the deal with the canes...

[Badstep]

I wrote that history several years ago. Some of it has been altered by others.

Fact number one: No one can actually lay claim to being the first steppers. Stepping originated in the DC/Baltimore area long before most of yall were born. The first fraternities were the Omegas, Sigmas and the Alphas.

It started during the doo-wop era and brothers used to sing in the quad. Like the old groups like the Temptations, and Four Tops, brothers began incorporating steps to mimic the groups. Back then tap dancing was really popular and damn near every brother on earth thought he had skills. Tap is still a major influence on how brothers step. Especially "Sigmas".

That's why when you went to step shows in that area back in the day they were called "Greek Sings".

Fact number two: The african boot dance and african influence was totally non-existant back then. It came into play a little bit much later. Think about it. In the 50's when stepping originated we barely heard of south africa. The african boot dance is very similar to stepping but it is a big misconception that it had any part in the development of what we call stepping today.

Fact number three: The first known cane steppers were Sigmas. Kappas didn't start stepping until much later. The Omegas, Alphas and Sigmas were the first steppers. They evolved it into what it is today.

That being said, you'd be crazy to say that the Kappas aren't the most innovative canes steppers on the planet. They definitely took it to another level. Cane stepping styles of Sigmas and Kappas are very different. If you ever seen step shows in the Chicago area back in the 80's you would know that the Sigma canes are very thick, heavy and medium length. They are used to tap out rhythms are not very easy to twirl. Kappa canes tend to be thinner, shorter in length and lighter. While they are stable enough to tap out rhythms, they are also easier to twirl and are better for their complexed routines.

We really need to get off that "who owns what - " non-sense. We are all brother and sisters.

What we really need to do is start thinking about the relevance of "BLGO" in this modern era. Back in the day, our organization were the place where the "Black Leaders" of our country were made and developed. (Along with the church!). This was our history and our legacy.

What are we now? We run around like we are gangs and thugs offering nothing to the community but parties, YouTube images that embarrass our families.

I've been a Sigma for almost 30 years. I'm not happy with what I see. We all need to step up and "be about something" or watch our organizations that we love so much become corrupted and morphed into abominations of disdain!

Fraternally,

Badstep