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But why are the NPHC groups so ... different???
In my travels in Greekdom, I often find that members of non-NPHC organizations are surprised at how the NPHC groups can be so different than others. I have been thinking about putting together this post for a while to explain (in a non-condescending fashion) how some of these differences came to be.
Hopefully this will shed some light and add some value to the experiences of all the members of this forum. If I make any errors here, please charge them to my head and not to my heart! The first thing that must be realized is that Black Greekdom is an integral part of Black society. For better or worse, if someone is an "Alpha Man" or a "Delta Girl" or whatever, this immediately conjures up a set of images in one's mind. From the time many Black people are able to read, they are exposed to these images. It is extremely common to hear comments like, "The new Pastor at the Church is a Kappa," or "The principal at my son's school is a Sigma Gamma Rho." These organizations are woven deeply into the fabric of many Black Communities and their collective existence is an accepted fact of life. Much of this comes from the fact that there are only Nine "Major" Black Fraternities and Sororities. (And until 1996, only 8 were considered "Major." Iota Phi Theta is sort of an "x-factor" ... and the subject of a whole different post! That post can be found here: Question for BGLO members With such a small number of groups, the different organizations were easily categorized and (oftimes unfairly and inaccurately) labeled. It became (and remains) very common to hear people say,"All Alphas are Bookworms," or "All Omegas are wild and crazy." Like any stereotypes, these tend to be very broad characterizations and usually miss the mark. Be that as it may, this typecasting serves to help one mentally categorize the organizations. To get a deeper understanding of how and why these groups became such a part of the Black experience, one has to take a look at the history of Black America. Slavery was officially outlawed in the United States in 1865. While there had been many free Blacks in this country prior to then, this was when Blacks in this country became (ostensibly) free of bondage. In the following Reconstruction period, Blacks in America began to seek education in greater numbers and to also address remaining injustices. It is no coincidence that the first 8 major NPHC groups were founded in early 1900's. This was a time when African Americans were beginning to attend college in larger numbers and once there, they began to seek places of academic / social refuge and support. Now ... think for a minute. The Blacks who were attending college were the "Best and the Brightest." People like W.E.B. DuBois, Mary McLeod Bethune and a host of others. These were the people who were leading the charge of Black education and thought leadership in America. And in many cases, these people were members of Black Greek organizations. As these people were leading the charge, the (Black Greek) organizations they created became both vehicles and supporters of this charge. Indeed, the people that many Blacks listened to, looked up to, and emulated were members of these groups. Furthermore, these groups had a deep philanthropic bent. From the "Go to high-school, go to college" movement to the Mobile Book projects (where actual libraries on small trucks were driven from town to town), these Black Greek Groups were being heard, seen and felt in Black Communities. In all fairness, there is another reason that surfaced in those times. From their very inception, more than a few members of these groups tended to be members of "Black High Society" (and make no mistake, there has ALWAYS been a Black High Society in America. Our people could write books on Social Climbing!) If one had aspirations to be a part of this society, joining one of these groups could be seen as a "ticket" into that world ... assuming one could pass the muster of entry. Lets fast-forward a bit ... into and through the Harlem Renaissance ... the War Years and beyond. As Blacks in America continued to make strides, there was a constant: Many of the thought-leaders were members of each of these Groups. People like James Weldon Johnson, Duke Ellington, Zora Neale Hurston and many, many more were members of Black Greek organizations. And as they moved and shook, they proudly proclaimed their membership in these organizations. One last point to be made is this: Black Greek organizations have always allowed and encouraged joining their organization at the Alumni level as well as the undergraduate level. This was because the "community building" work that was needed was best done by people who had experience and resources ... political, financial, and otherwise. Obviously, college students may have had the zeal but they didn't have the means. Alumni chapters provided this. If a Black Greek organization were to sponsor a national convention in a city and it was to serve as a forum for furthering the Black Political/Social Agenda of the day, that agenda was best articulated by members of the organization who had money and clout (e.g. Adam Clayton Powell or Rev. Samuel Proctor). What developed out of this was a system by which members joined at the undergraduate level and participated in "student oriented" pursuits. Upon graduation, they moved into "Graduate" chapters and began contributing to more far-reaching efforts of the organizations. This transition also served to foster the notion that one is a "Member for Life" because the reason for existence of these groups is one that transcends the college experience. The upshot of all of this is that Black Greek-Lettered organizations are an integral part of African-American culture and society. In many ways, they form a base for political, social, and economic mobilization in the Black community. This does not make them any better than any other kind of fraternity or sorority - it just makes them much more central to the experience of their total community. AND ... if you've made it this far in the post, I'm sure you have some questions and/or comments. I look forward to reading them! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif |
Peace & Blessings
Well done Brother, well done. I hope that everyone takes the time to read this through...it's worth it! PS: IotaNet: (I'm not nit-picking) but, you could've thrown Booker T. in there with WEB (smile) --------------------------------------------- SapphireSensation RoyalBlueDivaDivine The Epitome of Finerwomanhood |
Great job, IotaNet! A very interesting post!
