Amin Serrano
Contributing Writer
Since the emergence of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in 1906, multicultural Greek organizations have used dances, chants and strolls to exhibit pride in their culture. Stepping combines all three forms to create artistic demonstrations on college campuses.
The Dr. Patricia Graham Step Show Competition is an annual ESU tradition that gives the Multicultural Greek organizations a chance to display their culture and creativity, and to win $400, $300 and $200 prizes for first, second and third place.
“Dr. Graham made substantial strides in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through her academic work and community engagement during her tenure as an East Stroudsburg University faculty member from 1977 to 2013,” said Brian Akonu, graduate student and host of the Step show.
Graham is a sponsor of the Step Show, and she is honored in the program of the event. One of her biggest accolades is opening an ESU scholarship program for students at Prince Hall Elementary School in Philadelphia.
The event began on Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Akonu welcomed everyone, listed several event sponsors and introduced the judges of the event. Graham was one of the three judges.
The Mu Betta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Nupes) was the first to perform in the show. They did a “Kobra Kai” inspired routine with steps and displayed their signature shoulder shimmy.
The room seemed to heat up when the Nupes removed their GI’s, brought women on stage and danced for them up close.
Followed by the Nupes, was the Alpha Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Ques). The Ques, led a “Fresh Prince” inspired show, performing their trademark hops and stomps. Their segment ended with an acapella number, each of the Ques on stage harmonizing together in a chant.
After a brief pause the Krimson Kourts, Inc., a national service organization, gave an exhibition outside of the competition, which consisted of two members.
The Maguana chapter of Lamda Sigma Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. continued the list of the competitors with a squid game inspired set. They incorporated some Philly style with rocking their hips and stepping.
Delta Tau of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. crashed through the friendly competition. Each member wearing jailhouse costumes and calling out the other organizations in attendance for stealing their style and moves.
The final competitor was the Iona chapter of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. (Mus). They dressed as characters from powerful girls, strolled, and performed choreography to a homemade mix.
After judge deliberation, Akonu took the stage once more. The crowd hushed in anticipation of the results.
“I am going to give the final honors to Dr. Patricia Graham, to crown the winner,” said Akonu.
Graham crowned the Mu Betta Nupes as the winner of the 2026 Step Show with the Ques in second place and the Mus in third. The crowd erupted, some cheering and some upset.
“It was a very exhilarating event, I always have energy for the step shows. I feel like facilitating events you miss out on it. But with this, the plot development, the music, you never know what’s gonna come next. 12 out of 10 would do it again,” said Akonu.
“I mean for the Patricia Graham Step Show, we had a real condensed time to get what everybody had to get together. But you know we got the job done because we put endless effort in, endless practice, we was day in day out, morning through night,” said Andre Wilson, a contest participant and member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
This was the second year in a row that the Nupes won this event, but their enthusiasm made it seem like their first time.
“Did I think we was gonna win? I had a real high confidence. Not even gonna lie to you. We was trying to go back to back that’s what we wanted. But you know, I’m proud of everyone that participated, I’m glad everyone had fun. Energy was high this year. Let’s keep it going, let’s run it back for next year too,” said Wilson.
Overall the event had a large turnout and a lot of energy.