back in the day, but after happening upon a video of another historically Black Greek letter sorority in which a number of steppers wore their hair in natural styles, I decided to document in a small way the impact-if any-of the Black natural hair movement on each of the historically Black Greek letter sororities that are members of the "Divine Nine"*.

*"Divine Nine":
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pan-Hellenic_Council
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. The nine NPHC organizations are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Divine Nine". The member/partner organizations have not formally adopted nor recommended the use of this term to describe their collaborative grouping."...

Sororities that are members of the Divine Nine:
(given in order of their founding dates)
Alpha Kappa Alpha

Delta Sigma Theta

Zeta Phi Beta

Sigma Gamma Rho
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/10/articles-about-black-natural-hair.html for a 2016 pancocojams post entitled "Articles About The Black Natural Hair Movements In USA, Brazil, France, Ivory Coast, & South Africa". This is part II of a four part series on current (as of October 2016) attitudes among African Americans about the word "nappy".

The first post in this series includes selected comments from this 2013 New York Times article about Black women wearing their hair natural: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/03/fashion/the-afro-as-a-natural-expression-of-self.html "The Afro as a Natural Expression of Self" by Ruth La Ferla.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
[Pancocojams Editor's Note:
I chose to focus on these three videos of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc's "Sweet" Mu Pi chapter at Spelman College, in large part, because of the comments about hair that are found in those videos' discussion thread.

With the exception of a few comments in Video #1 and Video #3 that asks for an explanation of what is going on in the video, and response to those questions, all of these selected comments that are quoted in this post focus on hair.]

Example #1: Sweet Mu Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.



FlicsNsh&t*, Published on Apr 23, 2014

Sweet Mu Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Official Footage from the Spring 2014 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sweet Mu Pi Chapter probate.
-snip-
*An amended spelling of this word is used on this blog.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread (Numbers are assigned for referencing purposes only)

1. Jay Cee, 2014
"Can somebody please explain what this is all about??!!"

**
Reply
2. LuckiiCharmz85, 2014
"Alpha Kappa Alpha is the 1st Black Greek Letter Org for African-American women (sorority), and this is the new member presentation for the chapter at Spelman College. Go to Google if you want to learn more and visit the national website"

**
Reply
3. BritBrat011, 2015
"http://www.aka1908.com/"

**
Reply
4. MrsTruthTeller, 2015
"The girls are crossing the burning sands. It means that this is the first day that they are being introduced to society as members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc."
-snip-
"crossing the sands" = marks or refers to a person's membership in a historically Black Greek letter fraternity or in a historically Black Greek letter sorority
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/01/black-fraternities-sororities-chants_16.html
"Black Fraternities & Sororities Chants That Mention Crossing The Burning Sands"

**
5. Your Majesty,2015
"Why can't they have natural hair?"

**
Reply
6. ?BlkandBeautifulDee?, 2015
"+Nicole A Exactly, I don't get that either. I wanted to join that sorority but I see that they all straighten their hair. Nevermind lol"

**
Reply
7. Sincerely, Elle, 2015
"+Nicole A +tdianddp4life This is actually my line and I have natural hair. A lot of my line sisters also have natural hair. For the probate we stand as one and act as a solitary line, so EVERYTHING we do is the same, from hair to what earrings we wore, to the type of eye liner we put on. So in this we all straightened our hair. But it is absolutely not a requirement to have straight hair to be in the organization at all! Just wanted to say that lol."
-snip-
"Probate" = a term that refers to a formal program that is the first time new members of the organization are introduced to the public

**
Reply
8. Tierini mitchell
"Who gives a damn if they have natural hair or not damn... Black people always have to find something negative to say about each other"

**
Reply
9. Your Majesty, 2015
"+Tierini mitchell like how rude and rachet you are? Don't use black people like we are unified, like all the black lives matter BS black lives don't matter, natural or not, so go [sexually explicit words deleted]"

**
Reply
10. Tierini mitchell, 2015
"Do you know the definition of ratchet? Apparently not because, what did I say that sounds ratchet? That disgusting comment you made a bout [sexually explicit words deleted] is ratchet...And blacks are not a unified race because the Ignorant comments that you, other blacks, and whites love to make "their hair isn't natural because they wanna be white"... That really drives me.. All you had to say you girls look great but no some idiot have to always make some rude comment.. And wtf did I say black lives don't matter.... Something isn't right about you... You're a few fries short of a happy meal.."

