On Saturday, Feb. 20, The University of Florida’s Black Student Union hosted their 27^th annual Florida Invitational Step Show (FISS) at the Stephen O’Connell Center in Gainesville, FL.

FISS is the largest student-run step show in the southeast United States. It is an exciting weekend filled with events that showcase the progress and unity of the Greek organizations that are included the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Singer and brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Kevin McCall hosted the events.

Stepping is an art form that originated in Africa and has been performed for decades by many. Organizations in the NPHC have been stepping since the early 1900's. It is an expression of passion, a message to the audience watching and a large element of Black culture.

The weekend began with FISS Fest, a sneak peak step show at Flavet Field, on the University of Florida's campus. Greek NPHC organizations including Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Alpha Phi Alpha and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity competed in a head-to-head competition showcasing their creative step routines. Each dynamic performance left the crowd wanting more. The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha took home the first place trophy for the second year in a row.

"FISS is about bringing people out for a common cause, we have a lot of issues in the community and people don't get along and have a lot of negative vibes, especially within the black community. This gives them an environment where they can just relax, be themselves, and kick back without having to deal with the dramas and pressures of their everyday lives" said Dwayne Fletcher, second year Business Administration student at The University of Florida and member of the Theta Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The main step show event of the weekend happens a few hours after FISS Fest. This year’s theme “The Uprising” included high-energy performances from Sigma Gamma Rho, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma and Taken By Surprise Step Team. Unexpected moments during each performance led the audience to exciting uproar. The women of Sigma Gamma Rho as well as the men of Alpha Phi Alpha received first place for their performances.

“At our university, FISS weekend is the biggest event of the school year for the African American community. Being that it is during Black History Month it makes it even more special. Going to a Predominately White Institution, we do not get to see many black faces during the day, or even during the week, so being able to meet other people that travel from near and far, some in Florida some outside Florida, Greek members and non Greek, some students and even alumni/professionals is really a great opportunity for us as African American Students at our university” said Ashley Jolicoeur, Senior African-Studies Major, Minoring in Mass Communication.

Renessa Williams, Graduating student and member of National Society of Black Engineers mentioned, “I think FISS creates a community of togetherness. No matter if you’re Greek, non-Greek, old or young. FISS allows us to be unapologetically Black."

Year after year The Florida Invitational Step Show brings a positive light and energy to the African American community. It embodies the past, present, and future of Black culture.