New Black Frat at CAL

[DELTAQTE]

Ok can I say I had TEARS in my eyes when I read where they were founded???!! And if you have sound, turn it up cause the first page has someone singing their "hymn" I guess.




http://thetalife.com/

[Blackwatch]

I normally only respond to topics of a political or religious nature, but I have been thinking about this question for a while, and I have even asked it to members of other fraternities......

What is it about your fraternity that your founders saw and did not see in Alpha Phi Alpha that makes it fundamentally different and therefore necessitated the start of said fraternity?

Now maybe this sounds arrogant, but in reality, I think that it is a good question because I would like to know what Alpha Phi Alpha is missing so as to make the fraternity better. Inevitably, the men talk either about national programs (which really are not too QUALITATIVELY different from Alpha national programs, different name and possibly different approach, but same purpose and goal) or they will talk about what the particular chapter on their campus did or didn't do. Now do not get me wrong, there are differences in the cultures of the fraternities, but I just do not see the need to start new ones. This fraternity, Theta Phi Psi, doesn't seem to have anything new to offer. To be honest, there may not be too much of anything new to offer. I mean, if you do not fit in with any particular one, just hang with your boys and do community service. When Alpha phi Alpha was founded, they actually had something new to offer, a brotherhood of collegiate black men, something that was not happening at that time. They saw needs in the campus and the community and they labored to meet those needs. The need was for a brotherhood of black men that would support one another and instill in the college educated black men a since of giving back to the community. A FRATERNITY was needed. Now, with fraternities springing up at every whim (I mean, they were just sitting in a Dennies ) it almost cheapens the whole fraternal idea. If there is something that you see on your campus and in your community that necessitates the chartering of a whole new fraternity, a brotherhood of men, then go ahead and start one. But to say things like "We need to help people gain knowledge of self" and "represent black people to the fullest" to me doesn't justify starting a whole new fraternity, start a tutoring program or a church or a think tank, but a fraternity? Be you and do you, but does that need a fraternity?

Just tell the truth, you wanted to be in a fraternity and didn't like what you saw in the fraternities that were already in existence. That is what really happens, it really has little to do with a new idea about community service, a new fraternal idealism, or anything. They say that they wanted to be "founders" of a fraternity, doesn't seem to me to be a very high ideal nor a very altruistic reason for starting a fraternity.
Blackwatch!!!!!!

[Theta Pharaoh]

I just want to shout the lovely ladies of Delta Sigma Theta inc. I recieved a very supportive email from someone who undoubtedly relfects the organization in a very posive and efficient manner. Now its time for me let the truth be known to people who say things that are derogatory for no reason. In response to a message that was obviously posted by a member of Alpha Phi Alpha or an apparent Alpha groupie, for you to say that you don't see why there is a need for there to have ever been a need for existing fraternities outside of Alpha Phi Alpha demonstrates part of the reason that Theta Phi Psi was founded. Before our organization started Alpha's, Kappa's and the whole greek world were competeing for me as well as my brothers membership. Each organization telling me about all of the supposed great things that they were doing while at the same time doing nothing short of hating on all of the other NPHC fraternities. Every last one of the organizations was preaching how it was all about solidarity and brotherhood yet they continued to speak of the other organizations in a vulgar and offensive matter. Many of people who claimed to be a part of the supposed brotherhood also preached false facts to the public like stating that Frederick Douglas was "a so and so." Well my fellow black historians the problem with that statement is that Frederick Douglas was dead long before any of the black Greek organizations were ever founded.

Secondly, half of the people who were in a recruiting frenzy over all of us don't even speak to us anymore. Is this becuase we have countless interest in our organization or is this becuase we are constanly in the publics eye practicing what we preach.

Thirdly, many of the people who are terrofied of our existence have chosen to go out and publish things stating that we have no reason for our existence. All I have to say about that is obviously we do or no one would be a member of our organization.


Fourthly, if your organization is so profound and so great then why are you worrying about a bunch of new booties on the block that supposedly don't stand for anything. I mean come on your nuts are so big because you were founded decades before us.

Fifthly, (If this is even possible) If the founders of the black greek FRATERNITIES would have been performing the way that many people in many organizations performed today (Acting like they are better than other groups, walking around damn near naked, and dancing around looking in imagionary mirrors) they would have been skinned and hung from a tree.


