The Brothers of Alpha Eta perform a tribute to its fraternity and graduating members. IYHIDM
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases one video of a member of the historically Black Greek letter fraternity Phi Beta Sigma singing "Phi Beta Sigma Got Soul" by himself and one video of a gathering 6000 members of that fraternity singing their song.
This post also showcases three videos of members of Phi Beta Sigma chanting "Phi Beta Sigma Got Soul" while they do a stepping routine.
The basic lyrics to this Phi Beta Sigma song/chant are included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer/s of this song and thanks to all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube. -snip- Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2024/06/comments-about-sigma-who-is-also-prince.html for the closely related pancocojams post entitled "Comments About A Sigma Who Is Also A Prince Hall Mason Singing "Phi Beta Sigma Got Soul" Along With Another Sigma"
**** PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE This blog presents lyrics of historically Black Greek letter fraternity and sorority chants and songs for historical, cultural,and aesthetic purposes.
However, it's important to honor the tradition that these chants and songs are only performed by members of that specific fraternity or sorority.
The only other persons who are supposed to sing this song besides Sigmas are members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., their sister organization.
**** LYRICS - PHI BETA SIGMA GOT SOUL
When I was a young boy My daddy said to me He said "Listen me up my little my little child A Sigma you're going to be."
And I said "Oh daddy, please revel your secrets to me". And he said "Keep your heart and mind on Sigma But keep your eyes on me."
And he said "Oh, oh Phi Beta Sigma got soul" Phi Beta Sigma got Soul.
Oh Phi Beta Sigma’s got Soul -snip- These appear to be the basic lyrics for this Phi Beta Sigma chant/song. Additions and corrections are welcome.
Some versions of this chant/song include these lines: "I love my Blue Phi I love my Blue Phi I love my, I love my Blue Phi"
Some versions of this song include these lines: "Abracadabra, Alakazam, Magic don’t make no Sigma man. Oh, I'm not Donald duck....if you didn't pledge Sigma, you aint worth a !@#$."* -snip- Those letters stand in for the profanity word that isn't spoken.
Additional versions of this Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc chant can be found online.
This is my arrangement of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
Hymn. I put together a picture slideshow from pictures I gathered from the
internet, to go along with the song. I hope you enjoy! Godspeed & Gomab!!!
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases two YouTube videos of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.'s hymn. The lyrics for this hymn is included in this post along with information about Phi Beta Sigma and a few comments from the discussion thread for one of these videos.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, inspirational, and aesthetic purposes.
Thanks to James
Weldon Johnson, the composer of that song who was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Thanks to all those who featured in this videos, and all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
**** INFORMATION ABOUT PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC. From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phi_Beta_Sigma " Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (ΦΒΣ) is a historically African Americanfraternity. It was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., on January 9, 1914, by three young African-American male students with nine other Howard students as charter members. The fraternity's founders, A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, and Charles I. Brown, wanted to organize a Greek letter fraternity that would exemplify the ideals of Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service while taking an inclusive perspective to serve the community as opposed to having an exclusive purpose. The fraternity exceeded the prevailing models of Black Greek-Letter fraternal organizations by being the first to establish alumni chapters, youth mentoring clubs, a federal credit union, chapters in Africa, and a collegiate chapter outside of the United States. It is the only fraternity to hold a constitutional bond with a historically African-American sorority, Zeta Phi Beta (ΖΦΒ), which was founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., through the efforts of members of Phi Beta Sigma."...
**** LYRICS FOR PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY'S HYMN
(composed by James Weldon Johnson)
The Founders of our wondrous band, in numbers though were three, taught ideals high which soon became a part of ev'ry Phi. Said they “our cause” let us make known, O brothers, don't dismay. Fear not, fight on, for in this wise our cause speeds on its way (x2)
From western plains to eastern hills, There comes a shout of praise. A shout which tells of victory, bids Beta Sigma raise. A shout which swells to laud hurrahs and to us seems to say Fear not, fight on, for our cause Speeds nobly on its way. Fear not, fight on, for our cause Speeds nobly on its way.
