When Manan Miner was a little girl she watched her aunties and cousins take part in a centur old tradition called strolling now that she’s a grownup she’s following in their footsteps being around that type of environment was exciting I want to get up and dance Too she’ll finally get her chance at
This year’s black Joy parade in Oakland along with cousins of her sorority sisters all dressed in their signature pink and green colors I am very happy right now I’m very I’m excited cuz we’re letting a new stroll strolling is a synchronized dance that traces back to the early
1900s over the years it became a visual representation of the spirit of black sororities during events and public appearances it’s really kind of like a write a passage right you learn your first stroll um and also often times um on college campuses that’s your first introduction to a black Greek letter
Organization Maya Mosley is the president of the San Francisco graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha the oldest African-American sorority she says strolling involves rhythmic movements hand signs and specific steps unique to each organization you’ll see a lot of looking in the mirror you know cuz we are pretty
Girls and so we have to check our mirror strolling instructor carlet Garrett says the dance is so simple anyone can do it right left left well almost anyone the magic of strolling is the camaraderie that you come together with your sisters and you show to the world whoever is watching
That you’re unified you’re representing Manan says she’s been rehearsing for this moment her entire life I still feel like it’s a dream that I’m here now all she has to do is remember the steps that will sweep onlookers off their feet
source
Denouncing Greek Letters: A Journey of Faith and Freedom