BGLOs in Canada?
 

Hi people,

I just moved to Vancouver, BC from Atlanta, GA. While there's not a sizeable Black population in Vancouver, there are in other cities (Toronto, Halifax, Edmonton, Winnipeg), yet I've never seen any BGLOs represented on-line, in publications, or in person.

If you're a member of a BGLO, do you know of any chapters that have been chartered in the "Great White North"?

I had never heard of the term bglo and someone informed me i probably wouldn't have because I live in Canada and there are no chapters represented up here. Crappy but true.

Leslie

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. does not have any chapters in Canada. there have been some young ladies who have expressed interest so hopefully we'll get up there. also, there is a Black Canadian sorority. the name escapes me. i believe they're in Toronto or thereabouts.

Hey, I live in Van and attend UBC, we don't have any BGLO's or any other ethnic fraternities or sororities. We are all members of NIC/NPC groups.


[This message has been edited by Siobhan (edited February 28, 2001).]

Quote:

also, there is a Black Canadian sorority. the name escapes me. i believe they're in Toronto or thereabouts.

That's Gamma Phi Delta, Sorority, Inc. They have a website: http://gphid.com http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif



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Sigma Lambda Upsilon: Sincerity, Loyalty, Unity http://www.sigmalambdaupsilon.org

Canada is a much more mulitcultural society, because of this you will not see very many organizations based on ethnicity. Typical of greeks in Canada is that we pride ourselves on being more diverse. Montreal actually has the highest percentage of blacks in canada but you don't see any al-black fraternities at mcgill or concordia.
You should check out the fraternities at your school, it's the least you can do.

- Nick

I agree with Lil_G...because Canada doesn't have the history of segregation the US did, diversity is more of a Canadian cultural thing. Separate fraternity systems for people based on their ethnic background would just seem strange here, since Canadian GLOs tend to have really diverse memberships. I think it would be weird to have an all-white chapter! If you're interested in UBC Greek stuff, their website is http://www.ams.ubc.ca/greek. BTW, welcome to Canada!

I'm gonna keep adding to this diversity/multicultural thing http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gifEspecially in Vancouver we are very multicultural and all the fraternities and sororities at UBC are made up of all different ethnic/racial groups, including blacks. Because we pride ourselves on being so mutlicultural everyone joins the same orgs because we don't need to separate ourselves racially/culturally http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/cool.gif I hope that last sentence made sense.

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Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Gamma Chapter
University of British Columbia
Sigma 1996

I do not personally know of any NPHC orgs with chapters in Canada, however there may be local BGLOs represented.

I do not like the tone of the 'multi-cultural/diversity' explanation of why there seem to be no BGLOs in Canada.

Historically, many Blacks settled in Canada from the US and other areas (ie Caribbean). Mostly to escape slavery in the US or because they migrated from other British possessions. However, I am not comfortable with the assumption that there is no racism (or other social/political forces) in Canada that hastened the formation of BGLOs in the US.

Please don't forget that the British Empire was/is one of the biggest enslavers and dehumanizers in history. While there may be no open racial conflict in Canada today, they are still not totally accepting of all people. Dare I mention the ongoing movement in Quebec province to become independent of Anglophone Canada?

I do not profess to be an expert on Canada, however I refuse to believe everything is all hearts and flowers in 'the Great WHITE North'; especially when few images of Blacks, positive or negative, are exported to the US. Does this mean that Blacks don't exist or that they are not important enough for their images to be exported? If everything is so multicultural/diverse, why don't we see that reflected?

I am not trying to project American values on a Canadian system but as an informal student of world history, I am trying to make sure that everything is viewed in its proper historical context.

Peace


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MCCOYRED
Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

Dynamic...Salient...Temperate...Since 1913

I KNEW there would be repercussions to what the other Canadians said.

There IS a difference between race relations in Canada and that is a reality of our cultures. I am not by any means saying that Americans are racist and Canadians aren't. But if you look at the histories of our countries, you will find they are very different. Canada is and always has been a more complacent country. As someone said earlier, it would be strange to have race specific GLO's here. It just wouldn't mesh with the greater culture. If that makes any sense...

As for the British association with Canada....No one said there is no or has never been any racial tension in Canada and that that explains the lack of BGLOs. But the truth in this matter lies in history books. Read them and you will see that what we have said is true. There has simply never been such rampant racism and segregation in Canada.