Lastly, We are creators of a new vision and legacy while others patch and repair we destroy and rebuild. The fact that people will go out of their way to say derrogatory things about us only demonstrates that African Americans still have the house nigga - field nigga mentality also known as crabs in a bucket. In time the cream shall rise to the top and all descendants of Judas (Betrayer of Jesus) shall take their place under our feet as ashses on our as we walk the road to heaven. www.Theta life.com

[Blackwatch]

Theta Pharaoh (?),
Your screen name proves my whole point, your fraternity offers nothing new in theory or deed. On your own website, where you have complete control over the content, you go on about nothing of substance. You never talk about specifics that your fraternity founding was necessary for, other than you wanted to be in a fraternity. You talk about "black people learning Knowledge of self" yet where is that knowledge of self on your website? What news updates have you listed? What about the upcomming election? Who are the candidates of interest to the people of the Berkley/Oakland area? What about resources that kids that you want to mentor can use to better themselves in the educational realm? Don't tell me you guys haven't had time to figure that stuff out, you started a whole new "official" fraternity complete with colors, letters, and everything . You say you have a new vision, where is it? It's not on your website, but you sure had time to post each person's favorite songs and which women they thought were fine? Give me a break. Normally I am a nice person, but I really feel that we need to start holding our people to a higher standard, and now I am holding you to a higher standard. If you are, as you state, "creators of a new vision and legacy" where is this new vision? Where is this new legacy? You have a whole website and have even created a new thread here in the Delta Ave. in GC and all I see is fluff, no substance. What new light can you bring to bear on issues that affect our community? And, to my point in posting, why is it a fraternity was needed to bring about this new light or vision that you have? What does you fraternity have that is not anywhere in Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, or Iota Phi Theta?

Listen, I do not want to come off as arrogant, because my questions were and still are indeed sincere. If you, brother, have truly found something in your fraternity that has something of new substance to offer the students at Cal and the black community that cannot be or is not in the others, then I applaud your efforts and intiative. But if you just got a little arrogant and thought that no one in any fraternity had a clue about brotherhood and service until you came along and therefore you had to start a whole new fraternity please spare the college and BGLO communities the trouble, because there is already enough shortsightedness and self-centeredness to last a million lifetimes.

And since you are new, let me introduce myself to you, so you know exactly who I am...

" To a few, I am the castle of dreams- ambitious, successful, hopeful dreams.
To many, I am the poetic palace where human feeling is rhymed to celestial motives;
To the great majority, I am the treasury of good fellowship.
In fact, I am the college of friendship; the university of brotherly love; the school for the better making of men.
I AM ALPHA PHI ALPHA!!!!!!
Blackwatch!!!!!!

[CrimsonTide4]

gc acting funky hope my post shows. . . bbl oncei read these senior thesis long azz posts.


all right I am back.

First let me say I heard about this new "fraternity" a few weeks ago and while I have not been to the website, I heard that it was founded at a Denny's. Also based on Blackwatch's description of the content of said website (member's favorite songs and cute women), your organization does sound frivolous.

Let me say some things to help you ThetaPharoah understand why you will not necessarily be embraced by the Divine 9. Number one, all orgs founded after Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Kappa Alpha received flack and continue to receive flack on some level because we were not the first or we left one org to come up with another or we _____________________ (you fill in the blank). Now here it is 2002, and you and your members (how many are there) are here representing yet another brotherhood because the ones that are already in place did not work for you so you brothers were assumably sitting at Denny's one night eating and talking and from this conversation was born an organization which has Greek letters, colors, etc. etc. and called a fraternity. Now pardon me if I sound elitist and even a little condescending, but is your organization REALLY all of that!?!?!? What are you all out there doing in the community? Let me just say that while your intents might have been noble if the fruits of your labor are not evident, expect criticism. IN ALL THINGS, EXPECT CRITICISM. No we are not HATERS, we are critics and we are curious about yet another fraternity being born and what it stands to do in the community and how it will get things done.

Now Blackwatch I agree with a lot of what you said and I want to really ask: How come if there was a sincere interest in one of the existing fraternities on your part (including all members of your org), what REALLY stopped you from joining or attempting to join? Was it really that the fraternity was not living up to all of its principles as set forth by their founders?

ThetaPharoah said: If the founders of the black greek FRATERNITIES would have been performing the way that many people in many organizations performed today (Acting like they are better than other groups, walking around damn near naked, and dancing around looking in imagionary mirrors) they would have been skinned and hung from a tree.