March on, march on ye mighty host, Nor think the journey done, Nor of the future deeds to boast, Till we've the victory won, Then when we hear from time to time, O Sigma, what of the day? We'll thunder back along the lines, "Our cause speeds on its way". We'll thunder back along the lines, "Our cause speeds on its way"
Mighty Men of the Southern Region sing their fraternity hymn
as they close out a great Biloxi
regional conference on April 14, 2012 -snip- Here are a few comments from the discussion thread for this video (with numbers added for referencing purposes only.)
1. @y3ll0ch0c0lat3, 2014 "There is no way any bruh can listen to this song and NOT
sing along. BLU PHI TO ALL MY BRUHS!"
** 2. @itubedyoutoo, 2014 "HAPPY CENTENNIAL TO THE MIGHTY MEN OF PHI BETA SIGMA,
FRATERNITY, INCORPORATED! #ZPBS #ItsAllPhiBeta"
** 3. @theenergyisoff, 2016 "Sing Brothers!"
** 4. @dh4183, 2017 "GOMAB
** 5.@graceandpeace4414, 2019 "My constitutionally bound brothers. True family.
Blue Phi!!"
** 6. @kgwal4760, 2022 "BLUE PHI!!!!
** 7. @ShabazzStone, 2024 "FYI, The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Hymn was written by our
Brother James Weldon Johnson, the same person who penned Lift Every Voice and
Sing , which is widely regarded as "The Black National Anthem".
PHI BETA SIGMA Probate GAMMA GAMMA CHAPTER 2K12 @ North
Carolina Central University (NCCU) Congratulations to PHASE 4: Unpredictable
TakeOver
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part V of this pancocojams series. This post showcases six videos of Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity Inc. probates.
I'm particularly interested in documenting whether one or more designated member/s of that fraternity holds a decorated staff or some other object and whether neophytes carry a shield during their probate.
However, these videos are given without any descriptions or any comments.
The content of this post is presented for historical, folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the producers and publishers of these videos on YouTube. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to all those who are featured in these embedded videos as well as the producers and publishers of these videos. -snip- Documenting how historically Black Greek letter fraternity and sorority probates wouldn't be complete without information about the close contact processional styles that the neophytes have when they enter the probate performance area.
I believe that those close contact styles were/are influenced by the South African Venda's [ethnic population] Domba dance which is also known as "the python dance". Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/01/similarities-between-venda-python-dance_7.html for a 2013 pancocojams post entitled "Similarities Between The Venda (South Africa) Python Dance & Historically African American Greek Letter Sororities Probate Line Formations".
**** SHOWCASE VIDEOS OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY INC. PROBATES
These videos are given in chronological order based on their publishing date on YouTube.
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1
This video is given at the top of this page.
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - "Blu Jack City" Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Probate
Spring 2019 Coastal Carolina University
Crispygawd Apr 12,
2019
The Beta Beta Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Presents
"Blu Jack City" Spring 2019 Edition
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 - Phi Beta Sigma probate 2022
Torrey Purvey. Mar 11, 2022
#LangstonUniversity
My name is Torrey Purvey. I'm an educator and photographer.
My photos used for ESPN, Essence Magazine, Sports Illustrated, LA Times and
other fashion show entities
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 - MORGAN STATE SIGMAS NEOPHYTE SHOW FALL '23 FULL SHOW (GAMMA
CHAPTER)
Grand Tour Media, Nov
24, 2023
Filmed and Edited by: Grand Tour Media
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #5 - Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Spring 2024 New Member
Presentation
Jason Gray, Apr 2, 2024
Arkansas Baptist College
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #6 - Howard University Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Alpha
Chapter Probate | Spring '24
All That Coin, Apr 5, 2024
Get ready to witness the ultimate display of brotherhood and
excellence as Phi Beta Sigma fraternity takes center stage at Howard
University's Spring 2024 Probate! Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes
look at this electrifying event, where the newest members of Phi Beta Sigma
step into the spotlight and embrace their roles as leaders and change-makers.
In this captivating video, immerse yourself in the energy
and excitement as the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma prepare to introduce their
latest additions to the world. From the intense rehearsals to the moments of
celebration and camaraderie, experience the dedication, passion, and sense of
community that define the Phi Beta Sigma experience at Howard University.
