Macy’s calls Zeta Phi Beta Sorority a ‘diverse dance group’ at parade
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority became the first Divine 9 Greek organization to be featured in Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade.
This year, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority became the first Divine 9 Greek organization to be featured in Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade.
In case y’all didn’t know, I’ve been busy with the Zeta Phi Beta Centennial Steppers getting ready for this Macy’s Day Parade. ? pic.twitter.com/4pSHTUNx8h
— Ya Manz Favorite Virgo ♍️ (@BeMe_Simply) November 25, 2020
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc celebrates 100 years of service since being founded at Howard University in 1920. Members of the sorority performed a step routine while decked out in their signature royal blue and pure white colors.
But after their performance, Macy’s took to Twitter to showcase their performance and misidentified the sorority as a “dance group.”
“What’s that sound, you ask? Why it’s the diverse dance group, Zeta Phi Beta Steppers! Performing a special routine they put together to help us celebrate this unprecedented year. #MacysParade,” the caption read.
Congratulations to our sister greeks the Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on being featured at the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
??????#zetaphibetasorority #zetaphibeta #thanksgiving #nphc #D9 #hbcu #womanhood #womenofsgrho #sisterGREEK #MacysParade pic.twitter.com/wODuI08Bh5— Women Of SGRho ?? (@womenofsgrho) November 26, 2020
Macy’s has since deleted the tweet, but not before many on Twitter were able to call them out. One user said, “Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. ain’t exist for 100 years just for Macy’s to call them a ‘diverse dance group.'”
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. ain’t exist for 100 years just for Macy’s to call them a “diverse dance group.”
— T HIVE (@TevonBlair) November 26, 2020
“Diverse dance group? Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated isn’t a dance group. It’s a historically Black international sorority,” wrote one user.
Diverse dance group? ??♀️ Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated isn’t a dance group. It’s a historically Black international sorority. pic.twitter.com/DBwBawZ04u
— Renaissance Woman (@ShaakiraWhite) November 26, 2020
Another user voiced his frustration with the company when he stated, “I’m tired of businesses using Black entities (including Historically Black Sororities and Fraternities) as a means to look more “diverse” and accepting. It’s clear how performative this attempt was, due to your lack of research for your own parade performers.”
I’m tired of businesses using Black entities (including Historically Black Sororities and Fraternities) as a means to look more “diverse” and accepting. It’s clear how performative this attempt was, due to your lack of research for your own parade performers.
— baby, it’s (beau.) outside (@_AwesomeKid) November 26, 2020
Stepping has a long history in Black communities and is practiced by people of all ages, according to Essence. Although it is most common in sororities and fraternities, many drill teams and churches have teams that perform step routines.
The announcers on TV got it right, but digital? Do better. Diverse dance group is NOT IT. It’s Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a community conscious, action oriented organization! pic.twitter.com/RiIRpI3RkC
— Joyce Philippe (@JoyceMeetsWorld) November 26, 2020
According to NPR, this year’s parade was unlike any other before. Because of COVID-19, Macy’s pre-recorded most segments and only filmed on one block in Manhattan. The scaled-back event also restricted all crowds.
As a result of the backlash, Macy’s has since issued another tweet praising the sorority and recognizing their achievements. However, the company failed to acknowledge their mistake or issue a formal apology.
Look who just STEPPED things up. ? We loved having @ZPHIBHQ — an international, historically Black Sorority —with us at the #MacysParade for their centennial. pic.twitter.com/Rca0HJPvyC
— Macy's (@Macys) November 26, 2020
Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!
TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!
The post Macy’s calls Zeta Phi Beta Sorority a ‘diverse dance group’ at parade appeared first on TheGrio.