Macy’s criticized for ‘diverse dance group’ Zeta Phi Beta tweet
Members of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. made history when the Centennial Steppers of the organization performed at the 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The historically African American Greek-lettered organization, founded in 1920 at Howard University, is the first of the organizations to participate in the parade.
Although “Today” show anchor Hoda Kotb correctly identified the group as an “international African American sorority dedicated to the highest ideals of scholarship, sisterhood and finer womanhood,” a tweet from Macy’s was widely criticized.
“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,” the tweet from Macy’s read.
The steppers are celebrating the sorority’s centennial year.
Many members of the organization and otherwise were quick to respond.
Macy’s eventually deleted the tweet.
Hours after the initial tweet, Macy’s tweeted, “Look who just STEPPED things up. We loved having @ZPHIBH — an international, historically Black Sorority —with us at the #MacysParade for their centennial.”
When someone replied to the revised tweet to say that Macy’s should still apologize, the company responded, “Thank you for the feedback. We are listening and always grateful to learn from our community.”
For the organization’s part, it doesn’t seem like there were any hard feelings. It tweeted a thank you to Macy’s with the updated post.
About the Author
Kelcie Willis is a writer and online content producer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Sociology from the University of Georgia. At the AJC, she covers state, regional and national news with the Content Curation Desk.