Follow along as we journey through the historic campus of
Howard University, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and rich tradition that
surrounds this iconic institution. From the iconic landmarks to the diverse and
dynamic student body, Howard University sets the stage for an unforgettable
evening of brotherhood and empowerment.
Whether you're a member of the fraternity, a proud
supporter, or simply curious about Greek life at Howard University, this video
promises to captivate and inspire. Don't miss out on this exclusive glimpse
into the Phi Beta Sigma Spring 2024 Probate ....
**** This concludes Part V of this pancocojams series.
Moonpie, Me, Nick Steele & Black Reggie on the track
My bad Buckwheat and Reggie i had to do it for class so
that's why yall not in it, but the BET version is coming soon
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part II of a two part pancocojams series about the different meanings of the term "Sigma Walk".
This post showcases three additional YouTube videos of the fraternity "Sigma Walk". Two of these videos was published in 2009 and one was published in 2012. One video of the (fraternity) Sigma Walk is included in Part I of this pancocojams series.
Selected comments from these videos' discussion threads are also included in this post.
That post includes some comments from that video's discussion thread. In addition, my editorial notes about Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. "Sigma Walk" rap record and stroll routine are also included in that post.
That pancocojams post also presents some information about and one example of the Sigma Man" mainstream social media meme in general and the related mainstream social media "Sigma Walk" meme, in particular.
The content of this post is presented for historical, socio-cultural, and entertainment purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos or were associated with those videos. Thanks to the creators of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.'s Sigma Walk. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
1. ღNiseyReneeღ, 2009 "YES PBS!!! U betta get it!!! So loved this song the minute
dem beta upsilon "dagnasty boys" did it on the campus of that GREAT
BETHUNE-COOKMAN!!"
** 2. omenone2000, 2009 "I need this track on MP3. GOMAB!!"
** 3. Robert Charles, 2009 "About time this got on youtube!!!!"
** 4. KingLyrical, 2009 "Bruhs...good sh-t*! I watch this video all the time on
facebook. About time ya'll put it on youtube!"
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated
"AWESOME" Zeta Alpha Chapter
Spring 2007 - #7 Mr. 870" -snip- *This word is fully spelled out in this comment.
** 5. Vonni G, 2009 "This go sh-t* go hard MAB i diggin this, i got to get this in
a party so the bruhz can get down.
Blu Enigma
The Magnificent Nu Pi Sigma Chapter
Spr.08" -snip- *This word is fully spelled out in this comment.
** 6. Dr. Roberts, 2009 "Off the Chain. Cant wait til Blue and White 09 You KNOW!!!
Sigma Chapter Reppin'"
** 7. blusquare2, 2009 "Yaw Frats is CRAZY!!!!!"
** 8. diligence82, 2009 "They must spend alot of time dissin...cause thats all I ever
see. I understand that the sonf is a party song but this video does not
represent Sigmas or Greeks well. Do Better"
** Reply 9. Meech MAB, 2009 "Stop Crying Grow Up All Chpapers Don't Do The Diss stroll But Alot Of Us Do And We Still Cool With Other Frats Its Neo-Minded People Like You Who Cry about It You didn't Even Have To Comment You Could Have Just x'ed And Got On With It....That Is All
#8
Anchor M.O.S.S.B.E.R.G.
S.S. D.E.M.I.S.E.
SPR 08
Deadly Delta Tau
GOMAB"
** Reply 10. HunnyLuv82, 2010 "@prayerfulsong72 That was actually a diss stroll, but I see you've made a youtube career of hating on Sigma videos. Since it's obvious you don't know your history about stepping, cane twirling, or African dance, I won't waste my energy any longer."
** 11. mycbreez, 2010 "This is one of the illest strolls out; I get hyped watching this vid. GOMAB!
-11 I.C.E.E. H.O.T.
14 B.E.L.O.W.Z.E.R.O.
Spring 01'
Alpha Beta Chapter JSU"
** 12. Drew Brown, 2010 "This is much better than the original.
I notice a heavy Kappa (shimmy) and Alpha step influence.
