On Feb. 23, the Center for Inclusive Communities (CIC) announced the 2022 Yard Show Celebration. Although many Furman students may not be familiar with yard shows, the impact of this event on campus is a significant celebration of Black culture centered around Black Greek life.
This event builds on the momentum of the return of two Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) to Furman. The first Black sorority to charter at Furman, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), was reinstated in April of 2021. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, members of AKA were unable to formally reveal themselves to the Furman Community until Dec. 8, 2021. On this day, at Moonlight Breakfast in the DH, members of AKA and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (ΚΑΨ) put on a performance in front of the Mongolian Grill and revealed themselves to the Furman Community. This new member showcase revealed four new members of ΚΑΨ, whose identities had previously been hidden.
ΚΑΨ member Miles Baker ’24 elaborated on the significance of the upcoming yard show on Furman’s campus. The yard show will feature step performances from three BGLOs, AKA, ΚΑΨ, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. “In Black Greek life there is a tradition of stepping,” Baker explained, “which will be the main part of the celebration.” According to Baker, the event is the first of its kind in many years, as both AKA and ΚΑΨ will be “back on the yard.” Baker further describes the importance of this yard show, saying:
“To have an event like this on our campus is so important. It’s important for Furman to highlight minority groups on campus… It’s also important to me because it is celebrating black culture, and although it is Black History Month, it is important for our campus and community to support African Americans beyond February. This event is just one of many that will celebrate African Americans.”
The Furman Community is invited to attend the 2022 Yard Show Celebration on Friday, Feb. 25, from 4-8 PM. This event is sponsored by ΚΑΨ, Furman’s NAACP chapter, Student League for Black Culture, Student Diversity Council, and the CIC. The event will be hosted at Milford Mall and Joseph Vaughn Plaza. Attendees can expect food, vendors, and step show performances at 6:30 PM.
