Florida State University’s National Pan Hellenic Council plans to create a permanent space and physical representation for Black Greek life on campus.
The park will be for the students and alumni from various chapters to express their heritage and to educate visitors about the rich history and importance of the NPHC chapters on FSU’s campus.
“The idea of a physical space to honor and recognize the legacy of our NPHC organization started with the meeting of students approximately five years ago. Since then, we have continued to engage NPHC students and alumni in conversations about the best way to create space for them on campus,” Chris Graham, director of fraternity and sorority life at FSU, said.
The park will be located off Legacy Walk, adjacent to Moore Auditorium and the new Student Union’s central plaza, where Market Wednesday is held.
Students are excited about the new park and learning the value of the history of Black Greek life and what it stands for as a whole.
Raven Owens, a student at FSU, says she can’t wait to see what the park will bring to the campus.
“Coming from a background with no Greek is hard to understand what it means or stands for. I’m excited to learn a part of Black history and to understand why each chapter is important and what it values and stands for,” Owens said.
Ricky Moreno, a member of Sigma Pi at FSU, believes this park is essential to educate the student body and alumni of all Greek life and its contributions to FSU.
“This park is important to educate and eliminate the misconceptions about Greek life. Most importantly, to focus on the impact on student lives. All qualities are essential for lifelong learning, personal responsibility, and sustaining achievement within a community that fosters free inquiry and embraces diversity,” Moreno said.
Throughout the park, large red brick monuments will represent each of the nine Greek letter organizations of the NPHC – the “Divine 9” — including three descriptive inscriptions on the panels of the chapter’s national history, FSU history and shield, according to FSU Spark.
“This park will provide a space for current members to socialize and highlight their unique traditions such as stepping at strolling, Myles Sams, president of NPHC, said. This will provide a beautiful outdoor space for the National Pan-Hellenic Council events and festivities.”
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The project has a 32-member board from alumni, students, faculty and staff supporters. Donations have raised $1,357 out of its $7,500 goal.
The campus community will continue to raise the money needed to begin the project within the following few semesters. Peers plan to continue fundraising until the project has met its goal.