Black and White--Is it an issue?
 

There was a story posted on Greeksource.com about how Tenn State Univ (a historically Black University) was starting an integrated chapter of Sigma Pi and were recruiting both Black and White members. I would like to know what other greeks think about Blacks joining traditionally White frats/sororities or Whites joining traditionally Black frats/sororities. I think there is something good to be said about having a diverse membership in greek organizations and I'd like to hear others' perspectives.

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My chapter was the first Fraternity on campus to initiate a black person. We have since iniated people from England, Cuba, Mexico, Japan, and Brazil. All of them were born and raised in their own perspective countries. My Fraternity does not discriminate against race, color, creed, nor code!

Thomas Gardner
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Pi-Psi
187

I personally don't see it as an issue. I am in a predominatley white fraternity and nothing has ever been with color as far as that is concerned.

The terrible thing about my campus (Washington University) is the racial separation. There's the Interfraternity Council (IFC) that oversees the twelve "normal" fraternities. Then, there's the Panhellenic Council, which oversees the six "normal" sororities. But then there's the Black PanHellenic Council, that oversees all of the BLACK fraternities/sororities. Unfortunately, there's little overlap -- black students join black fraternities, and there's almost no exception to the rule.



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Joshua
http://artsci.wustl.edu/~jlgoldwa

--
"Round here we talk just like lions
but we sacrifice like lambs" -AD

Racial issues is quite a subconscious thing in greek stuff, in my opinion. It appears that most rushees will "feel better and more comfortable" to rush in a fraternity of culturally/ethnically similar interests. If you look on campus, you may notice some frats/sors founded on an ethnic basis. Those that where founded by Caucasian members tend to stay Caucasian. Only when some 'different shade of the rainbow' have the couraged to go for it, he/she could start a whole new thing. For mine, this was a possible answer and also due to the population of the campus. Mt frat and chapter was founded by Caucasian boy scouts, but over the years, the California chapters have leaned more into the Asian side. Our college is a quite popular choice for Asians; 40% Asian, 50% Caucasian, 1% African, 15% Latino, then other. Mine is 90% Asian, but we do not encourage any biased pledging. I try to get our rush programs to involve a more diverse representation so rushees can see what it is possible.

I've always felt that any organization, greek or otherwise, would always benefit from having the best members it could get. It would be extremely foolish for a group to single out an individual because of color, or anything else, when that individual could be an asset. If you find a group of people that have similar interests, beliefs, goals, and motivations that you do, color should never get in the way. Nor should you ever try to keep someone out for that same reason. You may be missing out on a friend for life.

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"Listen to my music, and hear what it can do.
There's something here that's as strong as life.
I KNOW THAT IT WILL REACH YOU!!!"
~Rush2112~

I want to raise the question of why some people resent that a minority, such as an African American woman like myself, would decide to join a Greek organization that is not traditional Black. I resently decided to pledge Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and I have gotten some strange looks from Greeks in the traditionally Black Sororities. Some have even said that I'm being a trader of sorts. I wanted to know if others had some answers out there. I know in my heart what is best for me and I will not allow anyone to take me off course from my goals. I am just curious to know why some feel that way. Thanks

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Alpha Phi Omega
Mu Chapter
Indiana University

I agree that racial lines are drawn, both consciously and unconsciously, among Greeks. My chapter was fortunate enough to draw the interests of a variety of genders and races. As a 'white' member, I was in the majority, but I also gained a lot from the others in the fraternity. Having international members encouraged our entire fraternity to participate in things like World Week on campus.
I also know from some of my African-American friends that the pressure for them to participate in 'all-black' organizations (from APhiA to AKA to the Black Student Union) was great. I think that a lot of this has to do with 'trying to act white' (or black, or whatever). I commend anyone who can join the group that they know is right for them even though it may meet some misunderstanding from their peers. Hopefully you will be one of the leaders, showing them that different people have different needs and desires, regardless of race.

It's been fifty years since fraternities began dropping membership exclusionary clauses in their charters, and still, racism is a huge issue. Obviously, it's not limited just to the Greek system, but we all know it's there.

The amount of hate crimes reported on college campuses has reached its highest level in forty years.

The feature film "Followers", currently on a nationwide college and university tour, is helping to raise awareness about the problem.

