Honorary Membership for Oprah?
 

I have read in other forums about women who are made honorary members of sororities and was quite surprised at some of the names that were mentioned. I don't know how this process of determining who gets honorary status works (and I'm sure this is not for me to know), but I was wondering why Oprah Winfrey has not yet received such an honor from one of the black sororities. She has certainly been an icon in the African American community. Let me, for the record, apologize for my ignorance in advance if indeed she is already a member of one of the black greek organizations.

I read an article about Oprah and this topic was mentioned. She has been offered honorary membership in some of the orgs (she didn't say which ones) but she says she has no interest in it.

ZetaAce

I wonder why she chooses not to accept. If anyone deserves such an honor it is Oprah. As I read of the different women who were made honorary members (as I said in my first post)I was truly amazed. The women were indeed celebrities, but to have such honors bestowed upon them....let's just say I have never heard of any spectacular deeds or accomplishments that these ladies have done to be chosen over other persons such as Oprah or Susan Taylor (Essence magazine) to name a few. Of course, considering I know nothing about the process, I really shouldn't speak upon it. Thanks for the response!

I don't know why Oprah would not accept honorary membership into a BGLO sorority. She has accepted honorary degrees from various universities. What's the difference?I do remember when she had an episode that had this/these Kappa(s) from Missouri ( I think) where this one guy had allegedly been pledged so hard that he died or something. Anyway... during the conversation, Oprah mentioned that she did not "understand or was not familiar with the greek system..." or something to that effect. I was like come on, Oprah... you were at Tennessee State University during the PLEDGING process era, back then it was all out in the open. I am sure EVERYONE knew what was going on around that campus... but then again... she could have been one of those living under a rock or something. Or maybe she had a "bad experience."

I heard by rumor that Oprah once wanted to go on line for XYZ sorority,but didn't get accepted. And once she became OPRAH WINFREY XYZ sorority wanted to make her honorary. That's just my 1 cents.

I think she was lying when she said she didn't know anything about the greek system too. That could be a tv thing though.

Maybe she doesn't want to become honorary because she wants to actually dedicate her time to an organization that she joins. She seems very dedicated to the organizations that she is in and dedicated to devoting time to her business (lord knows she wears a lot of hats!). I think if that's one of her reasons, then that is very admirable. (Lord knows we don't need any more people with our letters who aren't doing anything in any of our organizations!)

ZetaAce

ZetaAce, I think you are right when you said that it could have been a TV thing. Sometimes to me, she seems like she tries to remove herself from "certain" situations.
Syrun, I agree 100% with what you heard.
That could be the issue. Since she admires and loves Soror Maya... you would think that she would want to follow in her footsteps...LOL... I am sure it is much "deeper" than that. Anyway...the organizations (all) will continue with the work that needs to be done regardless...

Here's a question...did anyone consider the possibility that she may be against the Greek system? Remember, it's not for everyone, and she may have her reasons. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Do any sororities donate to her Angel Network at all?

To answer your question,a chapter of Delta Sigma Theata did support her during her Angel Network project.
Oprah is doing alot for the community already. She even has the community doing community service. Does it really matter if she decided not to join any greek letter org.? I hear alot of sarcastic comments about something that is really,in a word, trivial

She said once that she was very interested in xyz sorority when she was in college. (Oprah), and was denyed membership, she felt, because she was to dark, and she didn't fit in with the image of that sorority. Since then many of her celebrity friends are in that organization and have asked her to join, and she has turned it down. When I first read that, I just had to laugh because the women that I know of xyz sorority have been in for a minute, and are some of the darkest (and yes, most beautiful) women I have ever met.

Oprah is well aware of the social leverage that her celebrity has. Maybe part of the reason for her declining is that she knows that if she were to accept membership in one group, there could be a stampede of ladies wanting to join that group since Oprah is a member, and this could potentially be at the expense of other groups on campus.

Another thing that she might not like is that GLO's, by their nature, do exclude people. This might not be something that she is comfortable with.

I agree with all the possibles reasons for why Oprah has accepted honoray membership.

But I have a couple questions.

With honorary membership, do the women not go through ritual? Because if they do wouldn't they be an alumnae initiate? I don't know the answer to these questions with how it even pertains to my own sorority, but it's always nagged at me.

And on to my devil's advocate question... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif

Why should she accept membership to any GLO?

She doesn't need the contacts.
She doesn't need the volunteer opportunities.
She doesn't need the publicity.

The woman is unbelievably incredible. Only the sorority would be getting bragging rights. She certainly doesn't need to say "I'm a MMM! Aren't we the greatest?"

If I was her I wouldn't see the point.

If anyone can come up with one let me know.

