[IOTA-4A'88F]

Originally Posted by 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.
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.

It's unfortunate, but Iotas have been dealing with this since we were founded (just like so many black fraternities and sororities that are not in the NPHC)... many of us are to the point of being numb to the fact. Yes, I heard the claim of we may not be in this region or that region deep, but we are in the Pan-Hell and if you are an active member in your org, then you should be just as active in the Pan to know. And if you are a vendor then atleast try to stock atleast one or two items that are hot for the other orgs and not keychain us to death. Sometimes it still feels like the elite eight. Even para that has been produced after 1996 don't show Iota's presence.

Just like the Soror said, you just have to go with the folks who specialize in your para. And just know... that tight Omega shirt or that cool Alpha decal may not be available in Iota until we make some noise. Our history (just like SGRho's history) should be noise enough, but when you have vendors who are ONLY to make the buck and not respect the legacies... you will have that. Many Iotas go to iotawear.com. The owner is a I-Sweetheart, an AKA and a Star.