Suggesting that Quebec's desire to sucede from the country is similar to the race issues in the United States really just shows a lack of knowledge about what the Quebequoi are fighting for and about. But I will tell you this much. It's not the anglophones (greater society) against the Fracophones. Quite the contrary. The Francophones want their own society because they believe they are distintive enough and strong enough to support themselves, and desire to do so. Greater Canada has voted in referendums to keep Quebec, and their 'distinct' society as a part of ours. But that is a whole other subject that would bore everyone. Trust me.

Most of our sorors are very multi-cultural.
Do not be offended when we say that race relations up here are different. It's an inherent truth. While there has been and probably always will be racial tension in any multi-cultural society, the reality is that the tensions were never as great, never as legislated and never as wide spread and potent in Canada as it was in the United States.

But let's not let this thread turn into another heated race topic. Her question was are there BLGOs in Canada, not why aren't there.

Leslie

Of course you knew there would be repercussions!

Thanks for the additional info on Canada. I am sure there are other facts that I don't know, but the Quebec thing was the first thing that I thought about. I'll take your word for it about the situation until I have the opportunity to do further research!

However, the previous responses brought up the question of WHY there aren't BGLOS in Canada. I was just responding to the sweetness-and-light tone of those posts.



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MCCOYRED
Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

Dynamic...Salient...Temperate...Since 1913

I absolutely love this topic. No not everything is sunshine and lollipops in Canada when it comes to the integration of the many different races and cultures, racism does exist and can be quite prevelent at times. But as Canadians we are taught and have grown up with the idea/notion of a multicultural society. While we are all Canadians, part of that means respecting and celebrating the diversity of our society. We expect everyone to keep their culture and promote, and that is what adds to the experience of being Canadian. On a very small scale my sorority holds multicultural dinners where each sister brings food from her ethnic background - it makes for a very tasty dinner of British, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, European, and Malaysian food just to name a food. As someone mentioned earlier the thought of an all white fraternity/sorority is just totally strange.

As for the Quebec thing, that's a whole other ball park.

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Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Gamma Chapter
University of British Columbia
Sigma 1996

I'm already a member of a BGLO - I'm a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. I'm interested in forming a chapter here at some point.

And while Canada is a multicultural society, it's been my experience (so far, and in talking with other Black Canadians) that in respect of some things, ethnic groups can be pretty insular.

Maybe with reference to explaining BLGO's in Canada we should also point to the weak greek importance in Canada. Simply put, many chapters CANNOT maintain a fraternity based entirely on ethnic or economic status if it wants to succeed. Our numbers are so small that we can't limit our criteria for membership based just on a certain personna - our numbers in attracting rushes is very very small as it is.

Altough i'm not looking to cause any trouble I really think your reference to quebec and francophones was poor to say the least. You've neglected to state that there are many french canadians outside of Quebec (e.g some of my boys). The actual separation of quebec is more along a cultural sovereignty or to "look after itself", and not a full withdrawal from the country.
Anyways, i'm sure that will generate enough responses, i gotta hit the gym and then class http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/cool.gif

It's that whole mosiac versus melting pot thing we learned about back in grade school. The U.S. is more of a Melting Pot. Canada is very much a Mosiac. It really speaks to the mentality of the people and society who make up the the population of a given place. It is really intersting to compare the two. To look at the lack of BGLOs in Canada as indicative of a greater societal difference between the countries....

Back to this lame boring Quebec question...you can study up on if you want to. You'll learn fun stuff like, Ontario Provincial law (or is Canadian Federal, help me out West Coasters) requires that all packages and signs be in both french and english. And I do mean EVERY. But Quebec law, in hypoctical contrast, dictates that all signs and packages be soley french. No English allowed. Just thought I'd give you some more info on the Quebec thing given that you appeared interested. I guarantee you you're one of the few.

That's it. I'll shut up now.

Leslie

p.s. Siobhan, you're right. i love this topic too. it's nice seeing a Canada centred discussion http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif . I usually feel so lonely http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

Like in Canadian Bacon? I love that movie. It's hilarious. When Dan Aykroyd pulls John Candy over, and he thinks he's busted. That's great!

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Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha
Theta Kappa Chapter
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech.

Me again. sorry. was just curious to know if you meant my explanation of Quebec was poor or if the original reference was poor.
The seperatist movment is very small and mostly centred in Quebec. I am by no means suggesting that it is rampant in the province and/or that there aren't many people who are against it both within Quebec and the rest of the country. Sorry if it came out that way....