LOL @ ariesrising...that's cute OOO!!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

SoCalGirl I agree with you 122%!!! At this time in her life what's the point. Oprah is big enough to start her own sorority http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

OOO....you guys are hilarious!

But seriously, I think all the idea's posted here are very thoughtful. I have an uncle in Chicago that works for her and he says that she is a very complex women. You never know what goes on in a persons thought process.

I've also heard that Oprah was interested in joining XYZ while at Tennessee and was not accepted. Oprah like every other human being can hold grudges too, so if and when she was asked to join after she became media superwoman then of course she would reject if she were still bitter about it. alot of folks start drinking the hateraide, when they get the reject letter http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif many more folks start forgetting their past when their future is oh so well cushioned so to speak.

Oprah is doing great things, i'm not mad at her. HOWEVER XYZ has many wonderful, noble women in her ranks who have done greater things then Oprah for the black/community in general. If it wasn't for the women of XYZ and countless pioneers like them oprah would not have had the opportunities that she is affored today as a black educated woman. I would say confidently that XYZ doesn't need to add Oprah to her ranks. XYZ was great before Oprah and will be so after her.

To all the ladies of sgrho,zeta,dst and my oh so illustrious sorors of AKA who don't always get the recognition of an oprah for the work you do for our communities, i see you, keep up the good work http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Soror, I shole nuff feels ya on dat note! LOL!

For those that did not understand...I concur wholeheartedly with my Soror!

SSSSSSSKKKKKKKKEEEEEEEE WWWWWWWWWEEEEEEE!

In my humble opinion I feel that Oprah does not want to except hon. membership because she knows that she will serve as a figure head. She doesn't need to join a sorority, she's Oprah! Oprah is not an idiot, and I pray that she does not give in. I would hate to view ABC Sorority, Inc. site and see under our famous sorors: Oprah Winfrey.



[This message has been edited by Hope (edited July 14, 2000).]

Are you saying that Oprah was denied membership into Delta?

Hey y'all!

Not to sound negative, but we need to remember that being Greek is not seen as an honor to everyone. Clearly, being Greek means the world to most people on this board. I personally love my sorority and would do anything in my power to benefit it. To my family, however, although they know that my sorority is very important to me, they cannot understand why I would want to be a member of a "secret organization". They do not understand the bonds, and they do not understand the history. Since none of them attended college, they cannot fathom what it means to me and my sisters. They believe that a "real" family and close friends are all that are needed in life. I respect them for that because they have never been in the situation to join an organization such as ours.

In addition, many of my friends who are in college now think that Greek organizations are a waste of time. It's not because they're jealous or rushed and couldn't get in, it's just because there are other things that are much more important to them. They don't need ABC sorority in their lives, while I do. They have their organizations and their clubs that are important to their standards and their beliefs.

It's a shame that some people cannot see the benefit that our organizations serve. But we need to remember that they are clubs. They are important clubs that help the community, but they are still clubs. It is not necessary to join one to live a happy, successful life (although I sometimes think it is! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif )This might not be the case for Oprah, but it is for many people. I would be honored if someone such as Oprah was to join my organization. She has done so much for so many people. By not joining a sorority, it shows that she wants to continue devoting her time to her own issues.

Just my $18.85! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks, PositivelyAKA!!!

PositivelyAKA, well said, my soror.

CASH78 I'm sure to don't really believe that Oprah is not interested because she wants to focus on herself. Why would it be an honor for you to have her as a sorority sister? There is nothing wrong with sororities, but some of you take it a lot farther than it needs to go. Besides, how many of you out there in greekland aren't financial? How many of you only do community service when you chapter makes you? Here's a good one...how many of you force you prospectives to do your community service, then take credit for their work? To sum it all up, how many of you are letter wears with below average GPA's? Oprah doen't need to join a sorority, but a lot of sororities would love to have Oprah open up the check book a few times a year and you all know that's what it's all about. Peace

Hope...do I sense a little Greek hater-aid in your post?
And if not, Then why are you "wasting" your time in a Greek forum if you have these negative images/connotations/perceptions of us?

[This message has been edited by AKA2D '91 (edited July 15, 2000).]

Greek hater-aid!! HAHA!! That's too funny! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Hope,
Our job here is not to defend ourselves to anyone, especially to those outside the Greek system. These posts are here to educate and to inform. They are also here to allow us to discuss and share with other Greek members of other systems (NPC, NPHC, LGLO, etc)

And just for your clarification, we do not "force" any of our new members (NOT PLEDGES) to do anything, let alone take credit for it. And for you to say "Here's a good one...", what do you do, sit around all day and think of these things? Come on now.

We are all well aware of Oprah's contributions to people of all races, financial need, etc. She doesn't do anything just for herself, but for the benefit of others. This dedication makes her selfless, which is an extremely honorable trait. That is why I would be honored to have her join ANY Greek organization, not only mine (which, by the way, is GLO)

And don't get your hopes up (haha!), I was not defending myself or anyone, merely clarifying.