Come on with that mess, brotha!! Do you know that ALL orgs act like they are better than the others? For the most part it is friendly competition. Do you know that most orgs/groups/etc. with people in it have their friendly competition? Example, in college, we used to be at a party and inevitably we would want to "rep our city" so you would hear Cleveland, Columbus, and da Nati yelled out over and over. . . is that not a parallel to the fraternal and sorority calls done while at an event? Sports teams do it as well. Oh and in high school, didn't you used to rep your class year and say stuff like SEeeeeeeeniors and other friendly competitive melee??? Yes some of what our orgs do can be embarassing and even belittles the overall purpose that we were founded for. But let me just say this, all of our orgs are about business. There are programs in place in all of them that are doing great things, reaching back helping others in some way, shape, form, or fashion.

Finally (because there really is no such things are fifthly or fourthly or thirdly, but I am off duty so I will end there), your organization is in its advent and you can expect to have people curious about your organization and what sets it apart overall from the other orgs in place. I challenge you to enlighten them in a positive way that speaks to the caliber that you purport your members have.

Thank you


**yall know I don't do long messages so you betta have read EVERY word because there will be a quiz.**

[Theta Pharaoh]

I would like to start by asking the question that if we were a white fraternity does anyone think that other white people would care as much as some of you appear to? What all of you must understand is that no matter how high you hold your greek letter organization over your head you typically have developed your views based on what your chapter has socialized you into believing. Each Greek organization in the NPHC varries from campus to campus, and on our campus none of the frats fit the criteria for what we desired in a fraternity. Next I can't help but address the false accusation that there was no reason for us to start an organization. Well I am from Oakland where only 28% of African American students passed the high school exit exam. I am from a place that is among the top five cities in the country for murders this year. I am from a city in which over 75% of the black families do not have fathers in the home. (Or a male figure at all for that reason) So obviously there was still plenty of issues that needed to be addressed. Our website is always under construction and just because we don't boast about everything that we do in the community, that does not mean we don't do the service. If you went to the site and read my bio to show support and not to look down on me, you would have read that I have won the Ri'chard McGee hubbard award given to the Bay Area's most outstanding young leader. If you were a member of the community you would know that we are all "active" mentors and on top of my horrendous schedule I obigate myself to Castlemount High school (One of the lowest achieving schools in the country) at least 15 hours a week. As for the rest of my brothers they all work individually with inner-city kids on the weekly basis. Just because you throw out a bunch of qoutes at someone (that none of you wrote) in order to try to impress them with your education does not mean anything. If that was the case we could do the same because we do attend the top public institution in the country, and I assure that academically we are all worthy to be here. Next, if you were to examine our purpose one of our goals is to improve communication outside of the black community with all races, creeds and colors. We plan and throw events constantly with other organizations that are not African American. What group in the NPHC has that as one of its goals? We are going to be a part a new developing multi-ethnic umbrella organization that will help us to achieve this goal even more. As for the Alphas most of them are still my homeboys and we have no problem with them as an organization, but don't get mad because we stood alone and did what was right for us. As far as self-education is concerned I don't feel like there should be a "black cap" on anyone starting a community service based organization. Any black person who truly loved and embraced black pepple would not care how the work gets done as long as sombody does it. As for our goal of working to educate urban youth, this is mandatory to become a Theta. You must be a mentor or youth advisor of some sort. Like I said earlier, the same thing what HATERS are attempting to do to us is the same thing that happened to every black greek organization after the Alphas and the A.K.A.'s were founded. I don't expect my fellow greek bretheren to care for us, Im not little Kim but, "If I were you I would probably hate me too." Even though it is our intention to only add to the greek community and give people more choices as far as organization selection goes we have to endure the hating. But in all honesty this is exactly what we expected from many greeks. I can't emphasize enough how little I care about that because all of the real people who think indepently of the "Im superior" mentality flood our message bord and my inbox with major love and those people are my family. All of our real Greek hommies still love and look forward to planning events with us. Also to the person who is trippen off of my chat room spelling. I hope that you will be in graduate school with me next year at HARVARD. I mean give me a break. Remember that in spite of any negative feeling that any of you have about us we will always love you and I'll be sure to pray for you before I go to sleep tonight.
Holla back

[12dn94dst]

*sigh*

What to say, what to say? More power to you for feeling the need to start your own organization but, I'm not impressed. Comparing the stated purpose of Theta Psi Phi to the content of the site, I have a hard time believing this organization is committed to self-education, or education of any type simply because of the sheer number of grammar and punctuation errors.

Second, you have a community service coordinator, but NO community service projects, upcoming or otherwise, are listed on the site. Again, that doesn't reflect well on the organization's commitment to its purpose & mission. Yeah, I know, just because it's not advertised does not mean it's not being done. But as an organization looking to expand I would think you'd be more eager to let people know exactly what it is you're about on your own website rather than trying to defend your organization on a sorority message board.

