A phenomenon that has been swarming across college campuses and universities has now made its way to Wichita Falls. The Cultural Greek Council hosted the first wave check on Feb. 28 in the Clark Student Center.

The wave check is a unifying ceremony that slowly unveils the fresh waves from under a du-rag. Waves are a hairstyle, particularly seen in African American men, in which curls are brushed or combed and flattened out to create a ripple-like pattern. Since 2018, men have been ditching their long hair for the wavy lifestyle. With careful du-rag use and continuous brushing, waves have become the “it” hairstyle now seen in both men and women.

Jada Propes, member of Delta Sigma Theta and political science senior, said, “The wave check is meant to establish a sense of community. It also allows students who normally aren’t very involved around campus to get to know each other.”

Across campus there has been a lack of involvement from black male students, so the CGC members hope to reach out to create a sense of brotherhood on campus.

“There is not a lot of involvement with black male students, especially because most are involved in sports which is very time consuming. We hoped to spark their interest because college is more than just making the grade. It’s about involvement and creating those life-long companionships,” Propes said.

Due to inclement weather, abrupt changes in the location and other events that were taking place at the same time, only about 25 students came to the free event.

“We definitely expected more students. Especially since this is such a popular event across college campuses, but with MSU it’s either hit or miss. It’s unfortunate, because students really miss out on experiencing things they won’t be able to experience outside of college,” said Propes.

Five black male students participated in flaunting their waves. Each participant had the chance to place first, second or third. The wave check depends solely upon crowd interaction as students crowd around in a tight circle to witness the unrevealing of the waves, participants who receive the most cheers are selected as the winners. The first-place winner was gifted the gold du-rag signifying the king of waves.

Y’nieman Quarles, kinesiology freshman and second place winner, said, “I take pride in my waves so when I heard this event was going on, I had to make sure I was there. Not only does the wave check create unique connections, but it’s a healthy competition and I love that.”

Students who didn’t participate in the wave check still were able to create bonds with their peers while experiencing the lively energy within the crowd of students.

Christopher Hawkins, criminal justice sophomore, said, “My waves weren’t up to par and I didn’t want to embarrass myself, but I still really enjoyed the experience. It’s crazy how I can create a bond with my peers over something so simple, I hope this becomes a tradition.”

Though CGC members hope for more unifying events to bring cultures together and educate students on different aspects of the world, the wave check event will probably not become a tradition.

Propes said, “I do hope that the black community can eventually have an event where there is total involvement because we need to be unified.”

WINNERS

• 1st place: Bryson Ray, mass communication sophomore
• 2nd place: Y’neiman Quarles, kinesiology freshman
• 3rd place: Gregory Washington, criminal justice sophomore

PRIZES

• 1st place: Golden du-rag
• 2nd place: Metallic silver du-rag
• 3rd place: Iridescent du-rag