Are parts of it meant
to be 'dis strolls'?"
** Reply 13. yoboibigc, 2011 "@prayerfulsong72 lol that looked like a diss strol to me"
** Reply 14. lovej1130,2012 "Its OBVIOUSLY a diss stroll guys I'm not even greek and i
knw that...cmon now imma need yall to
get it together"
** Reply 15. LuckiiCharmz85, 2012 "It's called doing part of a diss stroll where you imitate
the other orgs, smh."
** 16. johnny josey, 2012 "yall step too good to do krazy legs"
** 17. Timmy529, 2016 "yo this is dj jay tee I have a Sigma wedding to do In Feb
2017 I need you to email me the Mastered Track ASAP"
** 18. Kenny Manuel. 2022 "The best stroll ever! GOMAB BROS 🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾"
** 19. Derepa06, 2023 "Anybody know how to find thr original since this the remix.
The one I'm looking for was made on Fort Valley campus"
****
ADDITIONAL SHOWCASE EXAMPLES OF YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF THE SIGMA WALK
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - UAPB Edition of SIGMA WALK
Barry, Aug 3, 2009
Gangsta Beta Theta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity INC.
starring in the HOTT song "SIGMA WALK" -snip- Here are some comments from this YouTube video's discussion thread with numbers added for referencing purposes only
1. Sgt B,2009 "yall crazy...lol
its tight tho"
** 2. Barry, 2010 "@CultivatingOne G.O.M.A.B. if yu are a MAN of SIGMA. Who are
you? This video and song is very good it shows the life of UNDERGRAD Sigmas
CULTURE FOR SERVICE AND SERVICE FOR HUMANITY!
This is a SOCIAL fraternity not a gang, club or joke. We are not a
corporation. We service our community by having a FREE Bar B Q and interacting
with the University students, our Aux Club Sigma Beta, our Sister Zeta Phi Beta
Sorority, and each other! We did nothing GHETTO or no kind of BAFOONERY! SO
SPIN and S.I.E" -snip- This comment was apparently written in response to a comment that was critical of this stroll. However, that comment no longer appears in this discussion sub-thread.
"Sigma Beta" is the name of high school groups that were (are?) mentored by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
** Reply 3. Barry, 2010 "@thereturnofman295 actually i didnt work hard at all sir. it
was just put together afta we were chilling at a bbq.... if yu wannna see a
music video i did check out Red Spary paint. This is just us having fun!" -snip- This comment was apparently written in response to a comment that was critical of this stroll. However, that comment no longer appears in this discussion sub-thread.
** Reply 4. mndbndr93, 2010 "I like this bro!! All tha haterz just don't understand
phamily videos of PHamily PHun! I wish I
had an audio track of this so I could listen to it in da car."
** Reply 5. Aquita17, 2011 "I really don't think this is bafoonery."
** 6. Ronnie Rothstein, 2011 "Does anybody have a link to an mp3 I can download..?"
** 7. Fluffy2Fit, 2012 "May i please have the actual mp3 as well. My chapter is
doing a stroll off and we would like to surprise our brothers at the end! =)"
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #3- Phi Beta Sigma - Sigma Walk at UCF
MacTheDJ.Com, Nov 12, 2012 -snip- Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread:
LLBJTheGreat, 2013 "GOMAB! BRUHS WAS FOOLIN!" -snip- "GOMAB" is a secret term that is used only by members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. "Bruhs"="brothers". The statement "Bruhs was foolin'" points out the light hearted nature of the "Sigma Walk" step routine (or stroll) compared to some other Sigma step routines.
Notice that a Sigmas in the front of this stroll routine is blowing a whistle.
The custom of blowing a whistle during some BGLO routines can be traced to the popularity of the (Hip Hop artist) Too Short's 2006 record "Blow The Whistle".
**** This concludes Part II of this pancocojams series.
The Beta Upsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
doing their SIGMA WALK... produced by Front Sigma Nick Steele. Get it
BCUUUUUUU!!!
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest revision -May 6, 2023
This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series about the different meanings of the term "Sigma Walk".