Check out the film's website at www.followers.com

I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. I am black and I went to a historically black school. This was the best sorority for me. I do believe that a lot of black people join the black fraternities or sororities because they are more comfortable for them. Why wouldn't any sane person do that? That is what makes sense. If a black organization will benefit you and is what you want then that is what you should do. But it is also the same for any other organization with a specialty whether it is business, arts, social, or service. If that's what floats your boat then that's the organization for you. Lastly, these questions are posed to LanderAEPi. What do you mean by "normal"? Are you saying that white is "normal" and that black is not?

My sorority has black and white women. I know that we all get along and joke around and have a great time. The color never matters with us.

This is the reason why we still have topics like racism! Who gives a shit if you are black, white hispanic. We are all humans. We have all the same feelings and emotions and if we keep bringing up this issue of color it is never going to die and we will never accept anyone for the person they are without looking at the color of their skin first.

M. Huling
Alpha Eta Omega

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alabama

My sorority does care what color you are black,white,red,blue,purple it doesn't matter but there are some "black"sororities on campus. I really don't care what color you are i always look into who u are as a person.

To Vanity3 I am a member of AKA the first
black female sorority. For those of you
who are unaware, not that long ago black
college students were not accepted by white
students, faculty, communities and were not
allowed or wanted in white greek letter
organizations. Therefore we started our
own organizations and for many years have
had our membership open to whites, but most
whites did not and still do not want to be
associated with a predominately black organization no matter how upstanding it is. It is true that most people feel comfortable around people who they feel are most like themselves. Vanity3 if you feel good about your decision why worry about anyone else.
Just remember many of the founding black
greeks fought so that you could have the opportunity to join whatever group you choose. They didn't have that choice. Its
good that today people are more open to letting you into their circle.

I personally dont care what color you are...what matters is if the said person would be an asset to your fraternity/sorority.

On the other hand, I understand why we have the racial split in the greek system. People want to hang out with who they feel connected to and who they feel most comfortable with. My chapter has a black member, as well as indian and hispanic. People join who they want to join, and as long as no "quotas" are set to determine who we can and can't pledge because of color, I feel there is no problem.

Greg
Phi Gamma Delta

I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. It is a historicaly Black sorority, and I can't imagine having pledged anything else. I hear what people are saying about encouraging diversity, and if you are comfortable with the decision that you made, that's wonderful. But I don't see the "inharent" value in intergrated organizations. I love that durring my intake process I was taught to have a whole other love and appreciation for being a BLACK WOMAN and the accomplishments of my black female sorors. It's not a question of exclusion, it's tradition and legacy.

That is all fine and good for you to be proud to be a black woman, but for me to say that I would like to keep my sorority all white women so that I can be proud to be a strong white woman is supposedly racist! So why is that? Why can you make that statement and a white woman like myself can't? If I say it and it is racist, then you must be racist also. I hear all of the time that black women and men should be proud of being black, but whenever a white man or woman says that, we are not PC and should adjust our attitude as not ot offend a "minorities" delicate senceabilities. It just so happens that we are not all white, my pledge sister is black and she has never made a statement like you have. I don't understand why you bring up the fact that you are black and are strong because of it, why? There are black guys in my US histroy class that have decided to rage a personal vendeta against all of the shite people in class because at one time in history there were slaves and they happened to be black, and my problem with that is, I don't own a slave, I never have and never will, and if my ancestors did good for them but I had no part of it and it is over with, go get the fuck over it. As you may know MANY black men give black people a very bad name, at least in Iowa they do. I have three black friend two of which are male and about 2/3rds of our college are black males and I will not look at them waling down the halls. They are rude, obnoxious, and just plain sick. I have had things said to me, all by black guys, that no one has ever said to me, and I am offended. The worst is when, at a party, a black guy hollered al me, not my name but some dirogatory comment about my butt and when I didn't acknowlege him he got mad and started saying worse things to me and then got in my face because I didn't fall all over him. This whole process has never been explained to me except that al my school there are a bunch of niggers, black, white, yellow, it doesn't matter. And for those of you who read this, a nigger is a "bad" person, there is no color in that deifintion. So if anyone can explain this fuck up situation to me let me know.

Alabama first of all your post was very
unlady like. Second, knuckle head college
boys make rude comments but we should not defame an entire race because of those individuals. Third, If you said you were a proud white woman i would not brand you as
a racist, you assume too much. Now if you
go on a shooting rampage taking out black folks for the "white cause" then of course i would consider you a racist LUNATIC due to your ACTIONS. Otherwise if being white makes you proud then by all means be proud. I personally don't get my self esteem from being black. It comes from who i am on the inside not the skin i'm in.