A third point of concern is the the lack of a professional image. It's fine to provide visitors with brief biographies of the founding members, but to have "shout outs" and personal statistics of the people who are most important to the organization's expansion & growth right now severly diminishes the perception of credibility. Honestly, as the site stands, it DOES look like a glorified dating service, as someone mentioned in one of your FAQs. If you want your organization to be taken seriously, it is imperative that a solid, polished and PROFESSIONAL image be conveyed, ESPECIALLY if it's one that's being transmitted worldwide like it is now with your website.

Since you're a very young group with no track record of exemplary projects or notable members, your image is EVERYTHING to you. It is IMPERATIVE that you put your absolute best foot forward. My suggestion is that you take a GOOD look at your website and compare it not to the websites of the D9 organizations, but of your fellow up and coming organizations. Compare the image that they have put forth with yours. Network with them, learn from their mistakes. Learn for YOUR mistakes. Most importantly, LEARN FROM CRITICISM.

Like CrimsonTide4 said, you are GOING to have critics. That's not going to suddenly stop when you get 10,000 or 50,000 or 200,000 members. In MOST cases your critics are not "hatin" on you. As a side note, WHY is it that when someone makes a critical comment about someone or something they're labeled a "hater"? My personal view is if one feels "everyone" is "hatin" on them, that person has some self-esteem issues. But I digress. Criticisms are made so you can GROW and DO BETTER. Your biological family did/does it so why are you expecting anything less from your African American family?

While you're praying for your "haters," pray for guidance and solid leadership. Pray for strength. Pray for the courage to realize that the energy you're spending to defend your organization to people whose opinions you don't seem to think matter can be better spent improving your organization so that the organzation's accomplishments will speak for themselves.

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by DELTAQTE
Ok can I say I had TEARS in my eyes when I read where they were founded???!! And if you have sound, turn it up cause the first page has someone singing their "hymn" I guess.




http://thetalife.com/

For some reason I can't get the site to download completely. Anyone else having the same problem?

[CrimsonTide4]

This will be brief because I have to head in to teach my HIGH SCHOOLERS.

I went to the website and let me just say that it is a deluxe BP page with a little bit of info about the fraternity. Nothing on it makes me say "Ooh these brothers are going to do the damn thing!" Nothing on your website made me say their vision is outstanding and going to really flourish. Your page looks more like you are advertising the dating marketability of your members moreso than the mission of your organization.

Kudos for getting to Harvard and your 3 associate's degrees. However, if you are going to be a Harvard man can you at least proofread and edit your webpage as you would a paper that you are turning in to any of these presitigious institutions of higher education.

What my fellow moderator said is on point especially that whole haters angle. No one is a HATER. I have my letters and my organization is standing on a well earned, 89 10/12 years' legacy of SISTERHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP and SERVICE.

What programs are the TEN of you doing in Oakland to get the crime rate down? What are you doing to improve the quality of life in Oakland? Are you working with the other orgs, not just Greek Lettered, to improve the quality of life in Oakland? That is great that you want to bridge the gap between organizations on your campus and that is indeed a unique vision but hell our Black student organization was doing that in undergrad as well and we did not become a fraternity.

Comparing how white folks feel about new orgs versus Black folks is hadly the same but hey to each his or her own.

In conclusion, think about how your image is being communicated via your website to thousands of people who do not know you and will only come to know you based upon the information found on your website. Anywebsite is open for CRITICISM not "hateration". Elevate your vocabulary and eliminate that word because no one is a hater when they state their opinion, they are a CRITIC.

**thinking to myself** I know I said this very same thing in issue 1 of D*mmit Why?

[Gina1201]

Originally posted by ladygreek


For some reason I can't get the site to download completely. Anyone else having the same problem?

ladygreek,

I am also having the same problem

Gina

[CrimsonTide4]

Try

http://www.thetalife.com

[Bamboozled]

Originally posted by Theta Pharaoh
If that was the case we could do the same because we do attend the top public institution in the country, and I assure that academically we are all worthy to be here.

Seriously not trying to HATE here, but since when is UC-Berkeley the "top public institution in the country"?

