Tossed Out

Ashley Blacktree, a senior studying molecular biology, has mixed feelings about the relocation of the plots on campus. She questions why it was necessary to take up the old ones, and why it took two years to complete the move. But then, overall she said what other university students are saying about the new location. “The new plots look nice,” said Blacktree, “The plot will always trigger special memories such as singing our national hymn with sorors,” just as it did during Homecoming. Unfortunately, these memories may be tainted by mixed emotions concerning the relocation and construction of the new plots. For Ashley, and many other members of the Greek letter organizations on campus, the current and future presence of the plots takes top priority. She said, “The plot is important because it is a gathering place for old and new sorors to come together and fellowship.” Her point is emphasized by all of the Greek organizations and was most evident at Homecoming. WSSU Archivist Carter Cue confirms that this sentiment among Greeks today echoes that of Greeks in generations past. “Greeks have always felt it important to represent themselves in some way, although what we know as plots today did not appear on this campus until the 1970’s.” Cue, a WSSU alum and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., is somewhat ambivalent about the controversy surrounding the new plots. He said, “I don’t see much difference other than details and prices.” Cue is instead more concerned with the meaning behind the plots.Scanning yearbooks from over the past 50 years provides some insight into the history of the Greek organizations on campus, and the old photos reveal quite a different image of the plots than the ones seen on the yard today. different image of the plots than the ones seen on the yard today. For example, photographs of the Greek organizations from yearbooks in the 1950’s and 1960’s do not feature stone and marble carvings, and intricate and detailed designs only appear in more recent photos.”The plots of the past were not permanent fixtures like they are today,” Cue said of the painted bricks adorned with the respective Greek letters used by fraternities and sororities during the 1950’s and 1960’s. These bricks could be altered and rearranged at the will of the organization.An updated look is not the only change that has occurred in the plots. As many seniors and alumni remember the plots used to be located along what is now the new pedestrian mall. Now a new sidewalk and grassy hill stand in their places.Cue validates this fact, ” This is the first time since they were put down that the plots have been moved,” he said. “Even when the fraternities and sororities used bricks, they were put down in the same place where the former plots eventually came to be.” The new location of the plots is something Ashley and another student, Joshua Holland, senior Marketing major and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., have similar opinions about. “Because they have been moved,” Ashley said, “the plots are much smaller than they were before.” Joshua said, “The presentation of the plots was better because people used to be able to drive through campus and see the plots and now they cannot do that anymore.” Joshua also said, “I like the old plots better because I feel they were a better representation of Kappa Alpha Psi.” He reiterates Ashley’s comments about the significance of having a place to congregate on campus. Josh said that for his organization, “The plots represent the struggles of the brothers who came before us and they are a way to commemorate our forefathers.” Despite some complaints, like Ashley, Joshua said, “I will remember the good times at the plot, especially when I come back for future homecomings.”Perhaps these memories at the plots will eventually overshadow any dissension about how and why they changed.