Alabama, your message was very disturbing. Here you talk about if you wanted to say you were proud to be a White woman you would be labeled a racist. Not true, You can be a proud White woman, just as I a proud Black woman. However, where you go wrong is that the Black Sororities and fraternities do not say they are for "only" Blacks. As you said, you would be labeled for wanting to keep your Sorority all White. Furthermore, as far as the individuals that you have had problems with in Iowa, they are a select few. You can not try to generalize an entire group of people based on what some said to you. If that were the case I suppose that I should say that all White men or teenage boys are murderers, serial killers and the such. I guess I should be afraid to be in an area with all Whites because who knows when a young teenage White boy will come and start shooting. Who knows if there's a serial killer out there just waiting for me. Furthermore, I guess I should assume that all White women are liars and will blame anything on a Black man because she knows that she can put her children in a car and let the car sink in a Lake or whatever and then blame a Black man and no one think anything of it. Now, you explain that to me, you tell me about the world and why it's so messed up. I appreciate different opinions and I appreciate people sharing their personal struggles and successes, however, I do not appreciate when you tempt to generalize Black men and lump them into a category. Now, is that really fair. Now, kind of jumping back to why we are so proud to Black women and to be apart of our certain Sororities. I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The first Greek lettered Sorority, by and for Black women. I am proud to be a part of this sorority and proud that there are several prominant, distinguished women of color in my sorority. I am proud that I am a part of something so great and this gives me pride to see many successful, well rounded Black women. I am a 2nd year Law Student and just looking at the constitution itself, and looking at history and tradition, the US never had a history of accepting any Black people. The Constitution was not written with any Black people in mind,remember we were not citizens then. So, if you ask me why am I proud to be a Black woman, I sit in a society who is not accepting, only tolerant of my being. And tolerance is not what we want.. We are proud of where we have come in such a short time. And even today, people want to sugarcoat the way things truly are and the way this world works and the things that this country decides to call values. Nothing was made with AFrican Americans in mind. So, why you sit and wonder why we need to be strong Black women, until you can walk in our shoes, I guess you would not understand. However, you should be proud to say you are a White woman. I wonder why most of you do not, not becuase you are afraid of being called racist. That should be the last thing. You worry about slavery and say you never owned slaves or anything, you didn't have to. As long as you are still BENEFITING from oppression of others, if you are, then apprantely it is your own so-called guilt. For the most part Black people do not blame all White things for everything and we do not have to always go back to slavery. However, Slavery is something that should never be forgotten and that is something that I believe people try to do. I do not mean to continue and ramble on, as you can tell I am a Law student and will become an attorney http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif. But Alabama, you sound very angry and bitter. And with all due respect, you should be very bitter against those INDIVIDUALS who were disrespectful to you. But please, don't try to take it out on the entire group. You say you never owned slaves and so forth, well we all did not disrespect you either. This is just food for thought....And of course, if I forgot to include anything, be sure that I will be back on this message board http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif.. and to my fellow Sorors, represent!!!

AARGH!

I have yet to read a single post in which the author stated that it's okay for any GLO or individual to be racist, intolerant, etc. Nearly everyone seems to agree that we can only benefit from both interracial organizations and cooperation between organizations that are one predominant race vs. another race.

And then everyone here b*****s about how traditionally BGLO's do this, or traditionally white GLO's do that. Or how because of what their ancestors did, they're labeled... blah, blah, blah.

Yes, the U.S. has a terrible history of racial issues. And gender issues. And even religious issues. And it is absolutely true that these things directly affect the present.

But WE are responsible for changing the direction of history & steering the present & the future in a positive direction we can be proud of.

If you look at the Greek system & see a great divide between races, (which I do) and you want to CHANGE that, why don't you try & understand each other, INVITE each other to your activities, participate in charity work TOGETHER?


Here's some starters:
If you're in a traditionally BGLO, invite black, white, Jewish, etc. GLO's to your next Step Show. And if they don't "get it", take time to educate them. If you're holding a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event, do the same. Invite others to participate, and EDUCATE EACH OTHER. (Likewise for any GLO, not just BGLO's; that was just my example).


If you're holding any kind of social event/mixer, etc. invite ALL of the GLO's on campus, not just those of the same race.