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IotaNet,
Bravo! Bravo! A job well done! |
Thanks IotaNet! Very interesting, and I think you helped shed some light on BGLO's for those of us "out of the loop" http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif
1 question: What fraternity was Duke Ellington a member of? (Just curious). ------------------ SilverTurtle@greekchat.com Phi Beta Fraternity Phi chapter |
I have a new respect for BGLOs after readign this. well done.
Asia |
To SilverTurtle ...
Duke Ellington was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. (And if I'm not mistaken, he was initiated into the Fraternity via the Kansas City Alumni chapter.) [This message has been edited by IotaNet (edited September 21, 2000).] |
As someone who is not in an organization, I just wanted to say that I have often wondered myself why non-NPHC organizations work differently. I read your post and it really opened my eyes to the way these organizations came to be such a force in the black community. Thank you for the insight.
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IotaNet,
I commend your efforts on the post. It was much needed, not only for those "out of the loop", but for those who are "in the loop". Perhaps your message will cause others to do some serious research and soul-searching. I am talking about those who seek membership in BGLOs and those who are already a part of the Divine Nine. ------------------ Director #2 LMAC Spr 99 |
Thank you IotaNet for posting this!
I know there are a LOT of people that are not familiar with, or dont understand how we've come to operate as we do. I think you did a fantastic job of explaining it! Sisterly, PrettyPoodle6 Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. |
Thank you, IotaNet, for an enlightening post. My perspective on NPHC greeks is a enlightened 100-fold!
------------------ equeen A Lioness has her Pride! @>--;-- Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies |
Thanks for the info on Ellington. I've admired his music for years, but had no idea he was a part of any fraternity!
------------------ SilverTurtle@greekchat.com Phi Beta Fraternity Phi chapter |
Once again IotaNet you shine. Thanks for breaking it down so it will forever be broke.
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Iotanet,
I want to thank you for posting that information. Alot of people do not have the understanding of BGLO's. I just want to add that BGLO's does not end membership on the college level it continues after you graduate from college. May you shine bright and continue spreading the word. |
IotaNet,
Thanks for the lesson!! Especially for those who need it. I look forward to your posting again because I know you always have something POSITIVE to say. "GREATER SERVICE, GREATER PROGRESS!!!" Ms. BlueReign [This message has been edited by BlueReign (edited September 22, 2000).] |
IotaNet,
As usual, you have spoken great words of wisdom! Bravo brother! The men of Iota Phi Theta should be extremely proud to have a brother like you on their side. If people, greek or not, didn't know about this great lesson before, NOW they know! |
Another shout out to IotaNet. Excellent job.
For those who are seeking even more enlightenment, pick up the book Divine Nine. |
See? This is what I mean, each one teach one.
Thanks for the info. Keep it coming. Maria Araujo. Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority Inc. |
Dang, IotaNet!!!
You are the bomb. Happy Belated Anniversary, as well. |
That was a great post. I liked it, considering a lot of what you mentioned was some of the same stuff I had been trying to say for the longest on this board...
I think that's part of the reason why more people act as if they're members of BGLO's than GLO's, because of the prominence of NPHC groups in their communities. For instance, in the community I grew up in (pretty homogenous in socio-economic terms, but racially mixed--a small town near a military base), I knew what ALL of the prominent blacks were affiliated with. At our honors night, 8 BGLOs gave college scholarships...where were the NPC/NIC groups? But, I'm digressing. For the most part, when you're black and go to college, you have an idea of what you want to become, as far as the NPHC groups are involved. That only happens in the NPC/NIC when someone's a legacy, or the chapter is blowing up. So, if someone has had the notion in their head that they're going to be an AKA (for example), and they don't make it (or are too afraid to try out)...chances are they're going to want people to think they are, anyway. The prominence of NPHC groups would explain the emphasis on discretion and secrecy, as well. |
To the Group:
In my original post, I refer to "Iota Phi Theta being an x-factor and the topic of a whole different post." Well, another thread has made it appropriate for me to write that post. Those of you who would like to read it can find it here: Question for BGLO members Enjoy! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif ------------------ IotaNet Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. 3AH80 Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity Zeta Nu Chapter, Spring, 1979 |
Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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There you go again, enlightening us with such inspiring information!!!!
