[AKA_Monet]

KSigkid--

I think what Cushite is saying is that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has its own ideas and agendas that they must pursue. Many of these ideas and agendas are to improve the plight of men of African descent in America and other countries where disparaged, from an educational, healthcare to scholarship and economics. It is very broad range in the services that they do. It has its own distinct flavor different from other NPHC fraternities (not suggesting the other orgs do not have their own things too, just pointing these differences).

At this time, it is "nice" to be accepting and genteel to someone who pursues a lifestyle differently than one's own... And it is also cannot be forgotten that there are too many problems that MUST be conquered before we even begin to discuss lifestyle issues. I.e. having food, clothing and shelter with a college education and a career is a primary target for all of the NPHC orgs for those of African descent in America and abroad.

Yes, it hurts when personalities must be put to the side or back burner, and, these issues are way to important for Blacks alone to eradicate. Then there are NOT that many African Americans (percentages) that actually have the education and wherewithall[sp?] to make the kinds of changes needed to adapt... Besides it takes its toll on each member, ironically, personally and psychologically...

And I do think there may need to be serious discussion in ALL BGLO of sexual preferences... The psychological issues alone with young folks conflicted against cultural norms may need discussion at a national level. Is this a new "hip" thing to do, 'cuz everyone is doing it and it is more excepting? How do you explain that concept to a 50-75 year member in a Black organization? And you cannot force it down their throats...

And these conflicted emotions causes a higher percentage of OUR young people to take unneccessary risks with their sexual health that ALSO annihilates OUR community... Forget even starting to talk about the gay marriage issue--we are stuck with "how did you test positive for the new HIV strain and how are we going to get you treated?" That goes for BOTH girls and boys under 18, no matter what their sexual preference is!!!

So how do you begin to deal with that?

Because when black kids fall, they fall fast and hard... I don't see many white folks out in the 'hood other than the police and child protective services (both governmental agencies) on a daily basis changing these paradigms... All I see are broken promises... And many folks, including Black adults, have given up...