Part I of this post showcase two YouTube videos of the historically Black Greek letter organization Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.'s "Sigma Walk" stroll routines.
My editorial notes about Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. "Sigma Walk" rap record and stroll routines are also included in this post. Additions and corrections are welcome.
Part II of this pancocojams post also presents information about the mainstream social media's "Sigma" meme and showcases one YouTube video of the "Sigma Walk" meme.
The content of this post is presented for historical, socio-cultural, and entertainment purposes.
This post highlights the fact that a referent can have a different meaning or different meanings within different populations of the same city, state and/or nation during the same period of time.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos or were associated with those videos. Thanks to the creators of the fraternity Sigma Walk and thanks to the creators of the social media meme "Sigma Walk". Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube. -snip- This is part of an ongoing pancocojams series on historically Black Greek letter fraternities and sororities. Click the tags below or google [the name of the fraternity or sorority] pancocojams to find other posts in this series, for instance Phi Beta Sigma pancocojams. .
** Historically Black Greek letter fraternity & sorority chants and songs are part of African American culture that can be appreciated by people inside and outside of those organizations. Examples of these performances and compositions are cultural artifacts that should be collected, preserved, and studied along with information and comments about those performances/compositions.
However, in accordance with the cultural traditions, historically Black Greek letter fraternity & sorority chants and songs should only be recited and/or performed by those who are members or pledges of the specific organization that is affiliated with that particular chant.
**** PART I - PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC.'S "SIGMA WALK"
1. ct50, 2009 "frat i need dis song...somebody hit me up wit where i can get it from...
and i want dis version, not da one from last year...MAB"
** 2. MsMiMi784, 2009 "Boi... Just like a Sigma... Everybody wanna take they shirt off... And wassup wit that random Zeta in the back!!! LMAO!!! I SEE YOU BRE!!!! LOVE YOU ISM!!!!"
** 3. PoloNYC, 2009 "lolz....MAB was goin hard body with the crazy legs stroll to this chune...."
** 4. kewx007, 2009 "where can i get the song?!
GOMAB OR GO HOME"
** 5. The random guy on here,2012 "Best part of this stroll is what they stole from kappas"
**
Reply 6. D.J. Lindsay,2012 "@Jrico247: what did they 'steal from the Kappas?'
#not trying to start anything.
** Reply 7. SYNsational TV, 2012 "I swear wiggling iz the sexiest thing ever!!!"
** Reply 8. Ben Moore, 2017 "No one cares...SIGMAAAAAA"
**** MY EDITORIAL NOTES ABOUT PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY'S "SIGMA WALK"
Additions and corrections to these notes are very welcome. For the historical and cultural record, please share information that you know about Phi Beta Sigma's Sigma Walk in the comment section below. Thanks!
The Sigma Walk is referred to as a stroll and not a step.
From the numerous YouTube videos that I've watched of historically Black Greek letter fraternity and/or sorority strolls, it appears that strolls are most often done in a vertical line that moves in a follow the leader circular or zig zag pattern. Much less often strolls are performed in an actual circle formation or in horizontal lines as is (or was) the case with the Sigma Walk. In contrast, Black Greek letter stepping appears to always be done in horizontal lines. I'm using the term "stroll" to refer to this fraternity routine because some video publishers of Sigma Walk videos and commenters on some YouTube discussion threads about (the fraternity) Sigma Walk refer to it as a "stroll". I have never come across the term "step" used as a referent for the Sigma Walk.
For a video example of the Sigmas stepping, click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_zj19zQ_EQ Phi Beta Sigma - Eta Chapter - NCAT - GHOE Step Show - Greensboro Colesium - Oct 28, 2022 1st Place, published by Lester Coney, Oct 30, 2022 GREENSBORO
Phi Beta Sigma wins 1st Place at North Carolina A&T State University Greatest Homecoming On Earth (GHOE) Step Show at the Greensboro Colesium on Oct 28, 2022 - 7 PM. 12,000 in Attendance.