------------------ Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. "Intelligence Is The Torch Of Wisdom" |
this ppost was sooo good it needed to be bumped, I wish I could send it to all the NPC/IFC at my school!
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It was a very enlightening read! Thank you for posting and bumping!
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IotaNet,
A very outstanding post!:) Thank Goodness for a Site like this where We All can learn something from someone else.:cool: We for the most part are All ingnorant of the others doings and part in life!:( Very Well Done!:) :cool: I always figure if I do not learn something dailey, put Lillies on my chest, I am in the ground!:) :( |
Wow - a ressurection of a "Golden oldie!"
Clockwork08 -
Talk about "bumping a post" ... that post was so old, you had to put a whole lot of oomph into THAT bump! ;) That said, the post had a link to another post but because it was so old, the link was broken. I've gone back and fixed the link so any new readers can see the post that I originally referenced. I'm glad that folks here are continuing to find value in my words -- I appreciate the opportunity to enlighten! (BTW - To Clockwork08, You CAN show this to the IFC/NPC at your school -- simply email the link to their respective advisors OR if you really want to do something different, make this thread the subject of a brief presentation (or a "not-so-brief" roundtable) and present it at your school! :cool: |
Outstanding! I never saw this and I'm glad it was moved back to the top.
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Good bump....now I'm going to start a discussion on it. My purpose is not to offend, but to discuss and learn. Play nice, everyone.
IotaNet, you wrote a very good post, and I had several of the same thoughts as well. Here's a question: I know that the NPC/NIC members on this board always talk about recruiting/growing/getting our name out/staying active as alums....things that the NPHCs seem to have a handle on. Obviously, getting the NPC/NIC name out and staying active as alum would help the recruitment issue, so... 1. What do you think NPC/NICs can do to move that direction? Without "copying" what NPHC does? (I agree that people should learn and "copy" leaders, but there's a difference in copying skills and copying symbols/trademarks/calls/traditions/etc). 2. How do NPHC alums stay active? I'm going out on a limb here (this is just my very own non-researched observation) to say that the black culture is to "stick together". You see family members defending/supporting other family members, just because it's a family member. Same thing with neighbors and friends. Is the "membership for life" ideal taught at the collegiate level, or is it started earlier than that in the families and neighborhoods? How do you think NPCs can teach that same ideal? I'll stop now and see where this takes us. Please, no unnecessary drama on this thread. I am interested in having a mature discussion. PsychTau |
PsychTau,
Warning: My opinion is purely speculation and is meant in no way to hurt anyone's feelings. I think part of the situation is that there are a lot more NPC/NIC organizations than there are NPHC organizations. Perhaps the number of member orgs has something to do with...it. Whatever "it" is. I think that NPC/NIC organizations lack the alumni involvement that NPHC performs so well because the same groups of people who pledge NPC/NIC GLO's in college perform their civic and community service through other organizations, be it the lodge, Jaycees, Lions, Kiwanis, etc. Black Greeks join these orgs as well, of course, but a lot of black greeks are also only in their orgs. They prefer to perform community service through their org. PERHAPS (a big perhaps) if NPC/NIC orgs stressed the "giving back" part of the lifetime committment, people would be encouraged to join alumni/alumnae chapters. By no means am I saying that pledging a "white" org means that it isn't a lifetime committment, because I know it is. But just telling somebody it's a lifetime committment isn't enough to bring them around. I dunno....I don't think these people who aren't joining alumni/ae chapters aren't doing ANYTHING with themselves, I just don't think they have made the connection of community service to their GLOs. Personally, I see the same thing happening with APO alums.....it's hard getting these alumni associations set up (for various reasons) but MANY APO alums end up joining other organizations that may not be fraternal. I have no answers, just ideas. |
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I think more it has to do with the intake process they use to join. I don't know much about it... but I know it's alot tougher than register and go through a week of parties. I believe they have to feel a connection to the group/its ideals before.. NPC bases more on the people, it's devotion to the ORG that makes people continue... if you join for the people.. (as many I think do with NPC orgs) once you graduate you just keep in touch on your own with those people that you want to and the days/events of the org are a nice memory. Now I don't know how NPC can go about creating that bond to the actual org, nor do I believe it is COMPLETELY lacking in most NPC members... but if we could find a way to strengthen it I think we'd see a lot more alumni involvement. I think alot of it has to do with the fact that there are only 9 NPHC orgs. as well... their chapters I think tend to be larger as well...and most of them have more chapters than the NPC groups... more alumni means more alumini that are more likely to be involved as alumni. |