Get EVERY GLO involved in a campus-wide event that celebrates AMERICAN heritage; like an outdoor barbeque where jazz, dixie, rock n'roll, etc. is the music & entertainment. (Jazz is the most American music we have).
Or an Around-the-World Party (not the drinking game) to raise money for charity: Have each GLO choose a country/region of the world. Set up booths on campus & decorate appropriately for your country. Charge a couple dollars admission to students, faculty & the community. Each GLO serves up cuisine frome their respective country AND shares bits of information about the country with visitors to your booth. LEARN TO RESPECT OTHER CULTURES.


Some day we will be able to say to our children & grandchildren
"It was different back then. People didn't understand that even though we have different backgrounds, we're all equal. You're lucky to grow up in a time when all men & women are treated with the same respect".
Don't you want to be part of a generation that makes that possible?

At the college I graduated from, we held an annual Greek Week. A traditionally black sorority/fraternity was paired with a traditionally white sorority and fraternity. We held different events during the week such as a parade, skit night, a non-alcoholic mixer night, sporting events, and several other things to earn points during the week.
Everyone worked together on their projects and it created a lot of unity among all the greek organizations as well as friendships.

As a result, members attended events held by other organizations and accepted invitations to parties, step shows, etc. This also helped in eliminating the misconceptions that people had about other organizations.

Silver turtle, I think you missed my point. My point was not to separate the GLO's or BGLO's. My point was directed at the individual who directly started talking about Black people and why we have to say we have Black pride and the such. However, although BGLO's were traditionally founded by and for Blacks, that does not mean that we do not have members who are not Black. Thus, I am not encouraging the separation of the races, yet I was responding to the individual who spoke of trying to keep her organization all White. I was responding to message about having White pride and being called a racist. The individual was somewaht off of topic, thus my response was somewhat off of topic. However, my response was directed at that individual and letting her know why we, as African Americans do have pride in these organizations that were started at a time when we were not allowed in other organizations. I do see the value in the co-mingling and the acceptance of other members in our groups. However, when we have Rush or other events we do not explicitly outlaw others and only include Blacks. But one point I would like to make is that although we are supposed to be a society where we are all treated with the same respect, what is the reality. You saId that we should be happy to be in a society where we are all treated with the same respect.. Yes, I am happy to be in the US and would not want to be anywhere, but I think it's a little naive to believe that this is a society where we are all treated with the same respect. That's just the reality of it. And, thus we always have to refer back to history to make a point and in trying to further the progress of this country. Therefore, we can not ignore the past in recreating the future. The past is very important in the dealings that we have today and in the future.. Now, that does not mean we have to LIVE in the past. But we do have to look at the past. However, I do appreciate your suggestions and that is what is needed in order to try to work things out and make the issues not so Black and White. People always talk about the problems but never have any suggestions, therefore I commend you with your suggestions. I just hope that you are actually acting on your suggestions.. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by Lil' bit (edited December 13, 1999).]

Silver turtle, I am confused. Are you saying that it is ok to be a racist? I thought that was what you said? Or if I took it the wrong way, let me know..

First and foremost, all these backhanded comments going on in here are just plain ridiculous and uniformed. I think all know what they were and we don't need to continue to stoke that fire. Secondly, you should be proud of your background no matter what ethnicity you are. I know that I am proud to be an African - American woman and that doesn't make me a racist nor does it make someone racist if they are proud of being Asian, Caucasian, Latino or any combination of these. Any percieved racism is a result of that person's own guilt or the others ignorance. That being said, I will answer the original topic at hand.

I was one of only two Blacks in my sorority, and I recieved a lot of pressure from Black organizations on my campus to pin drop or not rush at all. In fact, initially, I didn't even want to rush because I thought I had nothing in common with any of the women who belonged to a sorority. My best friend encouraged me to come out and although she did not make it and I did (that was pretty bad), I came to see how great sisterhood is no matter what the color of your skin.

I had a wonderful experience in my sorority and I would not change it. I may have been only one of two Blacks, however, the sorority as a whole was pretty mixed with all ethnicities. I can only speak for my campus but, diversity is growing and we can only benefit from it. In fact, our greek system is growing which is great since so many others are getting the axe by their schools or their rush numbers are declining. One of the fraternities we just added is a traditionaly Latino frat. but they allow any man that wants to rush to be a part of their brotherhood.

