[AKA_Monet]

Originally posted by JayBEE!:
So I'm guessing you never seen a Step Show other than that which was sponsored by a NHPC Group.Is that correct

Yes and no. I stepped as a freshman in college... Each of our dorms competed against each other--for what prize, I dunno. But that was at least my first real exposure to "stepping". Then I saw all the NPHC groups step during my college years..

Now, if you do a search, you will find what school I attended and which chapter I pledge because I am very, very familiar with Atlanta, Georgia...

Because California doesn't have very many black colleges. I'm not sure of any. I'm thinking that you are come that coast. If that's the case your unacceptance of our 20 plus years of stepping makes sense. Because just from logic, being in a predominately white organization and having been a stepping group since the beginning of stepping (50's 60's)

I was born and reared in Southern California and not LA...

Besides that point both of my parents attended Fisk University. My Grandfather was the president of Bethune-Cookman College for 28 years... He died in 1994. My Grandmother still lives across the street from the school. My mom is from Georgia-near Marrietta. My father is from Florida. But I was so "fortunate" to be born and reared in SoCal.

Just to let you know the world is a huge place, most African Americans living in SoCal haven't even heard of Howard U., Morehouse much less Alcorn State... Only those kids whose parents were reared in the south know remotely anything regarding the "traditions" that many Southerner's hold so dear...

So out here on the west coast many of our young people first encounter any Greek Lettered system, and decide to Rush a HPWGLO--which is their right--it hurts those Afrikan amerikkklans that had to endure water hoses during Civil Rights while they were wearing their greek letters...

These kids, having made their choice, do not realize that when they get into the "working world" and the "corporate ladder" with a "glass ceiling"--and because I moved back to SoCal this same ceiling is "Hollywoodized"--they start coming back wanting to join our organizations--like, now, today, you choose to be Black...

So, because of my noble nature, I apologize to you since you have explained to me (and everyone) your situation. I misinterpreted your attitude and your organization. One word of advice, "pre-empt" folks more clearly as to what you are "all about", 'cuz a lotta of us ain't feeling you just like I did.

I do not need validation to step. This is the point that I've been trying to convey, but it's not getting through to you. I've been stating like I have always questioned. When you have a contest letting not just us, any non-NPHC Group step in the Now some of the other people on this board, I believe think that we would have a show and invite other NPHC groups just so we can make more money. I have to be directly honest with that when I say the making money objective was not an idea of mine. No, just merely squashing barriers. Because they exist. And there existence I have to say is due to not being aware of us. This is okay and understandable.

You've lost me... Are you saying that because there are numerous other non NPHC GLO's out there we should allow them to step as guests in a step show??? Or what does "squashing barriers" mean? Okay, isn't your organization about just "service", so if you wanted to join an NPHC group you still could? If that be the case about your organization, then are you also saying it is not social fraternity? Just asking.

I'm just carrying a flag. A flag that says "I'm in a fraternity that is meant to help young men." And yes we've made some modifications of the past. And yes it was accepted by our groups within our society...So if there is a situation where the 25/52 family can represent, they will be available to those individuals that are opened to it. If not, such is life. We carry on.

So what you are saying is the major objective of your Fraternity is to help young men... How you do it is thru your community service. So, basically, you are saying you are just like an NPHC Fraternity??? Because times have changed, NPHC affiliates changed their main objectives... Because of these changes, all NPHC affiliates do community service as one of their focuses, as you are well aware.

However, what our young unaffiliated people have to understand is one can do com serv. with anyone. When one decides to become a member of one of the NPHC BGLOs that person, if accepted, also gets the immeasurable benefits.

Some of those benefits is having the "applause" and hype of a crowd during a step show. You can see how that excites young people. If your organization were to show up out here and "mad" step like folks to down souf, some of this kids in the NPHC will tell you are disrupting the delicate unity shared with the small number of African Americans attending a school. Even as an "exhibition team"!!! Even if your invited!!! Not trying to think about the importance and distictions between the NPHC affiliates and your organization... And if you say you all "show out" at step shows, I know some collegiates and maybe some alumni NPHC groups out here would be very angry afterward...

It is just politics isn't as progressive in SoCal compared to the ATL. Out here, folks are allowed to have nervous breakdowns and drive down freeways in a white bronco... And shoot at schools with a smile... And probably be lootin' for no reason during this summer's rolling blackout season... Just another chitty, sunny day in southern killer kalifornication...