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I’d like to approach this from another angle. I think that the primary reasons that NPHC groups have more alumni participation are: 1) The very structure of the groups provide for it, and; 2) The expectation that one is a “member for life” is ingrained from day one of your membership. 1) Each of the NPHC groups has Alumni (or Graduate) Chapters. In most of the 9, these chapters have Greek-letter names AND all conduct membership Intake. My mother is a retired banking executive and she just joined Alpha Kappa Alpha last year! Moreover, she is a proud AKA and identifies strongly with her chapter. Believe it or not, she and her line-sisters even participated in a step show (!) the week after they were initiated. As a matter of fact, Graduate chapters of NPHC organizations are the financial backbone of the organization. Grad chapters tend to be larger, with higher chapter dues and they definitely raise more money for philanthropy. As I understand it, while there are some NPC/NIC groups that have alumni chapters, they don’t conduct intake at the alumni level. Further, my understanding is that Alumni chapters in those orgs are primarily a place to reminisce, network, and have fun – not necessarily a place to do the “work” of the organization. I also understand that when NPC/NIC alums want to “give back” to the organizations, they tend to make donations to the housing funds of the chapters into which they were initiated. NPHC Alums “give back” by joining a local grad chapter and becoming active in that chapter’s events. 2) In NPHC groups, the whole notion of “A lifetime of membership” is a key component. Once you join an NPHC group, there is an identification with that group that follows you forever. If you ask a 60 year-old member of Delta Sigma Theta about her affiliation, she will probably say, “I AM a Delta.” If you ask a member of an NPC/NIC org the same question, you are as likely as not to get an answer like, “I WAS an Alpha Gam (or Phi Sig or Teke or Pike, etc.) back in college.” A good indicator of this is the organizational national convention attendance. A few years ago, the AKA’s had their Boule (National Convention) in Chicago. They had about 20,000 members in attendance – each of whom paid in the neighborhood of $250-400 for conference registration fees. These were obviously women who feel a strong affinity for the sorority and based on those numbers, you can bet that the majority of them were Grad members! To answer the question originally posed, I think that they key to a construct that provides for this type of membership retention is the notion of the organization as a vehicle for community service. I don’t mean to imply that NPC/NIC groups don’t value community service but in the NPHC groups, it the prime driver. The woman who sponsored my mother for membership in AKA told her point blank: “AKA is not about socializing, parties, or having fun. Your prime reason for joining AKA should be to have an opportunity to serve.” Strong words – but words that have kept the NPHC world going strong for almost 100 years. |
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OW OW!!!!! leave it up to an old school grad bruh to always drop some knowledge on the youngin's. |
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However.... I believe this is a more recent devolopment if I'm not mistaken... |
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I think the main thing about what makes the conferences different is the impact on their respective communities. When I was in HS, it wasn't Tri-Delta or Kappa Sig that was giving out scholarships, hosting debutante balls, or sponsoring SAT study sessions. It was the local AKA, Delta, Que, Alpha, and Zeta chapters that were out there, prominently working to uplift their communities. Generations of black children have seen the work that each of the Divine Nine has done...and frankly, a much smaller percentage of white youth have seen similar with the NPC groups, and the sense that it is a lifelong commitment is much more obvious within the NPHC. The importance each conference (and its member groups) holds within its constituent community impacts everything it does, from recruitment to alumnae/i participation. |
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How many rush threads have there been where people have said (completely random examples) "Well I like Theta best, but Theta has been unfriendly and Kappa is really nice" and everyone said "go for Kappa!" You would pretty much NEVER see that among NPHC members. If someone said "I did not get chosen for Delta" the response would not be "look at Z Phi B" it would be "work and wait until it is your time for Delta." When you work for years to achieve something, naturally you value it more. |
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