Men’s social club Noble Kings last week conducted the university’s first-ever probate, a tradition common among predominately black fraternities and sororities nationwide.

The event allowed Nu Kappa Psi, also called the Noble Kings, to present its most recent pledge class to the campus using songs, chants and dances to illustrate the club’s core principles. Noble Kings president Tryce Prince said the club had about 30 members attend and about 75 students came to the event which took place at the Beauchamp Amphitheater on April 25.

“It’s an opportunity for the pledges to be able to showcase the things they have learned during the pledging process,” Prince said. 

The tradition is a common part of Greek life at historically black universities and the Divine Nines, the first black fraternities at major universities. Prince said Noble Kings founder Chuck Oputa wanted the club to bring the probate tradition to the university. At this time, the club is not planning to do other black Greek traditions, Prince said.

“Historically black and minority students didn’t feel comfortable pledging at ACU for whatever reason,” Prince said. “We just want to make sure there is a space on campus for everybody to have a social club experience.”

He said the club intends to provide a space for black and minority students but it is not exclusive to those demographics.

The Noble Kings did not take pledges in the fall but took 16 pledges in the spring. The club also did not participate in Sing Song, but Prince said in the future the club will participate in whichever events the majority of members want to do.

“My hope in the fall is that we are more visible, whether at tailgates or having grubs and formals,” Prince said.

For more information about the club, Prince can be reached at tdp15a@acu.edu.