The University of Arkansas dedicates a new garden to underrepresented Black Fraternities and Sororities on campus.
During his time as a student, former U of A football player Deatrich Wise Jr. brought the idea to have a monument for these Greek organizations to the National Panhellenic Council.
Wise had a vision for the garden to be a place for change and to honor the members who had come before him.
“To current NPHC students, this is the space for us, a space that we can call our own, where we can create memories, fellowship, unity and relationships that will last for a lifetime. Allow this space to honor the ones who came before us and the ones to come after. Let this plot be filled with fun, happiness and positive experiences at all times.”
The new garden is located on the south of the Administration Building and next to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Students and Faculty are all allowed to go and visit the garden.
The hope for the garden is for people to understand the importance of the heritage of Black Sororities and Fraternities on campus.
As a former member of one of the underrepresented fraternities, Wise hopes more students learn about the history.
“As an undergraduate student, there was a lack of representation for the Black Greek culture on campus. I wanted something to represent our history and culture, but also have a plot to showcase who we are as Black Fraternities and Sororities. This design is beautiful and well thought out. This will forever be brilliant.”
According to Assistant Vice Chancellor for Greek Life Parice Bowser the garden is to bring much more than visitors.
“It’s a place to build community. A place to be a community. A place to program, educate, but most importantly, a place of belonging as members of The Divine Nine. The National Pan-Hellenic Council at the University of Arkansas.”
Now a professional football player for the New England Patriots Wise believes this garden will also bridge the gap between students.
“The garden also illustrates the intersectionality we experience as Razorback students and Pan-hellenic members, and I believe there is no better place for that than directly across from Donald W. Reynolds Stadium. Not only do we have a space, but it is a space we can be proud of in a prime location.”