Quote:
Originally posted by naraht:
Originally posted by PnguinTrax:
Randy,
The emphasis is because, at the time of their founding, it was very difficult if not almost impossible for African-Americans to form legal corporations, etc. It is a great source of pride that the founders of the NPHC groups were able to incorporate their organizations at a time when many in their community could not do so.
Barbara
OK, that makes sense. I would imagine a lot of them tried in 1910s & 1920s Washington DC which wouldn't have been easy. I would imagine the Iotas (1960s Maryland) & the non NPHCers (which would have been incorporated largely by whites) do it largely for consistency and shared tradition on the black campuses...
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I must disagree with you in the statement that you said that you guess that Iota Phi Theta (not sure about the Non-NPHC BGLO's) did it just for consistency.
First of all, the "incorporated" is important because it helps in aiding the process toward keeping our organization's letters and general symbols (like our shield) ours.
It helps in the patent process and discourages non-licensed vendors to market our name or our symbols.
That is largely why organizations tend to do this.
Also its a respect thing like PnguinTrax mentioned as well. Iota Phi Theta was born during a time period where it was still extremely tough for a black organization to incorporate ourselves.
The 60's was still a VERY difficult period for African-Americans especially "up-and-coming" organizations and social groups who were seen as a threat to the status quo (much like organizations such as SNCC, the Black Panthers, and other radical Pan-Africanist groups).
It might not have been just as tough for an organization born in the 1960's to receive an incorporation as it was for one in the 1900's-1930's, but let me assure you it was a struggle for black orgs. incorporated or not to do anything during that period.
So to sum it up, the incorporation concept is two-fold: to protect the name & symbols of our orgs. and to show respect to the stuggles that our organizations faced early on in their foundings.
Hope that helps.
Anyone with more knowledge on the subject then myself, please add on or correct me.
Much luv and respect to all GLO's.
FYI: I believe (not 100% sure though) that all greek orgs. tend to ascend towards incorporation but not all use the "inc" in their names.
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Suntzu 1963
Member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
4-FALL-99
UVA Colony
OW OW
LIPTTDID
W.W.N.O.R.T.
http://www.angelfire.com/va2/suntzuipt4uva
-"Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content, will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual."
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
[This message has been edited by suntzu1963 (edited August 03, 2001).]
[This message has been edited by suntzu1963 (edited August 03, 2001).]