DIVERSITY OR DEATH
 

I am new to this forum so I am sure this may have been discussed already. I am very curious about how sorors feel about diversity in historically black fraternities and sororities.
What do you think of white people that are interested in joining? What do you think about sorors that are white? What affect do you think it has on Delta and the black greek family

I have often thought about this question. Sometimes I feel that whites should not be in the sorority. I used to say not in my chapter. I felt that a white women would have to prove to me that they are worthy of being a Delta. I had a hard time understanding why they would want to be a Delta. However, that would go against what we stand for. Delta stands for all man/womankind. I understand why others may want to join and I am flattered. Delta is a great and blessed organization. We have sorors of all shades, sizes, shapes, and economic backgrounds. We are diverse within ourselves already. However, when whites do want to join they need to understand the enormous job it takes to be a Delta. It is not a cake walk and it is a lifetime committment. A Delta woman is one who takes care of all-rich/poor,
old/youn, black/white, ect. Our sorority was founded on Christian principles and we are to uphold them at all times. We must be sisterly to those who are not black and have an interest in our sorority. We have to educate others and welcome them to learn about the sorority and African-Americans as a whole so
Delta can flourish in the new millenium.
I hope this post make sense.
Almetrise Lane
Spring 94

Hey, Bruh, I am sure this will be a "hot topic". First of all do you consider all non-black people as "white" or do you feel differently about people who are neither "white" nor "black"? And Soror, my question to you is in regard to your comment about the white Delta having to prove herself to you.....should I infer that there is something she could say/do that could actually prove her worthiness? I would imagine that she would be used to "proving" herself, I'm sure it wasn't easy for her to make line unless the chapter felt she was worthy.....

[This message has been edited by DiSTinguished (edited July 06, 2000).]

Hey sorors thanks for chiming in. This has been an issue for me. When I first crossed I was dead against anything but blacks being allowed membership. At the same time I felt guilty, as a christian man how could I feel that way. Am I being selfish by not wanting others to share some of the same wonderful experiences that I have had by being a part of this brotherhood (with the bruhs and of course, with DST). After much soul searching, I still do not think that anyone other than blacks should be allowed. Our founding fathers sought to create an orgaization that would focus on the advancement of BLACK MEN and service to the BLACK COMMUNITY. That is not to say that we help only black folk and associate only with the black community, but it seems that it should certainly be our focus. Would any of our organizations exist if the needs of black students were being met by any of the "white organizations" in 1906, 1911, 1913...etc.
My fraternity stresses christian manhood and does support discrimination of any kind. When we do service projects it for people or communities in need of any color or background. One of the most impressive things that I saw before I was an Omega, was a group of black men doing positive things and achieving great things. My fear is that in search of diverstiy we will lose so much of what we are. Strong black men and women achieving, leading, and educating. Set me straight sorors maybe I am just blinded by the Purple an Gold.

Sorry this was so long' and I'm gone
que psi phi till the day I die
Spring 94

I think you and are are one in the same, dyhardque! It's almost like you read my mind.

One of my primamry issues with non-blacks joining BGLOs deals with the question of intent/purpose. I have to wonder WHY this person wants to join. Is it truly and sincerely because she is committed to the uplift and advancement of African American women and the community we serve? Or, is it that we do "cool" things and it'd be "cool" to join? Is it because she isn't accepted by traditionally white GLOs and feels that she'd be better received by a BGLO (after all, blacks have always been an accepting people). Does she feel that, by joining an organization with a reputation for having a challenging and difficult pledge process (not necessarily, but not excluding hazing), she'd feel better about herself and others will respect her? I ponder these questions when a non-black demonstrates an interest, but in all honesty, I ponder these questions when blacks pursue membership as well. I have met white, Latina, Asian and even Indian Sorors who have made me feel very confident that they are committed to the ideals of DST, and (sadly) I've met black sorors who've shown me that they are committed to the paraphernalia, parties, stepshows, and Ques/Alphas/Kappas/Sigmas/Iotas. We as current members face the challenge of recognizing what attributes are most important and crucial to the success and legacy of our organizations-- is it the race of our members or the work our members do for the organization? I say the work and evidence of committment should be the deciding factor, but I do have another concern...

I worry about us losing our identity as black organizations. Sorors, if you'll recall our Minerva Circle of Identity, you know how important it is that we celebrate our race! While I don't doubt that a non-black member can be a damn good Delta because she eats, sleeps, lives and breathes the virtues, motto, and oath, and because she is as passionate about the well-being of African Americans as I am, I still welcome the thought of there being a place or niche just for me and mine. I would NEVER keep someone out of my chapter on the basis of their race, ethnicity, religion, age, or sexual orientation! However, I like the idea of being apart of a SISTERhood with women who share AND understand (from experience) the two thing I adore most about myself-- my blackness and heritage!



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Pi Kappa
#3 SPR97
QUINTESSENCE

Right on soror