**
Reply
11. ?BlkandBeautifulDee?, 2015
"+Tierini mitchell I was just curious to know if that was a requirement or not because I wanted to join AKA if I attended Spelman. I thought they had perms. That worried me because if I joined I wouldn't want to perm my hair but seeing that the poster above said their hair is just straightened with a flat iron I wouldn't mind doing that. That's all. Sorry if I sounded rude."

**
Reply
12. Your Majesty, 2015
"+Tierini mitchell I never said they want to look white [derogatory words deleted] , I was only commenting that their hair looked the same. Having straight hair will never make someone look white, not when they have dark nasty skin"

**
Reply
13. Tierini mitchell, 2015
"+tdianddp4life oh no you didn't sound rude at all.... I was really replying to the no class having other thing.. But, no some wear their hair curly or they flat iron it.."

**
Reply
14. Tashuna Ray, 2016
"What do you think is considered natural hair? Natural...meaning the hair they were born with. Majority of the girls in this video are wearing their own hair... no weave. Trust me...weave doesn't bounce like that. Another thing....every black person doesn't have the same hair texture. Some have curly hair, some have wavy, and fewer have straight. However... why does it matter? These are all beautiful and obviously ambitious women. Not to mention the countless amounts of Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian women who don't wear their "natural" hair. They perm, color, and weave their hair as well as...so let's not pretend. Hope that helps some."

**
Reply
15. Blasian Princess, 2017
"Tashuna Ray my weave bounces a lot but when I had real hair it was sooooo flowy"

**
Reply
16. Blasian Princess, 2017
"?BlkandBeautifulDee? actually I've seen some that don't straighten their hair, and just bc they straighten it so what"

**
Reply
17. Badgurlbeauty, 2017
"unless all of the naturals got a press"

**
18. Natasha Coleman, 2015
"beautiful! I do wonder if the sisters all use the same hair dresser. every AKA line up I see theres the same wonderful flow lol"

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Reply
19. louise, 2016
"Yes...silky"

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Example #2: AKA Step Show "Sweet Mu Pi"



vaughn filmore, Published on Oct 21, 2014

Spelhouse Homecoming Step Show Winners 2014
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread (Numbers are assigned for referencing purposes only)

1. queenbeethatme100, 2015
"OK.. What has happened to my sorority? What is with the white girl hair tossing? we used to be more real and we used to line with our canes, old school baby, we brought the house down with TRUE STEPPING (with foot moves not jumping jack shit)


And we did not wear weaves (weren't invented back then, heh heh) We ran our yard and this pinkie sh&t* and white girl weave tossing stuff did NOT happen.

I don't know, we have truly changed from our hey day in the 1970s!! (when I pledged)

I just hope when you ladies look back 20 years from now at this stuff, you do not cringe and wonder what in the world you were all thinking.

We used to "sang" the best and we were the prettiest and most desired but we did not do stupid stuff when we said who we were and we did not hair toss or pinky wave or look up to the sky like we did not know where we were.

I am not going to simply diss... just that I do not understand this weird way of being the best anymore, it is STRANGE especially that squeaky way of saying incorporated and that pinky up stuff.

Makes AKAs look insipid and vapid. When I was in college, "They all ran hard but AKA ran the yard" Now? it looks like WTF city."
-snip-
*This word is fully spelled out in this comment.

**
Reply
2. mwhytwokay, 2016
"+queenbeethatme100 EXACTLY!!!"

**
Reply
3. MsMo08, 2016
"+mwhytwokay ...it is disheartening to say that least, and that is for ANY organization. They need OLD SCHOOL sisters like you'll to TEACH THEM THE WAY!"