Leslie

Thanks for the information, Serenity.

I absolutely love that movie, especially the part where the guy driving the truck that says "eat my shorts" gets pulled over by the cops - but not just any cops - the language police. The guy had to spray paint "mange mes briefs" on the truck so he wouldn't get fined. I nearly died laughing. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif Crazy thing is it's oh so true.

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Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Gamma Chapter
University of British Columbia
Sigma 1996

[This message has been edited by Siobhan (edited March 01, 2001).]

Just to add:

I don't know much about Canadian greek life, but I DO know that it's mistaken to assume that, at least in the case of the HISTORICALLY not EXCLUSIVELY (meaning, formed to keep others out) black orgs., we formed along ethnic/racial lines as a method of segragation. If you understand anything about U.S. history, you will understand that these societies were formed when blacks, even on the historically black campus many of them were founded on, had very few choices in the way of support while at college. We exist today STILL, because of the HUMAN (not "ethnic") need to bond with others of like minds/interests AND because, with all the progress made toward equal playing fields in the classroom, boardroom and statehouse, many of us STILL feel the need to find support (and in some cases refuge) among those who understand our challenges/culture and not have to constantly explain ourselves or wear the "mask".

I say all this to correct the assumption that some posts seem to make that BGLOs are somehow exclusionary based on race/culture.



[This message has been edited by Discogoddess (edited March 02, 2001).]

SoTrue,
I'm not greek, but as I was looking at the Gamma Phi Delta web site, I saw posts in the guest book that mentioned various NPHC members in Canada. If you have not already looked at that, then I suggest you do. Most had e-mail addresses attached, so even if some one is not in your general area )I know Canada is a big country!_ they may be able to point you to some one closer. Good luck in making conections. Who knows, maybe you will be able to charter a chapter of your sorority there!!

Eclipse

p.s. Why did you ever leave L.A. (lovely Atlanta)??? I can't imagine! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

I left Atlanta when my true love came calling. I met a guy from Vancouver online almost two years ago, and we were married this past January 12.

canadajen,

I want to thank you for your well thought out and conscientious response. I don't think of a BGLO in terms of "competing" with the existing Greek system at colleges and universities, instead, I think of our system as a compliment to the system as a whole.

As someone else mentioned on the board (forgive me for not remembering who), BGLOs aren't just a social system for Black students on predominately white campuses. They're a support system as well. These organizations don't only serve or benefit the Black community, they benefit EVERY community in which they reside.

Thanks again for your excellent response.

Quote:

Thanks for the information, Serenity.

Anytime..... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Sigma Lambda Upsilon: Sincerity, Loyalty, Unity http://www.sigmalambdaupsilon.org

[QUOTE]Originally posted by canadajen:
[B]Now that the earth has stopped shaking ... sorry, just had to mention Wednesday's earthquake ... Vancouver & Seattle just don't get much play up in here!


I posted a topic in the chit chat forum regarded our shaker - however didn't get a huge response http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif



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Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Gamma Chapter
University of British Columbia
Sigma 1996

It would be nice to organize a charter in Canada for my Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I understand the beauty of diversity in Canada and I also think there may be some needs that are overlooked by others that the Canadiens of African descent may left unmet. From what I garnered, that is probably why the Gamma Phi Delta Sorority was founded according to their website.

As far as finding enough members to "populate" a chapter that share in our ethnic interests, as for my Sorority, we have chapters all over the world. Several other BGLO's have worldwide chapters also. There are 2 very active chapters in Seoul, Korea and Frankfurt, Germany. The population may be due to there being US military bases in those areas, also.

BGLO's in other cultures still play a significant role in understanding the civil rights of one another. What if Martin Luther King, Jr. did not pledge Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ? How about Eleanor Roosevelt for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.?

My fellow BGLO members can add to this list of members who played a significant role in the development of civil rights and equal justice for all.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by canadajen:

To all the skeptics of the sovereignty movement of Quebec, please don't be lulled into the false sense of security that has come with the silence of the past few years. From what I've heard, Bernard Landry & the PQ are quite serious & will be pushing for another referendum SOON -- we all know the results from the last one, and the weren't very pretty ... something like 50.6 to 49.4! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

Although this is off topic with the thread I just have to respond to this because it's so damn interesting http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

I think being isolated way out in B.C. has left you a little in the dark about quebec sentiments http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif

I don't really see separation as a big problem, the attitudes vary according to region - chicouttimi (sp?) - quebec city are diehard seperatists; the outaouis region and montreal are strong federalists. I really don't think quebec can separate with a slight majority (50%) http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif and what they actually are seeking for no one knows.

