The Mu Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at The University of Southern Mississippi held its annual “Train Like an Alpha” event last week, featuring female participants showcasing their stepping skills in a competition modeled after the fraternity’s distinctive style.
Joshua Washington, a junior at Southern Miss and member of Alpha Phi Alpha, provided insight into the event.
“Train like an Alpha is where females get together, and they basically stroll like an Alpha, and we pick a winner,” Washington said.
The event was judged by a panel that included Raven Brown, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; Keshawn Kennedy, a member of the Mu Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha; and Deloris McNair, Associate Director of the Office of Community and Belonging at Southern Miss.
Five teams participated in the competition, each coached by a member of the fraternity.
The first team, “Secret Service,” was coached by Deshawn Hudson. Known for their sleek and smooth style, the team opened their performance with a coordinated line and link-up act. Their routine centered around the theme of the team finally being able to step after their leader, portrayed as the president, left. The performance, which included a solo with two backflips and a split, concluded with an Alpha step.
After a brief intermission, the second group, “Snowja Boys,” coached by Carl White IV, performed. The team kicked off their routine with Soulja Boy’s “Get Silly,” wearing jumpsuits and jerseys personalized with their names and numbers. They incorporated multiple sets, stepping to Beyoncé’s “Diva” and Chris Brown’s “Take You Down.” Their coach joined them for a final upbeat scroll-off.
Team three, “Phatal Sentence,” was coached by J’alex Harvey. They performed to a mix of Glorilla and Quavo’s “Fresh Out the Bed,” with matching pants featuring gold and white names down the legs and gold bandanas. Their performance included a police officer as part of their act during a line scroll.
The fourth team, “Alphas with Attitude” (AWA), coached by Brother Arthur, dressed in black bandanas, shades, and thick gold chains, representing a rap group traveling from Hattiesburg to Compton.
The final team, “So I.C.E.Y Girls,” coached by Tyler Saul, wore all black with vests and boots. Their high-energy routine ended the competition on a strong note.
At the conclusion of the event, the judges announced the top three teams. The “Secret Service” team took third place, “So I.C.E.Y Girls” finished in second, and the “Snowja Boys” claimed first place.