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Reply
4. BinkTwoTimes, 2016
"just to make this clear. no one is wearing weave in this video.... lol"

**
5. Kelli Daniels, 2016
"20 years from now we will be thinking about how we won our show and the other shows we competed in after this! We'll be thinking about how amazingly we represented our chapter on that stage. We'll be thinking about how we KILLED our show from the beginning to the end with REAL steps, stunts and dances. We'll be thinking about how sharp we were and how much fun we had! We'll be thinking about how we kept some traditions and add new school stepping to our show. Yeah we won't cringe at all, honestly!!! Thanks for sharing your memories, but do not try to belittle us for not doing it the way you wanted us too.VERY unsisterly. Also, we STILL run the yard. Forever will :)"

****
Example #3: Alpha Kappa Alpha "Sweet" Mu Pi Spelman College Fall 15 Presentation



Jason Perry Published on Jan 22, 2016

Alpha Kappa Alpha "Sweet" Mu Pi Spelman College Fall 15 Presentation
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread (Numbers are assigned for referencing purposes only)

1. Virgie, 2016
"I guess natural hair is frowned upon in this chapter."

**
Reply
2. BinkTwoTimes, 2016
"+Virgie not at all but not everyone is natural and its all about uniformity and being together on probate day"

**
Reply
3. Sandy F, 2016
"Confused!? Not all my Sorors have weave. Is that what you're referencing?"
-snip-
"Sorors" = sisters (members of a historically Black Greek letter sorority); This referent is used for and among all historically Black Greek letter sororities.

**
Reply
4. LexyJHM, 2017
"thought it was obvious Virgie was pointing out that all of them have permed/flattened hair. No natural hair, natural curls, afros, dreads, buntu knots, etc. anywhere. All straightened out hair."

**
Reply
5. Febiza919, 2017
"LexyJHM no none of them have dreads on this line but for the sake of the presentation uniformity (and for the hair flipping to look effective) they always have them press it out for performances. Many of them wear their hair natural on campus."

**
Reply
6. Tissan Young, 2017
"Nah. Spelman greatly encourages wearing their natural hair. This is just for show."

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7. shalee1, 2016
"can someone explain to me whats going on here?? I live in England so i have no idea haha"

**
Reply
8. Afroblu Atlanta, 2016
"shalee Nothing. just another group of black Sorority chicks introducing their newest members to the campus. this bunch believes they are the pretty girls, so they carry on in this manner. SMH."

**
Reply
9. msgeorgiabama, 2017
"You need to take several seats, sweetheart. Probate shows don't define us; this is an entertaining way for a chapter to introduce themselves to the campus. Don't get it twisted. I'm on my way to a homeless shelter to volunteer...what are you up to today?
Pfft, "this bunch". Girl bye"
-snip-
Traditionally, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. chants and stepping routines have promoted the image of its members being "pretty girls". That's one reason why its members mime holding up a mirror and fixing their hair, and twirling their hair. However, "bobbing their head" as shown in these videos is a new performance movement. I'm not sure when that began. I've seen comments that this movement comes from a traditional Ethiopian head dance [?], but I think that might be a back story for a movement that emphasizes the flowing hair that AKAs' are known for.

**
10. Troy Brooks, 2017
"NOT ONE PIECE OF WEAVE on this line... thank god! Go Mu Pi"

**
Reply
11. Anon w, 2017
"Troy Brooks nothing wrong with weave"

**
Reply
12. Mike Boykins, 2017
"Troy Brooks I agree"

**
13. Carlos Bright, 2017
"Wow, look at all the weaves. You're not white women with naturally long hair. Go natural."

****
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Visitor comments are welcome.

Categories: African American fraternity and sorority stepping Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Black natural hair movement in the United States Black sorority hair styles

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Hairstyles Worn By Members Of Historically Black Sororities - Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. (University of Maryland College Park)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post documents the variety of hair styles worn by some members of the Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.'s Kappa Phi chapter at University of Maryland College Park during their stepping performances at their annual Block Shows (2012-2017).

This is the first post in a pancocojams series that documents various straight/straightened and natural hair styles that are worn by some members of a specific chapter of a historically Black sorority or hair styles that are worn by some members of multiple chapters of that particular sorority.

This series also documents selected discussion thread comments that viewers (particularly Black viewers) made about the hair styles that are worn in these videos.

Click the "Black sorority hair styles" tag below for those posts.

The content of this post is presented for socio-cultural and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. In addition, thanks to Shegaw Mekonen, the publisher of these videos.
art series on current (as of October 2016) attitudes among African Americans about the word "nappy".

****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
I came across the 2016 video of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. chapter at University of Maryland College Park Block Show while surfing YouTube in search of videos about the inclusion of body patting (pattin juba, hamboning) in historically Black Greek letter fraternities' and sororities' step show routines. Watching that video, I was struck with the images of so many members -or actually any member- of a HBCU (Historically Black Greek Letter Organization) wearing their tightly curled (nappy) hair in braided extensions, or in any natural style. And watching other Block Show videos of Deltas from UMCP I was also surprised to see some women wearing their natural or straight/straightened hair in short hair styles. (Also, in at least one or two videos I was surprised to see a woman stepping wearing eye glasses).