I have to say I am in total agreement with Lil Bit had to say in her earlier posts (well said and good luck with law school! you go girl!). To add to that I would say that everyone needs to make the choice that is right for them. If a sorority or fraternity bases their membership on what race someone is, they do not understand the true meaning of sisterhood/brotherhood and perhaps should not be a GLO at all.

OK, people, lets stop the bitchin. We all know the issue here, and if people decide to have an ethnic gap in their GLO, then fine. I would be hesitant to call that group racist, though, because of the ramifications that go along with using a term like that. Everyone is going to have differing opinions here, and at some point we have to agree to disagree.

If you want your GLO to be race-specific, then do that, and don't feel like you have to go along with people on this board telling you otherwise. If you want your GLO to be ethnic, then do that and don't dog on groups that don't feel the same way.

I think that if you take a look at why there were black fraternities/sororities founded, then you would understand that it is OK to have a race (and gender) specific group. If a black person calls someone non-black a racist, then they should understand that by using that term they are also racist...because their race also has GLO's like ohters do. The same goes for white people calling other groups racist...don't think I am only using black people as the example here.

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Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not, nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not, unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not, the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "Press OIn" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

A PHinatic hello, i have a couple of questions for you as i did not attend a predominately white university. No one else need reply thank you. 1. why did you choose to join the particular sorority that you are a member of versus say Delta or Sigma Gamma Rho. 2. When you graduate does your sorority have graduate chapters across the country for it's members to continue in community service and fellowship with their sisters? Thank you.

Lil'bit

My post wasn't directed at your post, it was directed at every Greek that's here.

To clear a couple of things up:

I didn't say that we live in an equal society, I said someday, if we are PROACTIVE & teach others, that we WILL be able to live in that kind of society. I also stated that we DO need to look at the past.

No, it's NOT okay to be racist, and I certainly didn't meant to state or imply that. I'm not sure where you got that from, but sorry if that's how anything came across.

As for following my own suggestions, some my chapter did, some they didn't. I'm now an alumnae, so I obviously don't have direct involvement anymore, but from what I have seen & heard, it sounds like they are continuing to participate in positive events, etc.

FYI, my Fraternity is co-ed (it wasn't always, it started out as a women's frat, but about 1976 that changed), and has members of many races. We value individuals for what they have to offer. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

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Phi Beta Fraternity for the Creative and Performing Arts.
http://homepages.go.com/~phibetaphichapter/index.html

ok I was reading this whole "conversation" as you will call it, going on within this message forum. I don't want it to sound like I am "going off" on anyone here but I just have to say a few things. I am a proud african-american woman, who comes from a long line of proud african-american women.

And when I came to college rushing or going out for a sorority was the last thing on my mind. Then I transfered school. Not knowing but a handful of students on a college campus of 25,000 is not fun let me tell you. So when I entered this university in the Fall of 98 one of this first things I did was joined a sorority. And the reason why I joined was to get to know more people outside of my close friends I had at school. Now you might be thinking that it would have been a tradtionaly black sorority, but SHOCKER it wasn't. I joined Alpha Chi Omega, and let me hit you with another shocker, I am THE FIRST Blackwoman to come into our Panhellenic System and I am also a Charter Sister to my sorority. yes I got the looks, and I even knew some ladies in Delta, Sigma, AKA, etc...but it didn't stop me, and at first I was ashamed, I thought of de-pinning, but then what would that prove? That I wasn't fit to be a black woman on this campus in a tradtionally white sorority? I'm sure that some of my pledge sisters were uncomfortable about the sitituation as anyone would be.

But my point here is that I am just as proud to say I am a STRONG black woman who happens to have 85 sisters that love me and accept me for who I am. And to let you know where I am coming from, at my school the majority of the students are white and only 13% are African-American. On a campus of 25,000 that is not a very big percentage and to come out on top and still hold my head high and wear my letters that I love so dearly round campus and not be affected by what others think is the best feeling in the world. And anyone whom ever may disagree with me or has a problem with it should take a long look in the mirror and sit in judgement of themself before casting judgement upon others who have stood out and made it.


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[This message has been edited by vtqt79 (edited December 14, 1999).]

