These canes allowed other black soldiers to identify with their rank, which was necessary on many bases where racism was prevalent. In the late 40's and early 50's, for the purpose of identification, many black drill sergeants carried canes. 1786 - 1828 B.C.).įor Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, in many regions, canes were used due, in part, to the influence of the founders, but for the most part by the military drill sergeants who were members. 720 B.C.), as well as the Zulu Legion of the famed general Chaka, the Zulu Monarch (c. Of course many practices are based upon the Masonic influence as well as the African influence of the marching armies of antiquity such as the Warriors of Carthage, led by the military genius of Hannibal Ruler of Carthage (247-183 B.C.), the Nubian warriors of the mighty King Piankhy of Nubia (c. As more and more military men joined or chartered chapters they brought march elements into the pledge process. It is through these and many other factors that stepping began to become an intimate part of Black Greek Lettered Organizations.Īspects of stepping within fraternities became prevalent when brothers returned from World War II. To this day the military influence as well as Masonic influences can still be seen in the step process as well as the pledge process of most Black Greek Lettered Organizations. These, along with the founders influence, are some of the origins for the use of the cane by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Various elements of military marching and line formations were implemented into fraternities with the end of the war and the advent of peacetime. Other elements of stepping formed after the return of brothers from World War II. It is not exactly clear, but it is known that sororities didn't start stepping until several years after the fraternities. This could have been by singing, chanting, marching or standing in groups. In between sessions and even during social events it is believed that stepping, in a sense, was done for The men of Sigma can strutted their stuff, most likely to impress the ladies. The results of which was the Inter-Fraternity Conference of 1922 in Washington, D.C. One fact that is evident is the early origins of stepping stem from members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. We don't think that any one fraternity can lay claim to stepping, more than likely it evolved a number situations and circumstances. For some time, some yards down south would call the step-off a "Sing" instead of a "Step-show". They eventually graduated to dancing and from there stepping. Brothers would gather in the quad and sing and chant. It began with singing or chanting associated with the process of crossing the burning sands.
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