I totally agree, Soror! I graduated from a small, private, LILY WHITE school that was very challenging academically and socially. I was very popular with students, faculty and administrators, as well as active in our black student union and DST. In fact, I founded our Black Greek Council (now becoming an NPHC chapter), so I am a proud BLACK woman. However, because I have some white friends, am well-spoken, and refuse to walk around with with 3 rings on each finger and 5 different hairstyles/colors on my head, I have been accused of NOT "keeping it real". I am very proud of my opportunities and accomplishments because I came from a poor Mississippi family in which my parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents never had the same opportunites. Decades ago, our people would get whipped for knowing how to read, but now I'm criticized for being educated. There was a time when our people were lynched because they showed up on voting day (when they were FINALLY given that right), but now we can't PAY black folks to register to vote! Why is it that education and success seem to be frowned upon by so many blacks? It's like you get more respect for making money as an athlete or rapper than making money as a CEO, government official, doctor, lawyer, teacher or pastor! I am not undermining enterntainers and athletes, but it seems as though we're no longer idolizing and following in the footsteps of the people who paved the way for us. Instead we're glorifying and "raising the roof" to Biggie, Tupac, Cita (BET) and Allen Iverson. NONE of us would be where we are if it weren't for those blacks who went to white schools with National Coast Guard escorts, and lived in white neighborhoods even though they were harrassed and threatened. It made them stronger as blacks back then, so why does being college educated, well-spoken, neatly dressed and sociable with people of other races make me any less black today? If we're following in their footsteps, aren't WE the ones who are really "keeping it real"?!?!?!
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Pi Kappa
#3 SPR97
QUINTESSENCE
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