Silver Turtle, the reason I thought you say it's ok to be racist was because you started off by saying you have yet to read a post where it stated it was ok for a GLO or an individual to be racist or intolerant. I don't know if that's what you meant and I'll reread to make sure that's what I read, but that's why I thought you said it's ok to be racist. I also saw your post in the Alpha Kappa Alpha forum and I replied.. No you did not sound hostile.. You said you are an alumnae. Does that mean your sorority/frat does not have a grad chatper. Have you ever thought of being a charter member of a graduate chapter where you are located. I know that Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and other BGLO have graduate chapters..

Lil'bit

What I meant by "i'm yet to hear anyone say it's okay to be racist..."

was that it seemed apparent to me that we all agreed that it ISN'T okay. But I didn't see anyone offering solutions to change the obvious problems we have.

Sorry if it sounded otherwise!

I am in total agreement with Pink Bunny. Vtqt79, you should not have felt ashamed for the decision you chose. If that's what was right for you, that was right for you. But I can see how som might have thought, "why is she joining that white sorority". Not to worry, because you can't please everyone. However, I am concerned like Pink bunny, why were the women who pledged you concerned about pledging you. Now, you took that in stride and I commend you for going for what you wanted. But I have to wonder, was the reason they were concerned was because you were Black, or because they were unsure of what you would bring to the sorority. Or, was it pressure from others about the possibility of pledging you. You were strong, because you wanted to be a member of that sorority. However, I know that some would decide not to pledge that sorority becuase of the doubt of wanting you because you are Black. But I don't know the circumstnaces so I will not jump to conclusions. Again, I do not understand how some of the GLO do not have graduate chapters. Again, I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and we have graduate chapters everywhere, literally. And, I knew when I wanted to become an AKA that it was a lifelong committment that would never end. Do any of the GLOs have graduate chapters? Ok, so now I think I have said all I can say with regard to this topic and I do not need to continue to ramble on and on http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

oh, ok Silver turtle, I understand you now. Just a slight misunderstanding http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

RE: Graduate Chapters; Understanding commitment.

Pink Bunny, for sisterhoods that do not have graduate chapters, many have alumnae chapters that are designed to continue the support and values of the active chapter. I do not know enough about graduate chapters nor NPC alumnae chapters to compare/contrast them.

Activity beyond graduation varies based an active (college chapter) sisters's exposure to the alumnae of her chapter. In chapters with envolved alumnae - new and old, the understanding of a life long commitment is strong. If alumnae are inactive, sisters can easily get the impression of "a college-only sisterhood". As many of the greek organizations are attempting to eliminate the "animal party" sterotypes and re-vamping thier new membership programs, I hope emphasis on importance of committment to their sisterhood/brotherhood remains strong - or in case stengthened.

Although my experience and understanding of my role as alumnae may differ because I am also a local founder of a small National sisterhood, I hope that our alumnae's activites provides a strong influence over our active chapter. I'm an alumnae of 3 years and at quiet a distance from my chapter, yet I continue to assist at a local active level, alumnae level and national level: holding offices, assisting with expansion, attending conventions, maintaing websites, voicing opinions and ideas.

Sisters and Brothers miss out when they remain only a name on a roster from years gone by.

Artimis

At my college, we have, both traditionally black sororities and we also have other sororities with a mix of cultures and backgrounds. The traditionally black sororites were not a part of panhel because they were city wide affiliates and not just with our school. However, this year, they were invited to join and be a part of the ongoing processes. So far, it has worked out wonderfully. During Greek Week, they gave a Step Show (I can't remember exactly what it's called, so pardon me if I get it a little wrong). But the point is, yes there is tradition, but I found it great that the campus is uniting and educating each other about their various traditions and culture. That is why were are at college in the first place.

Hi Pink Bunny,

To answer your first question, I joined my sorority because it was the most diverse out of all the sororities on my campus. I had several friends I had known since the beginning of college who were also in that sorority and I knew if my good friends could stand behind the sorority, I should at least see what they had to offer. My sorority also had what I was looking for in terms of our system of belief, ideals and charitable work.

You also asked why I didn't rush Sigma or Delta. I don't know if you saw one of my posts on one of the other pages, but there weren't ANY BGLOs chartered on our campus. Not one. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif I knew there were three girls at my school who affiliated with the Deltas at a nearby campus but I never saw them around and they never posted anything on campus, in the campus paper or in the OBSS that said their rush process was beginning. There weren't any Sigmas at all... I hadn't even heard of them. AKAs really represented out of all the BGLOs even though they weren't chartered on our campus. I recieved an invite to rush them but I knew some of their sisters and I didn't like them (maybe it was because I lived with them and you get a whole different perspective of people after you live with them for a year). Which was really unfortunate because I know that AKA is a very strong organization and has a proud history. I would have loved to be a part of that but some of the individuals within the chapter would have made it a difficult for me to really enjoy the experience.

