Why Iota? Why XYZ?

[IOTA-4A'88F]

A young man asked me a question, he asked why did I decide to join a fraternity and why I picked Iota Phi Theta?

That question intrigued me so I wanted to ask the same thing to my Brown & Gold family AND my greek kinfolk...

Why Iota?
Why XYZ?

**Disclaimer**
If you don't have anything good to say about the other orgs, then don't comment...
unity family... unity.
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A lil background on me... I came from a very poor (monetary) family from the second largest projects in NYC (Wagner Projects-Harlem). There were four organizations that came around my neighborhood (and the after school program I was in). And they were:
1. The Order of the Feather Fraternity (local NYC Black fraternity) www.feathermen.org
2. Pen & Scroll Military Fraternity (local NYC Black fraternity)
3. Free & Accepted Masons
4. Almighty Zulu Nation

The members of these great organizations helped me tremendously. They came without putting on any airs or looking down at us (kids). They made us feel comfortable. One thing I will NEVER forget that was said to me from a Pen & Scroll Brother by the name of Howard Banks (RIP); he said, "Don't thank me, you must help the next person..." I knew right then, I wanted to be a part of these organizations. Unfortunately the Feather and P&S fraternities are only in NYC... so the next best thing was a Black college fraternity. I came to Morgan State University in 1987 and in 1988, I became an Iota; in 1990, I became a Zulu and in 1994, I became a Mason. I have said them same lines to a few young boys that was said to me; "Don't thank me, you must help the next person..."

At Morgan (in 1988), SOME the other organizations held onto them stereotypes dearly AND if you wasn't a part of that org, then they didn't want anything to do with you (not disrespecting, but telling it like it was BACK THEN). I made friends with three upperclassmen, we hung out and went to parties... I did not know they were Iotas til we went to an Iota party at a crosstown school (Ow Ow!! to the Rho Chapter Iotas of Towson University). They (the Morgan Iotas) came into the party and gave the grip to their (Towson) brothers, then one tried to give the grip to me... I quickly said I wasn't an Iota and the brother said, "Well you came with the Iotas, so you are one tonight" Throughout the night I was introduced as if I was an Iota... with me quickly saying I wasn't every time and getting pretty much the same response from the brothers and sweethearts ... I was blown away. I quickly felt the same feelings from the childhood organizations that made me feel comfortable and wanted.

So my Sorors, Fraters AND Sweetheart Sisters... for the sake of the aspirants who are reading these threads (and want to know some of your reason for choosing your particular organization), I ask you... Why Iota? Why your Sorority/Fraternity?

Marcus "Sonny" Smith
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Disorderlies Pledge Class
Initiated: Alpha Chapter-Morgan State University
Current: Alpha Omega Alumni Chapter - Baltimore, MD
NPHC-Metropolitan Baltimore Council Rep
**Soon to be: Iota Omega Alumni Chapter - Charlotte, NC