[suntzu1963]

Cool topic frat!

My undergrad chapter (Delta Lambda - UVA) responded to numerous race-related incidents on grounds. Two of which that the chapter received notoriety for were hosting two forums called "Partying While Black" and "Partying While White" which addressed the issues of racial profiling that students of color faced when throwing parties at the fraternity and sorority houses on Rugby Rd. (where all of the houses are on grounds) and the issues that came up after the infamous "blackface" party at the University respectively.

In both forums, my undergrad brothers (I was an alumni brother at the time of both forums so I cannot take credit) really took control in trying to bring together a racially-divided community on grounds. IOTA at UVA earned the nickname "Iota Phi Forum" because we were always trying to raise the consciousness levels of the UVA community and bring people together.

Although they were merely catalysts in these two situations (and also as individuals, IOTA brothers took apart in numerous diversity-building efforts including "Reflections on Complexions" which was a series of forums created by IOTA brother and B.U.C.K.S. member, Bro. Gordon Braxton), the IOTA brothers on campus made their mark as leaders in the student-run efforts toward diversity on grounds from 2000-2003. I am really proud of the legacy of the chapter and although Delta Lambda is currently inactive, I know we left our mark at UVA. Hopefully, more men of quality will resurrect the chapter and take up where the charter line and early bros. left off.

http://www.student.virginia.edu/~iota/ (look under the tab "Chapter History" and click on "achievements" to read more)


IOTA brothers EVERYWHERE should be involved in making a difference in your communities and on your campus. We were born during a revolutionary timeperiod and that spirit runs through each and every IOTA Man. The activist ideology is strong in Iota Phi Theta and I hope that we are taking a stand for justice, equality, and the rights of all mankind everywhere we go.

OW! OW!