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It's me again, and I have a question: Did anyone really read my article?
I don't understand all the negative attention this is getting, especially since my reason for writing the piece was to foster understanding and communication among organizations. I didn't personally attack anyone, I didn't call anyone out. I'm just disappointed that Greek organizations (not just the two conversating on this board) are at each other's throats. It's not just Alpha Phi Omega and Phi Beta Sigma. It goes across the board.
So, once again, here is what I wrote. And if ANYONE has a question, please contact me. This was not suppose to blow up into the ruckus it has become.
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I knew nothing about Greek organizations until I stepped foot on Howard's campus in 2001. It was in my freshman year that I learned about fraternities and sororities and realized their place on a college campus and in -- quoting the famous slogan - "the global community." I learned that these organizations were more than just colors and a call; their purpose, though stated and pursued in many different ways, is to serve and to foster kinship in their ranks.
But as I learned about the positive things that every organization had to offer, I also saw discord, disapproval and sometimes, downright disrespect between different Greek letter organizations. It became even more apparent when I became a member of one. It was alarming at first, and now, it's just disappointing. I'm elated when I see friendships and partnerships between different organizations, but that is often overshadowed by the negative energy thrown back and forth between groups. Instead of appreciating each other's strengths and working together to enhance life at this university, the very organizations that are supposed to exemplify the college experience (in scholarship, leadership, service, friendship and other aspects) are trivializing and tearing down each other. Friends, we have got to do better.
It's fine to have pride in your letters and actually, I'd be highly concerned if someone didn't. But it's never okay to question why someone else chose other letters. It's never okay to dismiss another organization because they are "unknown," because they are small in numbers, or because they use canes when they step or because of any other inconsequential reason. People join their organization because they felt it was right for them, and they should be able to display their love for their letters without question. One should give the same respect that they would like to be given when it comes to their organization.
It's true that some fraternities or sororities may not be as well known as others at Howard. When I wear my letters I'm asked questions from people who haven't heard of my fraternity, and I welcome them because some genuinely want to know about it. But an organization's lack of celebrity doesn't make it okay for others to disrespect it. To those who criticize and question the existence of "unknown" Greeks, realize and understand that somebody somewhere doesn't know about your organization.
Realize also, that non Pan-Hellenic organizations are not "fronting like [they] are Pan-Hell." It's clear that they're not. Rather, they are defining their own images, setting their own traditions and building their own legacies. The benefits of being in a non-NPHC organization do extend beyond Howard, just as much as they do if one is a member of the NPHC. Every Greek organization on this campus is a part of a national (or even international) body with tens or hundreds of thousands of members that impact the world outside of Howard.
Every organization fills a need. They are all unique, with different goals and ideals, and yet have the common purpose of fostering brotherhood or sisterhood on a college campus. They should only have to be concerned with fulfilling their purpose, serving their communities, and not with defending their colors or calls. Divine Nine or not, they each have a place on this campus, and they all deserve respect for what they do.
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