Did TikTok Cross the Line? Non-Kappas Face Backlash for Appropriating the Kappa Stroll

With its unique blend of history and tradition, the Kappa Alpha Psi stroll and shimmy have become iconic symbols of the fraternity’s identity. But a recent trend on TikTok has raised concerns about cultural appropriation, as non-Kappa members—and often individuals with no ties to Black Greek life—mimic the fraternity’s signature moves for views and likes. Members of Kappa Alpha Psi, a historically Black fraternity, argue that this trend strips away the deeper meaning behind their traditions.

The Kappa Stroll Goes Viral

The spotlight on Kappa Alpha Psi’s signature moves reached new heights during Usher’s historic 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, which featured the fraternity alongside Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South marching band. TikTok exploded shortly after, with videos of Kapps strolling and shimmying. However, this newfound attention quickly led to a troubling trend: non-Kappas imitating these moves, racking up millions of views without understanding or respecting their significance.

“People who may not have ever been exposed to Divine Nine organizations are now being exposed to them at a high level,” said Tobin Ludwig, a licensed therapist and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. member. “But when people partake in expressions that aren’t their own, it dilutes the meaning and simplifies the stroll to just a dance, rather than a part of our history and culture.”

@nathalie.galvann Featuring UT’s #nupes ♬ original sound – Jordan

A Legacy of Resilience and Brotherhood

Founded in 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.,  also known as the Nupes, was created at a time when Black students faced systemic exclusion from campus life. The fraternity’s motto, “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor,” reflects its commitment to excellence and community service. Today, the organization engages in a variety of outreach efforts, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and public health initiatives.

Similar to other Greek organizations within the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi involves a rigorous pledging process with requirements of being a male student enrolled full-time at a college or university, holding a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrating good moral character.

Misappropriation vs. Appreciation

Cultural appropriation happens when elements of a culture are taken out of context and used without proper respect or understanding. According to Treva Lindsey, a professor of Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies at Ohio State University, “When these traditions go viral online, they’re often divorced from the intergroup dynamics and historical significance they represent. This isn’t appreciation—it’s exploitation.”

@jazzy.cline have to pull this move out every week @jaden @kennaaaa @callie #nupes #signmeup #wlw ♬ Hey baddies – spnluvers

Some TikTok users have even gone so far as to alter the lyrics to Kappa chants and refer to themselves as Nupes, despite the fraternity’s strict rules against non-members wearing paraphernalia or performing strolls. These actions not only misrepresent the fraternity but also violate its core principles.

Prior to acceptance into the fraternity, pledges are not allowed to wear Kappa Alpha Psi attire, refer to themselves as members, or publicly stroll. “We earned a place in membership of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. So for us, it’s kind of like a slap in the face if you didn’t put in the same work that we did to get to where we are to be granted this membership and the ability to stroll,” said Shelton Walker, a 21-year-old junior at the University of Texas at Austin. Walker crossed in Spring 2024 alongside his line brother Donte Pierre, a 23-year-old junior at the University of Texas at Austin. “Outsiders don’t seem to realize that being a part of this organization is about more than just dancing. All the shimmying you see on TikTok is like ten percent of what we do and are about,” added Pierre.

A Call to Action

While some argue that imitation is a form of flattery, fraternity members like Ludwig suggest a more meaningful way to show respect: “Volunteer with your local chapter, attend our events, or donate to our causes. That’s how you can truly appreciate what Kappa Alpha Psi and other Divine Nine organizations are about.”

The trend serves as a reminder that cultural practices, especially those rooted in resilience and community, deserve respect and understanding. For members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Kappa stroll is far more than just a dance—it’s a symbol of their history, identity, and achievements.