Probate Season: A rich HBCU tradition

From the beginning of the foundations of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1887, Greek Culture has been present.

With Alphas, SGRhos, Sigmas, Deltas, QueDogs, AKAs, Zetas, Kappas, and Iotas, the campus has and continues to boom with Greek life all around.

Greek Culture can be seen throughout the FAMU campus, from the plots, community service, and brotherhood and sisterhood of each organization.

According to FAMU’s website, a fraternity or sorority is a brotherhood or sisterhood formed around common goals and aspirations.

These men and women make a commitment to each other for life. The members who form a fraternity or sorority share their efforts, friendships, and knowledge. Together they learn, grow, and make the fraternity or sorority, commonly called a Greek organization, stronger. Their common experience builds ties that last a lifetime.

With all these ideals and morals, who wouldn’t want to be a part of something bigger than themselves?

Many attempt to be a part of what is known as the Divine 9. While some are unsuccessful, the ones who do cross the burning sands, are welcomed with a wave of brotherhood and sisterhood that will last generations.

Those who do cross are introduced at an event known as a new member presentation, or probare. A probate is similar to a ceremony in which the ladies or men of said organization are reintroduced as new members of the organization.

This event is something widely anticipated among FAMU students and is an opportunity for not only students but also family and friends of new members to have a chance to support them in achieving something as prestigious as joining a Greek organization.

Zaria Ware, a freshman at FAMU shared her excited she’s experienced since probate season started on the highest of seven hills.

“I feel excited about probate season. I love the atmosphere of everyone supporting everybody,” Ware said.

“Having the chance to see people around campus pop out, for something that they have worked hard for and earned to a big deal.”

The atmosphere generated by new members is something that goes unmatched.

Being surrounded by those supporting specific people with their line numbers in the form of balloons and signs being held with names on them, a FAMU probate is something that can not be duplicated anywhere else. The initial surprise and shock from the unmasking and unveiling of someone that you had no clue was in the process of being a member is a feeling of pride and joy.

“I love that they choose to put forth all their effort to keep it a secret from those around them,” exclaimed freshman,” said Saige Washington a freshman at FAMU. “I also love the unity that all of them had for each other.”

A probate is a chance for the respective newcomers to be introduced anew. They are introduced as someone that you did not know before. Almost as if they are introduced to a new person.

All in all, probate season is a crucial part of FAMU culture. It brings students, family, and friends together to support one agenda. A season that continued to go unmatched and consistently remains one of the most highly anticipated events of the entire school year.