|
I've been reading this thread with interest so I'll add my two cents. In college I became friends with several Kappas in my dorm, and I lived in a suite with a Delta Sigma Theta Sister. I saw up close how committed to community service these orgs are. I was always impressed because despite the small size (fewer than 15 members), there was usually 100% attendence. The NPC and IFC orgs. had memberships of 40 to 85 and didn't do as many service projects as the NPHCs. These community service projects such as coat and clothing drives, voter registration, and tutoring children improved the entire community not one race.
I guess the problem here is lack of understanding of the purpose of the NPHC groups. I think that focusing on serving one racial group primarily is not 'reverse discriminaton' or bigotry. My understanding from my college experience is that the primary focus of the NPHC orgs is to improve society with a focus on the African American community. There is nothing wrong with that particularly when placed in historic context of the founding of both the NPHC orgs and charities. Many charities were started as a way of helping members of a specific ethnic, racial, or religious group. I think that as members of all GLOs we need to continue to support each other in our endeavors.
As far as membership goes, I remember that not all of the NPHC members were African American, and not all of my sisters were white. The thing about sexuality is that many people don't realize that they are gay until college. I know of several men who have pledged and then had this realization. Like it or not I am certain that there have been gays and lesbians in every GLO out there.
|