**** "Sigma Walks" were* (or are?) only performed by members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and by members of their official sister organization Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for example in Video #1 above and in a brief 2012 video in which a woman also does the Sigma Walk.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nic4_qohJRs. Those women are undoubtedly members of the Sigma's sister organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.. When Zetas perform the Sigma Walk they only appear to do so along with or separately as a tribute to members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
Note that Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc. is a Divine Nine historically Black Greek letter sorority. However, members of that sorority and others usually refer to that Sigma Gamma Rho as "SGRho" and not "Sigmas". **** In all of the Sigma Walk videos that I've found, members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. are strolling to the same recorded song named "the Sigma Walk". Here's the earliest video for the "Sigma Walk" with its summary citations:
Moonpie, Me, Nick Steele & Black Reggie on the track
My bad Buckwheat and Reggie i had to do it for class so
that's why yall not in it, but the BET version is coming soon". -snip- This YouTube video and some comments from its discussion thread are showcased in Part II of this pancocojams series.
Notice that video title and the narrator refers to this song and/or its routine as a "Remix". There doesn't appear to have ever been an earlier video of this Sigma Walk or its song with that title on YouTube.
** That "Sigma Walk" song may have been featured on BET as noted in that Georgia Sigmas' video summary. However, I've found no reference to that happening. Also, that record doesn't appear to have been an actual record which is featured on YouTube and/or which is stores or online. Multiple commenters in several YouTube discussion threads of the fraternity Sigma Walk ask where they can find a recording of that song. The only response that I've read to those queries is that someone indicated that he would email that song to that person requesting that song.
**** A number of commenters on several YouTube discussion threads wrote that the "Sigma Walk" is a diss stroll. The diss (insult) is made by doing the shimmy dance movement that is a signature Kappa Alpha Phi, Fraternity Inc. dance movement.
Read comments that are found in Part II of this pancocojams seriesabout the Sigma Walk being a performed as a diss.
**** I don't know if "Sigma Walks" are still done now (in 2023). The latest YouTube (fraternity) "Sigma Walk" video that I have found was published on YouTube on Aug 26, 2015 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uU_EHokK3Q). This probably means that the Sigma Walk is an old school (retired, no longer performed) style of stepping by members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
**** A number of commenters wrote that the Sigmas' were "stealing" moves from the Nupes (also known as the Kappas- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.") [Contemporary members of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. are known for their shimmy moves.] Some commenters who note that Sigmas purposely do these Kappa moves as part of the Sigma Walk as a way of dissing (insulting, making fun of ) the Kappas. (Read comments in Part II of this pancocojams series. Also, read the comment that is given above in which the commenter said that the Sigmas were foolin (i.e. "fooling around", being lighthearted in their stepping.)
"Part of a series on Internet Slang. [View Related Entries]
[View Related Sub-entries]
Updated 4 months ago by Zach. [2023]
Added 2 years ago by Adam.[2020]
About
Sigma Males or Sigma Male is a slang term referring to a
supposed classification for men who are successful and popular, but also silent
and rebellious, a type of man who likes to "play by his own rules."
In most analyses, they are considered "equal" to Alphas on the
hierarchy but live outside of the hierarchy by choice. John Wick has often been
cited as a prominent example of a Sigma Male. After the discovery of the
classification was unearthed by Twitter user @LilySimpson1312 in 2021, it was
mocked online by people expressing distaste for the greek alphabet system of
male classification. However, the term has since become widespread in memes and
internet discourse, such as Sigma Stare and Sigma Male Grindset.
[…]
Origin
The term "Sigma Males" has been attributed to
writer Vox Day, aka Theodore Robert Beale, a self-described Christian
nationalist.[1] On his blog, he often goes into detail explaining the hierarchy
of males using the greek alphabet. On May 16th, 2010,[2] he published,
"Explaining sigma. Again," in which he wrote that the "sigma"
is not just a social outcast, but a person who despite being a supposed social
outcast "wins" at the social game. He writes:
Sigma: The outsiders who don't play the social game and
manage to win at it anyhow. The alphas hate sigmas because they are the only
men who don't accept or at least acknowledge their social dominance. (NB:
Alphas absolutely hate to be laughed at and a sigma can enrage an alpha by
simply smiling at him.) Everyone else is vaguely confused by them. At the
party, it's the guy who stops by to say hello to a few friends accompanied by a
tier one girl that no one has ever seen before. Sigmas often like women, but
also tend to be contemptuous of them.'
