The 2025 Dr. Zenobia L. Hikes Homecoming Yard Show spotlights Divine Nine tradition, community, and chapter comebacks

BLACKSBURG, Va. — On October 3rd, the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Virginia Tech (NPHC or Divine Nine) hosted their annual Dr. Zenobia L. Hikes’s Homecoming Yard Show. Celebrating the rich cultural history of stepping, strolling, and the historically-Black fraternities and sororities, the event fostered unity and pride. Kenneth Duku, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., states: “The NPHC yard show is a great event that brings the community together.”

The Yard Show honors the legacy of Dr. Zenobia Lawrence Hikes, who served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Virginia Tech from 2005 until her passing on October 27, 2008. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she joined the Eta Kappa Chapter at Spelman College. At Virginia Tech, Hikes oversaw 15 departments: student life, housing and dining, health, career services, and recreational sports. She championed initiatives that strengthened both community and safety, such as Hokie Camp and SafeWatch.

This year, the show’s lineup featured performances from several Virginia Tech organizations, including:

• Theta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

• Theta Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

• Theta Psi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

• Eta Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

• Mu Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

• Mu Nu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

• Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

• Wahala - African Dance Team

Performers noted the palpable spirit of community in the room, and energy rippled across organizations throughout the night. Aristiea Carroll, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., shared, “The Yard Show was such a fun and exciting experience. I loved not only performing but also [watching] the other organizations bring their energy to the stage. You could really see how much time, effort, and pride everyone put into their performances. The atmosphere was so positive and supportive; it felt like the whole community came together to celebrate.”

Building on this energy, choreography and collaboration defined many sets. Kaylin McCants, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., shared: “Participating in this year’s Yard Show was truly unforgettable. My sisters worked hard to put on a good show, and every organization did an amazing job.”

This past spring, two organizations returned to the NPHC Yard: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. after a hiatus from VT’s campus. 

Jaden Davis-King, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., expresses how meaningful participating in the homecoming show was. He shares: “I had the opportunity to spearhead my chapter’s return to the annual Yard Show. The event was an incredible bonding experience, not just within our chapter, but across the entire NPHC community. My favorite part was getting to choose a theme and showcase our creativity to put on a truly memorable show.”

Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. echoed that sense of renewal. Current president Kai Dankwa shares: “Participating in the Zenobia Hikes Homecoming Yard Show was a whirlwind experience for my chapter. Being reintroduced to The Yard, we felt the need to [show] who we are, [and] provide a look into the energy and drive we hope to revitalize our chapter with. It took a lot of hard work to look as amazing as we did. [. . .] It required all of us to step out of our comfort zones, but the end result was a show we were thrilled about and proud of, and we can’t wait to do it again.”

Across performances, attendees underscored pride and unity as the night’s defining themes. Curtis Williams, member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., noted: “There’s something powerful about seeing so many Black students come together, celebrating who we are and where we come from. The energy, the pride, the unity — it’s what makes our VT campus feel like home.”

For others, building a show from the ground up highlights the hard work behind the spectacle. “I had a lot of fun participating in this year’s Yard Show, as it was [. . .] the first time my [Spring 2024] line put on a show together by ourselves. There were plenty of late-night practices and solo workshopping [. . .] to make the show as best as possible,” said Wendell Rice, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. “My favorite part of the show had to be our last song, or just the open stroll afterwards. It’s always fun having everyone hop on stage, ready for their song to come on.”

As the music faded and the crowd cleared, all agreed: the evening honored Hikes’ legacy and highlighted the strength of Virginia Tech’s Divine Nine. The Homecoming Yard Show continues as a tribute to tradition, a testament to community strength, and a statement that the legacy will thrive at Virginia Tech.