Hope, you sound bitter

Hope,

To answer your question, Yes I am financial, and will always be financial until they put me six feet under. Yes, I have, kontinue to, and will always do kommunity service outside of my frat.

Your silly generalizations are tired. Hatin will get you no where.

I recently read a book on the life of Oprah. She was very active in high school and college. I can not imagine her not wanting to be apart of a sorority with the many activities and clubs she joined. However, we know that during her college days, she would have been denied entrance in a particular organization because her skin tone was not light enough. Now years later, those who rejected her want her to be a member because she is rich and famous. Now it would seem like she would be favoring one if she joined. As far as volunteer service goes, Oprah would not have to do volunteer work because honorary members are selected for what they have already given to the community. Most already have funds, networks set up.

Here's my .06 cents about this here thing.

First of all, Black Sororities withstanding honorary memberships can boast a proud legacy...they don't necessarily need a celebrity to boost its image...All one has to do is check the history and the records and one can easily see that even our founders were cutting edge (Outside of the Sorority Life)...

Women Who Pledged Include:
Toni Morrison, AKA
Mary Church Terrell, Delta
Mother Love, SGRho
Zora Neale Hurston, Zeta

In Fact BGLOs don't necessarily need formed leaders...we BREED leadership --That's a part of our Vision!!!!

However, we honor those who seem to be making an impact in society (not all BGLOs have honorary membership). Not because we NEED them to speak for us...but we find them worthy and in-line with our vision.

As far as light skin racism goes...you can't fault an institution for a state of mind that man created...while we contribute to it, we didn't get that practice out of the air...the problems with our organizations stem from the ills of our society...Colleges (as a standard) used the paper bag test for admittance...so how can you expect any different from other institutions...

However, we have made a lot of progress even in the last 30 years to change that practice...as black people and as black people in Greek Letter Organizations.

In the spirit of ALPHA,

I am,

The Ice Cold Kreator

As a personal note: I think if you want to be down...then you need to pledge! Oprah can always PLEDGE PLEDGE PLEDGE -- Baby!

Hope, dear, just what the hell is your deal?!? When I came across this thread and read your negative comments...something rang a bell. I vaguely remembered you posting something else in another forum with equal disdain...sure enough when I pulled up all of your past posts they were full of nasty and petty "thoughts". At one point, you're entire post had to be deleted...it was deemed unnecessary and plain old ignorant. Why do you feel the need to come into GreekChat at all if all you want to do is spew your negativity?? As someone said, if the topic of sororities/fraternities disgusts you that much...then PLEASE don't subject yourself to it at all. I know everyone has the right to an opinion, but you, my dear, go a little too far! You sound EXTREMELY bitter over SOMETHING sweetie http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif (I wonder what it could be!) LET IT GO!!!!!!! All that negativity is really no good for your mental/physical health.

* For everyone else that had to experience the "ugly side" of Mocha, let me be the first to apologize but this really irks my nerves!*

My brotha, Ice Cold Kreator...

Thank Ya! Thank Ya! Thank Ya! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

Skeee-Phi, Baby!

I could not agree with you more!!!

[This message has been edited by AKA2D '91 (edited August 03, 2000).]

Why is it that....just because a person reaches a certain financial status they are given what we poor college people have worked so hard for? I find that organizations do this for bragging rights..per say..and financial support, but is that fair to the members. They should at least go Grad! Also, the honorary system really questions the integrity of the candidates worth because the persons are recruited.....hmmm....would BGLOs recruit during undergrad? The point? Oprah needs to PLEDGE. She has enough money to have all of the friends she wants. Come on now...what will she gain that she doesn't already have...money(nope), friends(nope), mens attention(sorry), sisterhood(get real), who doesn't love Oprah?

After attending our Naional Convention in Chicago this summer, I can honestly say that anyone who thinks that an Honorary Membership is "lesser than" any other type has never seen an Honarary Membership induction, nor have they seen the work that (not MOST) ALL honorary members have done PRIOR to their invitation, and have not seen what they do for their orgainzations AFTER they are inducted.

And as for the money asspect.. I don't know about other orgainizations, but Delta finaces most of her projects from the dues of its members, so in a very basic way, Delta wanted me for my money too.

DBC...
I am NOT really an Oprah fan!

You people still DO NOT get the point!

Amen, Gina_lynn!!

Nine Pearls:

I'm dying to know: what one sorority in particular would have rejected Oprah based on her skin color? That ugly practice wasn't limited to just one organization, contrary to your statement.

DG
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Theta Omega chapter via
2-Boule-SP90

lmao.