[bluethunder]

I hear what everyone is saying about educating the vendors, but Sigma Gamma Rho is NOT a new sorority; we, along with our three counterparts, are one of the largest and leading historically black Sororities. If you are a vendor of Black Greek paraphernalia, ten to one, I don't have to "introduce" you to Sigma Gamma Rho. I think a lot of these vendors buy into the stereotype that there are "all two of us SGRho's" in the country and it makes no sense for them monetarily to carry SGRho paraphernalia. I've tried the "we would be inclined to buy more if you carried more" position; it doesn't work, or at least not in South Florida. I instead swing my support to businesses that acknowledge my organization, period, the end. Another thing I hate is that even when a vendor does have our stuff, you'll look at what they carry for the AKAs and the Deltas and our selection doesn't even compare. What the heck is that about? That's insulting.
And. . . all I can say is that if you think we have it hard, think of the Iotas! My fiancee is one and I have the HARDEST time buying unique paraphernalia for him, too . . . but if you compare that to the selection the other fraternities have, again, it's insulting. It's like non-verbally admitting that you specialize in Black Greek 'nalia. . . but just do a better job at it for some orgs than others. (Gotta stop typing now; get a cold drink and alleviate the steam coming from the top of my head over this!)