Quote:
Originally posted by suntzu1963:
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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My question is less why they incorporated and more why they emphasize it so much. I agree that it does help with copyrights (I really think you mean that rather than patents).
Even though I am a resident of Maryland, I don't have a good feeling for when the state government would have moved to supporting black causes openly.
For all the creation of Iota Phi Theta is noteworthy, I don't think it would have been viewed as much of a threat to general status quo as the SNCC and the Black Panthers.
I'd be very surprised if any greek letter org of more than a half dozen chapters isn't incorporated.
I agree with your two fold purpose, but only the second makes sense for the extra emphasis that the BGLOs give to them. And that second reason really doesn't seem to exist at the same level for the non-NPHCs (Especially my fraternity given the significant help from BSA we had to incorporate)
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Naraht
Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Volunteer