If anything, I would compare their sovereignty movement to the governance of the first nations. Besides, we have Jean Charest in PQ, he knows what's going on http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

I go to a bylingual school in a bylingual city, I don't see why we all can't get along http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif
anyways, that's enough rambling for now.

p.s. sorry les, I wasn't referring to you about the poor quebec reference.

Ok, being a PoliSci minor in Canadian politics I cannot resist this Quebec topic any longer. Personally, I hope Canada stays together: but here are couple of things to keep in mind. If Canada can be partitioned so can Quebec.... This argument lies in the fact that there are many anglophones and first nations in Quebec who want to remain in Quebec and remain in Canada. The second is the recent passing of the Clarity Bill: weren't there problems with the last referendum that the question made no sense and led people to believe they were voting to stay in Canada whereas they actually voted to separate, plus didn't they attach a bunch of stuff that really had nothing to do with Quebec's sovereignity? I could be way off here. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Anyways as westerners we have our own issues with Ottawa http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif. I just hope Quebec stays...

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Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Gamma Chapter
University of British Columbia
Sigma 1996

[This message has been edited by Siobhan (edited March 03, 2001).]

Now that the earth has stopped shaking ... sorry, just had to mention Wednesday's earthquake ... Vancouver & Seattle just don't get much play up in here!

Anyway ...

The first thing that I saw when I logged onto aol Canada this morning was this headline:
"Bernard Landry becomes Parti Quebecois leader and says sovereignty is a must"

To all the skeptics of the sovereignty movement of Quebec, please don't be lulled into the false sense of security that has come with the silence of the past few years. From what I've heard, Bernard Landry & the PQ are quite serious & will be pushing for another referendum SOON -- we all know the results from the last one, and the weren't very pretty ... something like 50.6 to 49.4! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

As far as BGLOs here in BC, I have not heard of any undergrad or graduate chapters either. Having become acquainted with a few BGLO members from UW, I asked about the BGLO absence in Canada - I was told that the black community is almost too small here in Vancouver to support an organization.

Like Siobhan, I too have been a member of UBCs greek system for a number of years, and in that time, both rush & our chapter's membership have continued to grow more & more diverse, yet we have not seen any black Canadians participate. I personally feel that a BGLO chapter would be a great asset to the UBC community -- as it is, membership in our greek community represents maybe 3% of our campus (about 800-900 members at a school of over 30,000 students).

The fact that there is an incredibly strong greek system only 2.5 hours north of Vancouver -- Seattle, which is home to a number of strong BGLOs at UW (from what I've heard), could also be a great help & resource to colonizing a BGLO here.

... just my thoughts.

(definitely *stepping down from the chair* now)

Delta Zeta chapter
Alpha Gamma Delta
University of British Columbia


[This message has been edited by canadajen (edited March 03, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by canadajen (edited March 03, 2001).]

yes, you're right. there were such issues at the time of the referdum. it was our version of the u.s. elections. unclear ballots. and i agree, it will take a lot more than a squeek-through majority to allow for separation. Quebec is naive to think that they could survive as a seperate nation. what they wanted was a distinct and seperate society with continued support, financially speaking, by the greater canadian government. basically, they wanted to have their cake and eat it too. there is simply not enough industry in quebec to sustain their economy if they were to have independance.

I'm thinking this part of the thread should go into chit-chat. it's an incredibly interesting and fun topic but i'm thinking it's straying from the original post. i'll open a thread over there if you wanna come join me.

and lil_g, thanks for the clarification. i feel better now http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif .

Leslie

I'll definately be there if you open up a forum about this topic in the chit chat forum http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif




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Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Gamma Chapter
University of British Columbia
Sigma 1996

It's open. Check it out.

WOW Moving to a different country....now that's LOVE!!! I wish you and your new hubby all the love and happiness your hands and hearts can hold!!

As an aside, there is a post on the AKA board about on line dating. I'm sure the poster would be glad to hear of your experiences!

<<soror6 dancing around her computer>> Now that is the sweetest thing I have heard in a while! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif Congrats to you! What a wonderful move you made for love, and I give my SF much respect for stepping out of your comfort zone and following your spirit and heart!
<<soror6 singing the Love Boat theme http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif >>