The rhythmic thunder of stepping and the deep-rooted traditions of Black Greek life are set to take center stage at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center next month.
As a signature event for Black History Month 2026, “Greek Steps, Black Roots: NPHC Night” will celebrate the legacy of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The event, which runs from 6-7:30 p.m., offers a free, high-energy blend of education and performance at the center, located at 200 East M.L. King Blvd.
While admission is free, organizers recommend that attendees RSVP through the center’s website: https://www.bessiesmithcc.org/event-details/greek-steps-black-roots-nphc-night-black-history-month-2025/form.
The NPHC, famously known as the “Divine Nine,” was founded in 1930 at Howard University during an era of racial segregation to provide African American students with leadership, scholarship, and community service opportunities.
Today, these nine organizations–Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta fraternities, alongside Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho sororities–stand as global movements for Black empowerment. Their membership has included iconic historical figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
Attendees will experience the power of “stepping,” a rhythmic performance tradition rooted in African dance and percussive storytelling that became popularized on HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) campuses in the 1960s. Beyond the choreography, members of the Divine Nine will showcase the moves, beats, and stories that have been passed down through generations.
The evening serves as both a cultural history lesson and a vital networking opportunity for local Greek alumni and students to connect with the broader Chattanooga community.
Known locally as “The Bessie,” the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum act as a steward for the city’s rich heritage. Located on the historic M.L. King Blvd–once known as the “Big 9”–the venue provides a narrative arc from African roots and slavery to the Civil Rights Movement and modern culture. By hosting “NPHC Night,” the center continues its mission of bridging traditional Greek culture with the local public to foster understanding and pride in African American history.