[IOTA-4A'88F]

This post is unbelievable. Everybody going back and forth about a tenth member this or not a tenth member that. Iota Phi Theta just celebrated their 42nd Anniversary and we are going strong into the future. We had our OWN identity for a long time and it did take a few tries to join on a NATIONAL level. The NPHC was the GREAT EIGHT(some called it the Elite Eight) for a long time and many INDIVIDUALS still feel that way today. Iotas are proud and honored to be part of the NPHC but sometimes we are not easily accepted because the NPHC was and to some to some is an elitist group.

Just the other day, I was wearing my letters and this older gentleman walked by me read my letters and said. "Iota Phi Theta, I didn't think yall would ever make it...yall don't have the same history as we do." I asked the gentleman if he was in a organization and he quickly replied with attitude that he was a --- and how his org. have a rich and long history. And walked away feeling good about himself. Unfortunately, many Iotas (especially the brothers from the 60's thru early 90's) have had similar experiences, but we know it is individuals that think that way. Not their orgs. Some paraphernalia sites still don't carry or design Iota products.

Does NPHC need or want a 10th member and are they elitists? I am not gonna say yes or no. I do know that NPHC as a whole and each of the Individual orgs have accopmplished some remarkable milestones in their history that they should be darn proud of. And to those orgs that are not NPHC...don't worry about it...as long as you are doing right by your organization, helping the community and loving your fellow frater or soror then you don't need the acceptance of another group.
Much respect and honor to all greek letter, non-greek letter and auxiliary orgs. Peace and Take Care.
MARCUS
That Spanish Harlem Iota Centaur Walking to Baltimore Iotaland.