NPHC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | Photo by Caitlin Shatsby | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State University (WSU) becomes the first predominantly white Ohio public institution to unveil its National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) plots.
The unveiling
Family, friends, students, administrators and alumni gathered Saturday afternoon on WSU’s campus to mark the historic unveiling of the NPHC plots, celebrating Black and Brown fraternities and sororities.
The celebration, a symbolic and emotional affair for Greek life and the Black and Brown community on campus, featured speakers, the opening of the plots via a ribbon cutting ceremony and a reception.
The project
The original idea for the project was formulated over 10 years ago, but officially began when former Student Government Association President (SGA) Adrian Williams passed the resolution to build the memorial garden.
The nine Pan-Hellenic Greek Letter organizations, otherwise known as the Divine Nine, partnered with student leaders, university administrators, construction and grounds crew to make this project possible.
WSU President Sue Edwards, the ultimate approver for the project, cites her desire to provide a safe space on campus for minority students as her reason for supporting the project.
“I believe that everyone should have equitable access to higher education and that we should create a space where everyone can thrive and be successful,” Edwards said.
Details of project
Work on the plots began May 20, 2021, with the opening of the project being delayed two times due to construction and supply issues.
The overall cost for the project is not yet known, according to Gina Keucher, program director and greek advisor for Student Involvement and Leadership. However, over $43,000 was raised to build and maintain the project and fund an NPHC scholarship.
History and importance of plots
According to WSU data, African American students only make up 9.7% of the campus population, making the university a predominantly white institution.
While dedicated to the Divine Nine Black and Brown Greek Life organizations, the plots memorialize the struggles racial minority communities have faced over the years and symbolize progress in diversity and inclusion, according to Shaquille Armstrong, president of WSU’s NPHC.
To some community members these plots represent an even more permanent symbol of diversity and inclusion at WSU.
“These plots represent the history that created us and will become the legacy that is all of us,”
Arianna Wooden, secretary for NPHC
Opinions
Students and alumni, especially members of fraternities and sororities, expressed excitement over the opening of the plots.
Students like Johnny Holloway, president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, hope this will give the campus community an opportunity to learn about Greek Life and diverse cultures.
Others like Wright State alumni Onome Scott-Emukapor along with Greek Life students Brittney Zazueta and Jada Brown, a University of Dayton Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter member, recognize that the NPHC plots are only part of the diversity and inclusion initiative at WSU.
“I am truly appreciative of what is going on here, this ceremony, this plot. But, let us not be distracted by shiny objects, WSU [still] has a long way to go to truly show [that] they understand [and that] they appreciate and respect what NPHC means to the Black Community and to campus as a whole,” Scott-Emukapor said.
The plots will be fully complete and outfitted with landscaping by spring semester 2022.
