Probate season marks the initiation of new members into an organization. Howard University is the founding campus for five out of nine National Pan-Hellenic Council Organizations. Four welcomed new members to the yard this April. Keith Golden Jr. and Christian Martin captured each organization's presentation. Troi English, a Spring 2022 initiate of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Brooklyn King, a Spring 2022 initiate of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Chapter, shared what the season meant to them. 

"Everybody knows that Spring at Howard is always a special time. In my first year of being a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Quintessential Alpha Chapter, my mentality on Spring at Howard has become one of extreme sentiment and something I will cherish forever. Welcoming the Spring '23 initiates of my beloved sorority has brought myself and my sisters immense joy, excitement, and love. I have learned so much about myself and what sisterhood means. The torch has been successfully passed and I have no doubt that our Founder's legacy will live on.” Brooklyn King, SP' 22 Initiate of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Chapter.

Above: Crowd cheering on the Spring ‘23 initiates of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Captured by Christian Martin

On the left: Spring ‘22 initiate of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. leads her new little sisters through the crowd. Captured by Christian Martin.

Above: Spring 23’ initiates of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. standing in a line in the yard. Captured by Keith Golden Jr 

Above: Spring ‘23 initiates of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. walk through the crowd. Captured by Christian Martin.

Above: Members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. standing next to their plot as the Spring ‘23 probate starts. Captured by Keith Golden Jr

Above: Members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. strolling to the Sigma tree. Captured by Keith Golden Jr.

Above: Members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the crowd cheer on the spring ‘23 initiates. Captured by Keith Golden Jr.

On the Right: Members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. pose in front of the spring ‘23 initiates. Captured by Keith Golden Jr.

“As I stood in the crowd, eagerly waiting for the highly anticipated probate to begin, I could feel the excitement building within me. As a proud member of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, I had always cherished the bond I shared with my sisters and the values we uphold. However, watching the Spring 2023 probates reignited a flame of love for my sorority that burned brighter than ever before. As the probates took place one by one, showcasing their passion, poise, and dedication, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of pride. Seeing their unwavering commitment to their organization, I was reminded of the rich legacy of Delta Sigma Theta's sisterhood, scholarship, and service. The probates' passion, resilience, and support for each other were truly inspiring. It reminded me of the reasons why I fell in love with Delta Sigma Theta in the first place - the lifelong friendships, the opportunity to serve others, and the sense of belonging to a sisterhood that transcends time and distance. As I cheered, and clapped, my love for Delta Sigma Theta was reignited with renewed fervor, and I felt even more grateful and honored to be a part of such an incredible sisterhood.” Troi English, 37-A-22

On the Left: Spring ‘23 initiates of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. celebrate together. Captured by Keith Golden Jr.

Above: Spring ‘23 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. shedding a single tear during the probate Captured by Keith Golden Jr.

Spring 23’ Initiates of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc chant, guided by their big brothers as they walk to their plot by Keith Golden Jr.

Above: Members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. posing with the spring ‘23 initiates. Captured by Keith Golden Jr.

On the Left: Thirkield, the building where Omega Psi Phi was founded. By Keith Golden jr Number 4 spring 23’ initiate of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. making the long walk by Keith Golden Jr.

A viewer holds up a sign at the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. probate by Keith Golden Jr.

Above: Number 4 Spring 23’ initiate of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. making the long walk. Captured by Keith Golden Jr.