Letters Ain’t Nothing Without The Brotherhood Behind Groove Phi Groove at Shaw

By: Gracyonna Robinson

On any given day at Shaw University, you might see the letters of Groove Phi Groove worn across campus. But according to its members, the organization is about far more than what’s spelled across their clothing. 

Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, founded on October 12, 1962, at Morgan State College in Baltimore, Maryland, during the Civil Rights Movement, was created by 14 young Black men who “wanted a change” in how brotherhood looked. Today, members say the original mission still defines who they are, and that’s not Greek, not a fraternity — but an alternative rooted in individuality and authentic brotherhood nationally and on Shaw’s and Morgan State campus, with chapters also established at institutions such as North Carolina A&T State University, Howard University, Florida A&M University.

Nikko Hernandez: Taken by Groove Phi Groove Organization

      “We always say that we’re not Greek, which is not to be confused with anti-Greek,” Saids junior music education major Nikko Hernandez. He explains. “We’re not a fraternity. We’re a social fellowship. We do a lot of fraternity things, but we do not call ourselves a fraternity. We’ve never called ourselves a fraternity. We never wanted to be a fraternity.” Instead of following traditional fraternity models, Groove Phi Groove focuses on individuality, accountability, and purpose—values rooted in its founding during a time of social and political change. For Hernandez, that individuality was personal.  “I was really interested in Groove just because of what they stood for, with regards to promoting individuality and trying to be something outside of the general conglomeration of organizations,” Hernandez said. As someone who describes himself as “a diehard metalhead,” Hernandez admitted he did not want to join an organization that required him to change who he was. “I like that I can be myself and I didn’t have to change anything about myself to join,” he said. “I feel like being a part of this organization, I’m able to give voice to other people who feel like they don’t fit in.” 

William Coleman: Taken by Groove Phi Groove Organization

That sense of belonging is echoed by sophomore William Coleman, who experienced began with being in a room filled with conversation, interest, and snacks in the corner of the room. He jokes that he first attended an interest meeting because he “got bribed with food.” But what he found went deeper than free snacks. “When I got there, it was a bunch of chill people, and I liked the vibe that was in the room,” Coleman said. That moment changed his perspective. “From the get-go, people were offering interviews in your respective fields that you were trying to study. And we weren’t even trying to pledge it. I really like that.” Coleman says Groove Phi Groove “made me a little bit more comfortable in my skin” because of the diversity within the organization. “Why not add another one, right?” he added.

Service, however, is where members say the organization truly separates itself. Hernandez admits he didn’t fully understand the commitment at first. “I wish I had had a better idea of the responsibilities,” he said. “I just thought people threw on letters and they did whatever.” But once he joined, his perspective changed. “We gotta do service… And it’s become a thing I had to learn to love. And nowadays, I actually love to do service.” Through organized efforts, members participate in community outreach such as supporting local food banks, donating to families in need, and hosting service-based initiatives throughout the year. members emphasize their impact beyond campus. 

Sophomore Malique Frazier emphasized that commitment. “We give to food banks that's right around the corner he said. “Christmas, we gave toys to families that aren’t that well off,” Fraizer states the difference is in action. “It’s just we’ll actually do stuff for the community and not just sit there and wear our letters,” he said. “They really give back to the community.”

Malik Fraizer:Taken by Groove Phi Groove Organization

In addition to service, members say the organization builds structure through interest meetings, mentorship opportunities, and professional development—sometimes even connecting students with internships before they officially join. Frazier recalled that experience firsthand. “During the interview, they asked for my major, and they gave me an internship, and I wasn't even a part of the organization yet,” he said. These practices reflect a larger tradition within Groove Phi Groove—prioritizing personal growth and accountability over status.  Frazier stresses accountability. “Don’t just come in here thinking, oh, this is gonna be easy. I’m gonna just walk in here, I’m gonna get my letters,” he said. “It’s an organization. You still need to put in your work.” That work, members say, builds something deeper than status. It builds brotherhood. “It’s a real, genuine sense of brotherhood,” Frazier said. “Some of these organizations, it’s more like, oh, you got letters, you’re one of us. With Groove, it’s like they know you by your name.” 

Looking forward, members say maintaining their mission means continuing to serve, recruiting individuals who value authenticity and uphold the organization's founding purpose. “It's not so much about the organization,” Coleman said. “It’s about us who are on campus.” At its core, Groove Phi Groove at Shaw appears to be less about tradition and more about transformation — of character, of confidence, and of community impact. For students who feel different, who want accountability, or who want service to mean something tangible, members say the door is open.

But they’re clear about one thing: it’s not about the letters…

It’s about who you become while wearing them.