In 1966 I pledged and became a member of another historically Black Greek letter sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.). In those days, it was both expected and required that women pledging any Black sorority wear their hair straightened/or naturally straight in uniformly shoulder length hairstyles-without any hair extensions, hair weaves, wigs, or braids. Midway in my pledge process, I challenged that rule by getting my hair cut and wearing it in an afro style. Although I received a lot of pressure to straighten my hair from the women pledging me, I refused to do so and was allowed to continue my initiation.

I realize that was waaaay back in the day, but I've watched a number of YouTube step show videos since I started this cultural blog in 2014, and I don't recall noticing so many sorority members wearing their hair in natural styles. As a result of happening upon the 2016 video that is presented below, I decided to document in a small way the impact-if any-of the Black natural hair movement on each of the historically Black Greek letter sororities that are members of the "Divine Nine"*.

The videos that are featured in this particular post show members of this sorority's chapter wearing their hair in a diversity of styles- except very closely cropped or bald. I applaud this diversity.

These featured videos are presented without comments except for those that mention the hair styles worn by a woman, or women in that video.

*"Divine Nine":
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pan-Hellenic_Council
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. The nine NPHC organizations are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Divine Nine". The member/partner organizations have not formally adopted nor recommended the use of this term to describe their collaborative grouping."...

Sororities that are members of the Divine Nine:
(given in order of their founding dates)
Alpha Kappa Alpha

Delta Sigma Theta

Zeta Phi Beta

Sigma Gamma Rho
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/10/articles-about-black-natural-hair.html for a 2016 pancocojams post entitled "Articles About The Black Natural Hair Movements In USA, Brazil, France, Ivory Coast, & South Africa". This is part II of a four part series on current (as of October 2016) attitudes among African Americans about the word "nappy".

****
FIVE SELECTED COMMENTS FROM A NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE'S DISCUSSION THREAD
As some background to the videos featured in this post, here are five selected comments from a 2013 New York Times article about Black women wearing their hair natural:

From http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/03/fashion/the-afro-as-a-natural-expression-of-self.html "The Afro as a Natural Expression of Self" by Ruth La Ferla, Oct. 2, 2013

[Pancocojams Editor's Note: These comments are given in no particular order and are all dated October 2013. Numbers have been assigned for referencing purposes only.]

1. tiffany, Los Angeles
"I know Dante DeBlasio*'s afro makes this a timely piece, but natural hair styles, including the afro is a "trend" about 20 years in the making.

For many in the academic and Afro-centric communities, and low-maintenance women like my auntie, it never really died. But this most recent resurgence began in the mid-to-late 1990s -- about the same time weird rappers and neo-soul became a thing. I was definitely not the only black woman in DC wearing a teeny weeny afro in 1994.

Even if it's not acknowledged as such, this natural hair movement is really is an outgrowth of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. Those earlier movements did the hard cultural work of shifting beauty norms. Gen X and those behind us get to wear the hair without the same kinds of assumptions about militancy."
-snip-
Dante De Blasio is the mixed race (Black/White) son of Bill De Blasio, the current mayor of New York City.

**
2. Melanie Columbus, Ohio
"I wear my hair natural, and so does my 11 year-old daughter because it's easy and inexpensive to maintain. We can swim and sweat from exercise with no worries about ruining expensive, elaborate styles. We straighten our hair occasionally, just for a change now and then, but most days it's natural; and I get compliments from everyone (Black, White, male, female) almost daily when I don't wear it straight."

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3. Marcos, New York City
"Whether it is the writer of this article, and/or some the kids sporting them, it is naive to think that a large afro is no longer read as a political and social statement. Wear a big afro outside of a big city and analyze the reaction.

It is also interesting to hear commentators chastising black women for straightening or weaving their hair, but no such statements about white women dying, curling and straightening their hair.