[NewBee]

I just wanted to congradulate ThetaPharoah on starting something new. It takes great vision and even greater courage to be a leader and not a follower. To say that there is no need for new organizations is not only pompous but its also limiting the coalitions that can be mad between the divine nine and locals to work together and do good for the community. But I guess that its good to have so much confidence in your org., that you can't possibly phathom people finding a home outside of it. I admire the dedication. As a non-greek, I believe I am capable of offering a different perspective, a positive one. Look at it this way, many orgs., dare I say even in the divine nine have been started on less than noble causes but as these orgs., grew, they expanded to fit those needs and have become some of the most respect organizations today. Give people a chance to grow, locals dont have 89 years of experience but imagine what gap they could fill if given a chance. Locals won't replace the NPHC but maybe if given a chance and maybe even a little help they can do things that the NPHC can't or wont do. Basically, we should all be working together instead of worrying what your frat was founded on because as long as you have strong, positive black folks getting together doing positive things in the name of whatever than whats so wrong with that???

P.S. Are you all sure thirdly isn't a word? I am not saying that it being used over and over again is grammatically correct, but surely its an adverb that can be used at least once in a while.

[Theta Pharaoh]

First I would like to thank newbee for the support. You truly represent what all of this is "supposed" to be about. I must also say that honestly in spite of what some of you say we have done more this year than many of the "devine" organizations. (At least on this campus) Or should I say those organizations that are not on probation or have at least 2 members. Mr. and Mrs.Critic/Hater, whatever. And to the person who questioned Berkeley being the top public institution in the country. It has been that way for at least 20 years so what in the world are you talking about, please check the Princeton Review. As for the first two reponses to my last post I actually think that you have "some" valid points and I am with out a doubt the last person who probably feels that I have something to prove to anyone, but I will undoubtebly take the useful things that some of you have said into consideration. I said it once and I'll say it again, I don't expect some of the people from the "devine" organizations to love us because to many of the frats (Especially on this campus) we are the most substantial threat to them gaining members. If you guys don't discredit us we will UNDOUBTEBLY become the biggest frat here and then we will have no choice but to expand. Besides all of this, the murderers of my LORD came back to worship him after his death, so why should I get all bent out of shape about your "criticism." None of you realize who we are yet but in 20 years you can tell your kids that you had the pleasure of "critisizing" us.
P.s.
Like I stated in the previous post, the website is still under construction and maybe, just maybe, it will be just as excellent and efficient as some of the "devine" orgs chapter websites. Oooops my bad, thats if your chapter has a website.

[librasoul22]

Originally posted by Theta Pharaoh
First I would like to thank newbee for the support. You truly represent what all of this is "supposed" to be about. I must also say that honestly in spite of what some of you say we have done more this year than many of the "devine" organizations. (At least on this campus) Or should I say those organizations that are not on probation or have at least 2 members. Mr. and Mrs.Critic/Hater, whatever. And to the person who questioned Berkeley being the top public institution in the country. It has been that way for at least 20 years so what in the world are you talking about, please check the Princeton Review. As for the first two reponses to my last post I actually think that you have "some" valid points and I am with out a doubt the last person who probably feels that I have something to prove to anyone, but I will undoubtebly take the useful things that some of you have said into consideration. I said it once and I'll say it again, I don't expect some of the people from the "devine" organizations to love us because to many of the frats (Especially on this campus) we are the most substantial threat to them gaining members. If you guys don't discredit us we will UNDOUBTEBLY become the biggest frat here and then we will have no choice but to expand. Besides all of this, the murderers of my LORD came back to worship him after his death, so why should I get all bent out of shape about your "criticism." None of you realize who we are yet but in 20 years you can tell your kids that you had the pleasure of "critisizing" us.
P.s.
Like I stated in the previous post, the website is still under construction and maybe, just maybe, it will be just as excellent and efficient as some of the "devine" orgs chapter websites. Oooops my bad, thats if your chapter has a website.

Hmm...you are so quick to call someone a "hater" for what they post, yet each of your posts seems to have more personal and direct attacks than anyone else's.

You do understand why people are so critical of your org, right? Please drop the defensive posture for a sec and see what we see. None of us here go to UC Berkeley. All we can see of you is the website we are offered. That little tidbit is downright juvenile. Sorry, but it is. I mean, before the site even loaded, I got some corny guy crooning bad R&b to me. My first impression is this: Bad R&B, bios that reek of personal ads, and elementary web design. Not a great start. You may very well do tons of community service and have a great impact in your city or university. But no one other than you guys will ever know, because that info sure isn't readily available to the general public.

I think that if you were truly unconcerned (as you stated on NUMEROUS occasions) about what other people thought, you would not be here attempting to shoot down other's opinons and dismiss them as "haters." Rather, you would be out trying to build your org from the ground up or at the VERY least have a website that shows more than just your taste in women and someone's singing ability (or severe lack thereof).

I don't fault you or your brothers for trying. But really, this whole thing looks like smoke and mirrors to me. My philosophy is show and prove.