Lastly, I am an alumnae (just this past May) and as soon as I moved home, the local alumnae chapter of my sorority got in contact with me and provided me with a roster, schedule of events and meetings. It was nice to hear from them because a lot of my friends have moved away from home. So, to answer your question, my sorority is actually very active post graduation. We don't have graduate chapters but almumnae chapters all over this country and internationally that are still really invovled.

I hope I answered all your questions, please feel free to ask me anything else that comes to mind. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

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"We ask ourselves, who am I to be talented, gorgeous, intelligent and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?"
-Marriane Wilson

As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in Alabama, I really felt compelled to respond to the post by 'Alabama.' It saddens me that that young lady chose to affiliate my state with such an insensitive post. You seem very bitter. I don't know what your experience has been, but, get over it. Of course slavery is over, but that does not mean that we have made enough progress to put the racial issue to bed. We can discuss racial profiling by the police or discrimination in the workplace. We don't need to keep rehashing slavery. But, beleive me issues still exist.
What should it concern you that a black woman would be proud of who she is? No one is saying that you shouldn't be proud of who you are either. Notice she did not assert herself as superior to anyone as most people who proclaim "white pride". What they really mean is white supremacy. And finally, if a man disrespected you then charge it that to that individual not his ethnicity. I have encountered a number of drunk and rude white guys at football games and bars, but I knwo that that has more to do with his alcohol level that the color of his skin. Again, I think that you have some personal issues that you need to work through. Do that before posting in a public forum.
The DSTBrat
oo-ooop

FOr those of you out there that had any questions about what I had to say this is my reply to you.

First off once again I don't want anyone to come to assume that I am belittling anyone else but this is what I have to say.

1) On the issue on pledging a sorority that might have had some issues on me for being black, just to let anyone know I was interviewed and rushed by a chapter from a diferent part of my state and from our National headquarters because like I said I and my 55 other pledge sisters were Charter sisters. I didn't meet any of them until Bid-Day (for you that don't understand what that is it is the day you recieve the invitation from the sorority that you chose and mutually chose you, then you meet and have a fun filled day of whatever). So I didn't exactly know what I was going into other than I knew the chances of me being the only Afrian-American woman were very high. But I didn't care. Which leads me to point #2...

2) I was ashamed for a few reasons, my mom from the time I came to college pushed the idea of me pledging Delta and my sister also. They themeslef never were greek so I think it was kind of important to them to see me do this. So in one way I was ashamed of what my mother and sister would have to say about it. And also I was ashamed for the looks that I got on campus from blacks that I know, and as much as anyone might want to say they don't care what others do, EVERYONE deep inside has their own opinion and they might never say it out loud but they can think it all they want. I felt like I had let not just my family but those blacks that I knew on campus down also.
I now know that I have NOTHING to be ashamed of, I wear my letters that I worked HARD for around campus, sometimes people even joke on me because I have so many sets of letters. As for those that might have had a problem sharing a LOVELY sorority with someone of a different race either got over it or might still hve the problem but I just choose to not associate myself with them. There are 80+ girls in my sorority and I can say that of those 80 there are about 70 that I love whole heartly and care for like they were a real sister. And I could careless what they might have to say about me, to my face or behind my back. I have now over come my fear of what others have to say about me and have walked with my head held high for quiet sometime now. I am proud of myself and those that I support, whether it is a GLO or an BGLO. And with that I will move on to my thrid thing...

3) As for graduate chapters I don't believe that AXO has any, but I am positive that they have alumnae chapters everywhere, not just the US but over seas also. That is the one thing that I am most excited about when I graduate. There are more oppurtunities out there for me to act on behalf of my sorority. It's about the fun you have in college but more about the fun and life-long oppurtunities you have after also.

If there is anything anyone else might want to take about feel free to respone to my post.

Artimis thanks for your response.

A Phinatic thank you for your response I appreciate it. Take Care.

Thank you vtgt79, i appreciate your realness when answering my questions. peer pressure and family pressure is no joke. i feel you. but you did what you believed was right for you and that's what matters. keep on keeping it real.