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4. Felice, California
"I am SO sick and tired of the conversation about Black women and our hair!!! I AM NOT MY HAIR. WE ARE NOT OUR HAIR. We are so beautiful, sexy, intelligent, versatile, and nuanced! Why in the heck do people keep reducing us to hair? Non-Black women do whatever they want with their hair, and no one complains generally. The way to liberate Black women is not by publically criticizing them for their hairstyle choices. Acceptance is the key. Some women look fabulous with natural hair, fantastic in braids, and beautiful in weave. It really doesn�t matter at the end of the day? And, no, wearing weaves or extensions is not always evidence of low self-esteem. Sometimes, those options are just easier, sassier, and more fun!! I happen to choose what is easiest for me. On the East Coast, that has been wearing a weave at times due to the weather and the lack of salon services available for Black women (ahem . . .Boston). Caring for natural hair is no walk in the park. It requires dedication, patience, and money to keep buying the best products (natural or not). It boils down to this: allow Black women to do what they want with their hair. There are so many societal problems today that we cannot afford to be preoccupied with hair. Let�s feed some folks, keep folks employed, educate our youth, learn how to manage money, erase racism, and make sure all people have access to medical care.

Let�s celebrate all Black beauty, and move on to more important matters!

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5. antoinette, brooklyn
"awesome article! i love the interactive feature of women talking about their own relationship to their hairstyles!

i am african-american and my mom put a relaxer in my hair when i was five to make styling easier. (and because that's what she had/thought was acceptable at the time). i let it grow out when i was in high school opting for afros and braids and then shaved my head for the final year of HS and into college. then i grew out my first set of dreds for seven years and am currently working on my second set. it seems to be the easiest style for now: the traditional femininity of long hair (that some get from a weave) mixed with the strength and clear presentation of my natural self.

also: the politics will never not be a part of the conversation, but i'm glad that the mainstreaming of weaves has de-politicized the issue for many women (especially younger generations who seem fine to sport an afro one week and a beyonce-type weave the next).

and lastly: i would have loved the inclusion of a bald/cropped hair black woman in the interactive feature though, because i think it's one style (that a large minority of black women consistently wear) that pushes against not only perceived notions of race, but also of gender/femininity."

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SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Pancocojams Editor's Note:
The only comments from these videos' discussion threads that are included in this post are those that mention hair styles. I've added brief explanatory notes after a few of these comments.

Example #1: 2012 UMD Block Show: Delta Sigma Theta



Shegaw Mekonen Published on May 9, 2012

The sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc's Kappa Phi chapter perform at the University of Maryland College Park Block Show

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Example #2: 2013 UMD Block Show: Delta Sigma Theta



Shegaw Mekonen Published on May 9, 2013

The sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc's Kappa Phi chapter perform at the University of Maryland College Park Block Show
-snip-
Here's a comment from that video's discussion thread:
bigprice93, 2013
"But nah tho, she kille dit with that knee brace; dese ni&&as* wont hold me back!!!
*ANd her locks likes dats."
-snip-
*This word was fully spelled out in this comment

�locks� = dreadlocks

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Example #3: 2014 UMD Block Show: Delta Sigma Theta



Shegaw Mekonen Published on May 8, 2014

The sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc's Kappa Phi chapter perform at the University of Maryland College Park Block Show

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Example #4: 2015 UMD Block Show - Delta Sigma Theta



Shegaw Mekonen, Published on May 21, 2015

The sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc's Kappa Phi chapter perform at the 2015 University of Maryland College Park Block Show

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Example #5: 2016 UMD Block Show - Delta Sigma Theta



Shegaw Mekonen Published on May 27, 2016

The sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc's Kappa Phi chapter perform at the 2016 University of Maryland College Park Block Show
-snip-
selected comments from that video's discussion thread:
Comments:
hiitsmeeeeeeeeeee, 2016
"hair was poppin"

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Reply
Mad Marsz, 2016
"That's what I was thinking woow. So diverse! I love the deltas."

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3Marron, 2016
"but their hair though: luscious and bomb! i was totally distracted by all the beautiful textures on display"

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Example #6: 2017 UMD Block Show - Delta Sigma Theta



Shegaw Mekonen, Published on May 21, 2017

The sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc's Kappa Phi chapter perform at the 2017 University of Maryland College Park Block Show
-snip-
This particular Block Show included a Probate (the first time new members of a sorority are introduced to the public).

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Categories: African American fraternity and sorority stepping Black natural hair movement in the United States Black sorority hair styles Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

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