Quote:
Originally Posted by brownsugar952
Overall, what I am trying to say is that like what was said before, not all the founders of the organizations in the NPHC started each organizations' traditions of handsigns, calls, and symbols. Some were started many many years after the founding of the organization. Within the Divine 9 or the Elite 8 at the time, one organization started to display something to the public first. Another organization looked at that organization and must of said, I love how they are displaying their unity. We should do something like that for our organization.
Or I could be wrong (which is possible  ) and an agenda item could of came up at a meeting of the NPHC and they talked about what each organization could do to show unity within the council. Then as a whole, all organizations came up with these ideas. If these traditions were not created by the NPHC, then I believe someone was copying off of someone else at one point.
I have been to step shows for latino, asian, and multicultural orgs and they gave a brief history of stepping and honored the NPHC. All MG orgs that I have been around have a very high regard for NPHC orgs and give them much respect for creating such a strong council. MG orgs are young compared to the IFC/Panhel/NPHC. It might take more years for them to develop their own signature traditions. Who knows what may happen 50 years from now. NPHC orgs might start saluting...  |
Here are some facts. The calls were developed for identification reasons while crossing campus at night. Not until the early 1990's were women safe walking on college campus at night--much less an HBCU. If she was a member of the D9 sorority, she generally make the call if she recognized another member to be safe in numbers. Calls were either answered or not. And remember, the cell phones were little duffle bags back in that day.
Now, calls with handsigns are made all the time. During parties and picnics and strolls. Anytime.
At least for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. none of these actions are "official ritual" sanctioned by our International body. And I will be the first ear piercing, high pitched sounding member of my Sorority that will make a call when overcome with sisterliness in a public setting. And since I had deep in my heart for my letters for nearly 2 decades, I feel I can have right to call and sign it whenever I feel it within discretionary limits. As an adult, I know what those are.
However, handsigns, calls, or jackets does not make a GLO. We of the D9 will unilaterally agree that is has to be in your heart first, before you can make the "call"...