He has also described some pop culture
characters as "Sigmas," including Han Solo, Neo, and many Clint
Eastwood roles.[3]”…
While the origin may be innocent enough, netizens have been
using the meme to justify behaviour which might not be the most gentlemanly.
Misogynistic acts are being justified with the ‘sigma male’ mindset and the
‘sigma grindset’ etc.
Memes can sometimes turn toxic too. This is, in my opinion,
one instance."...
**** AN EXAMPLE OF MAINSTREAM SOCIAL MEDIA'S "SIGMA WALK"
Dr.
Livesey Chad Sigma Walk except it's every universe
Dr. Livesey, Aug 24, 2022 -snip- In the context of mainstream social media, the Sigma Walk means walking (or strutting) forward in a highly confident manner. -snip- By its name itself, "Sigma male" refers to males only. However, "Sigma walk" may also refer to the confident way that a person of any gender walks (or struts).
**** This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams post.
The Brothers of Alpha Eta perform a tribute to its fraternity and graduating members. IYHIDM
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest revision: May 25, 2025
This pancocojams post showcases videos of some graduating members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. wearing one or more kente cloth stole/s with their graduation cap and gown.
The content of this post is presented for historical and cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to all those who published these videos on YouTube. -snip- This post is part of an ongoing pancocojams series about kente cloth graduation stoles.
A pancocojams post on this subject has been published for each of the "Divine Nine" historically Black Greek letter organizations. Click the "kente cloth graduation stole" tag below or click the name of the historically Black Greek letter organization in the tags below to find the pancocojams post on this subject that showcases videos of that paticular Black Greek letter organization wearing kente graduation stoles and/or another type of kente stole during university graduations.
****
THE BLACK AMERICAN CUSTOM OF WEARING KENTE CLOTH STOLE/S DURING UNIVERSITY GRADUATIONS by Azizi Powell (latest revision May 25, 2025)
"BACKGROUND From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kente_cloth [retrieved May 25, 2025] "Kente refers to a Ghanaian textile made of hand-woven strips of silk and cotton.[1] Historically the fabric was worn in a toga-like fashion among the Asante, Akan and Ewe people. According to Asante oral tradition, it originated from Bonwire in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. In modern day Ghana, the wearing of kente cloth has become widespread to commemorate special occasions, and kente brands led by master weavers are in high demand.
Due to the popularity of kente cloth patterns, production of mass-produced prints with the kente patterns have become popular throughout West Africa, and by extension the whole of Africa. Globally, the print is used in the design of academic stoles in graduation ceremonies worn mostly by black people in the United States and Canada."...
**** WHY KENTE CLOTH GRADUATION STOLES ARE WORN IN THE UNITED STATES Since the 1970s in the United States, kente cloth has become a widely recognized short cut symbol of African heritage. Kente cloth is the most widely known example and often the only known example of traditional African fabric in the United States.
There are countless contemporary usages of kente cloth designs in the United States including as clothing fabric, book marks, and Kwanzaa ornaments. However, the most widely adopted use of kente cloth in the United States has been Black Americans choosing to wear one or more kente cloth stole/s with the standard cap and gown (robe) during graduation ceremonies. This custom is especially found among Black Americans who are graduating from a Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU), although Black Americans graduating from a Predominately White Institution (PMI) may also choose to wear one or more kente cloth graduation stole/s. While wearing a kente cloth stole is a voluntary decision, it has become traditional to do so among those graduates of either a HBCU or a PMI (Predominately White Institutions) who are members of a historically Black Greek letter sorority or fraternity.*
The kente cloth stole represents the graduate's connection to and pride in their African heritage, and their pride in their accomplishment of graduating. If they are members of a historically Black Greek lettered fraternity or sorority, the favored stole is in the two colors of their organization and includes that fraternity's or sorority's three Greek letters. -snip- *Members of these organization that aren't Black may also follow that custom of wearing one or more kente cloth stole in their graduation ceremony.
**** DESCRIPTIONS OF KENTE CLOTH GRADUATION STOLES IN THE UNITED STATES "Kente cloth is a traditional fabric of the Akan people of Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Togo West Africa. The custom in the United States of African Americans wearing kente cloth as stoles during graduation (particularly from universities, but sometimes also from high school and from middle school) is an adaptation of the ways that kente was traditionally worn. Since 2012, it has become customary for many African Americans who are graduating from universities (colleges) to wear a particular design of kente cloth stoles that has a green, gold, red, and black color combination. Because those are the colors for the Pan-African flag, I refer to this kente graduation stole as the "pan-African kente graduation stole".
Instead of or in addition to wearing this green, gold, red, and black colored kente cloth stole, some members of historically Black Greek letter fraternities or sororities (regardless of their race or ethnicity) often choose to wear one or more customized kente cloth stole/s. A customized graduation stole has the two colors that represent that Greek letter organization and also includes that fraternity's or sorority's three Greek letters (representing that organization's name). Graduates who wear the pan-African kente graduation stole and/or their fraternity or sorority's customized kente stole may also wear other academic stoles that they have earned. based on my YouTube video searches, it doesn't appear to be a custom for African American university students in general or for members of Black Greek letter organizations to wear pan-kente cloth stoles or customized kente cloth stoles at any other time other than during these graduation ceremonies and after graduation stepping or strolling performances.
Much less frequently, kente cloth stoles may be worn by Black graduates in the United States at other levels such as children graduating from elementary school or teenagers graduating from high school.
The green, gold, red, and black pan-African kente cloth graduation stole seems to be the standard kente graduation stole for African Americans as a whole since at least 2012. It appears to be customary for some members of historically Black Greek letter organizations who are graduating from a university to also wear a customized stole for their fraternity or sorority as well as any academic stole that they have earned in addition to or in place of that pan-African kente graduation stole. The customized fraternity or sorority kente graduation stoles have that organization's two colors, the organization's name, and its three Greek letters (such as Alpha Phi Alpha ΑΦΑ).
In the admittedly informal YouTube searches that I've conducted, I haven't found any videos that show kente cloth stoles being worn by members of any historically Black Greek letter organizations at any time other than for their university graduation ceremony and their stepping, strolling, hopping, singing performances that may spontaneously occur immediately after that formal graduation ceremony.
Prior to around 2010 or 2011 members of historically Black Greek letter organizations wore customized graduation stoles made out of some shiny materials [?] or made out of cloth. Graduation stoles made out of kente cloth began to be seen in those videos from 2010 and 2011 on, although those customized graduation stoles made from other fabrics appear to still be worn by some members of those historically Black Greek organizations (BGLOs).
Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2018/05/black-university-graduates-in-united.html for the closely related pancocojams post entitled "Black Fraternity & Sorority Tradition Of Strolling During Or After A University Graduation Ceremony". That 2018 post provides information about the historically Black Greek letter organizations traditions of stepping and strolling.".
**** ADDITIONAL SHOWCASE VIDEOS These are the YouTube videos that I found which met my criteria for this pancocojams post (i.e. members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. wearing kente cloth stole/s with their graduation cap and gown.)
These videos are given in chronological order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2: Spring
2011 Georgia State University Graduation - Phi Beta Sigma ( www.PiAlpha1914.org
)
PiAlphaPBS, Jun 18, 2011
Us (The Pi Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated @ Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta.) continuing Pi Alpha tradition, by performing the founders step at the 2011 Georgia State University Graduation!
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #3: Theta
Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. at the University of Alabama
Down With The Browns, Dec 15, 2014
Graduation fall 2014
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #4: Soul" FAMU Sigmas
Shawn Williams, May 13, 2016
The "HARD"Alpha Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc setting off Soul after Spring 2K16 graduation #GOMAB
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #5: Theta
Delta chapter Phi Beta Sigma | Spring Graduation 2018 | The University of
Alabama
John White, May
9, 2018
The
Definition Theta Delta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma stepping for graduation at the
University of Alabama!
