Can we be relevant in the inner-city?

[Blackwatch]

I was talking to some chapter bruhs recently about how to become more visible in the community. One of them stated that they didn't know if "A Phi A" would ever become recognizable to folks in the inner city because the concept of fraternity and what it means to college aged people and/or college educated people would be hard to translate to people in the inner city who may not be familiar with college culture. We can do all of the mentoring projects, political forums, black history month programs, food drives etc. in the inner city we want, while the people may be thankful for the help we give and the things that we do, they may never understand the cultural relevance of "those seven men in Ithaca". One brother even suggested that the things we do now can be done by various other groups in the community (Big brothers, Big sisters, March of Dimes, NAACP, local food banks, etc.) and therefore may seem to make our community service obsolete in a since. What do you guys think? If all we can be to the majority of people in our community is a social services agency, what cultural relevance will we have TO THEM, the people we are charged to help "uplift"?

[Professor]

good guestion - many may not understand the concept of fraternity or sorority. however, to be recognized as a positive force should be the only distinction that we need. one should never discount the impact that we as educated men and women have on others. one reason that i pursued Alpha is because of their perception in the community. in fact, i often tell others that my father belongs to another organization and how it bothers me when when folk describe him as this group is "perceived!" I've always wanted people to see an intelligent well rounded me and not just the outward thing. Back to your point, if the Black and Old Gold is seen in the inner city folk may not understand the true concept but will see the positive steps. Those that make it out of the inner city, and many inner city folk do go on to college, may then want to be a part of our org. becasue of the "perception" or difference Alpha makes in many communities.

[Jody]

Blackwatch is your topic for Alpha men or can Alpha women chime in?!

[Blackwatch]

I'm interested in any informed opinion on this issue

[ClassyLady]

If you (directed towards everyone, not one person or org in particular) feel that your organization or chapter has no cultural relevance to the community that you serve, then maybe it is time to teach them why XYZ is so important. If they are not familiar with college culture, then maybe you should explain it to them.

Let them know just why you are there teaching their children to read, why you clean up their streets, and why you wear those letters on your chest. Don't underestimate them by saying that they wouldn't understand without giving them the chance. Give them the opportunity to find out more about your organization and greek life in general. You never know, you may be the one to inspire that person to go to college and get an education.

[Jody]

I agree alot with what Classy Lady says. I think the letters on our chest (AKA) have less to do with what we do, then the letters in our hearts.

To whom much is given, much is expected........

[The Original Ape]

We WILL ALWAYS be needed in the inner-city; and we are OBLIGATED to make our presence felt. If there ever was a time that African-Americans needed guidance, that time is now. African-American men are the least-cherished population on the planet; and alot of the fault is our own. Alphas, and other conscience bruthas of other organizations are the last hope for us; but we have to be real in our approach. We have to come up with a plan to make peaceful conflict resolution our first choice when problems arise between bruthas, so as to reduce "Black-on-Black Crime". We're also going to have to save that group of us that society considers unemployable; otherwise, who's gonna raise our children? We all know they need us too.

If our current programming is obsolete, then WE have to change it.

[Jody]

I CHERISH BLACK MEN!!!!!!!!!!! My father was black, both my grandfathers were black, my brother is black, my husband is black, so I love ya' (all my male first cousins are black)

[Blackwatch]

Thanks to all for the responses so far.
To classylady, I never meant that they couldn't or wouldn't understand the significance of the fraternal/sororital ideal, I stated they they simple don't because college culture and inner-city culture are two different things. Often times the inner city kids associate us as being high classed gangs, because culturally, that what brotherhood/sisterhood organizations has meant to them in their situations in life. I was wondering about how to combat this image and if community service only would do the trick.
I agree, the service and good deeds are important to the image of the fraternity in the inner city. I was wondering though if the idea of fraternity could be of relevance to the personal development of the kids. While we clean the community and feed the community, could we impart some lessons about love of self and community that will last them a lifetime.
Just my 06 sense worth
Blackwatch!!!

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally posted by Blackwatch
Thanks to all for the responses so far.
To classylady, I never meant that they couldn't or wouldn't understand the significance of the fraternal/sororital ideal, I stated they they simple don't because college culture and inner-city culture are two different things. Often times the inner city kids associate us as being high classed gangs, because culturally, that what brotherhood/sisterhood organizations has meant to them in their situations in life. I was wondering about how to combat this image and if community service only would do the trick.
I agree, the service and good deeds are important to the image of the fraternity in the inner city. I was wondering though if the idea of fraternity could be of relevance to the personal development of the kids. While we clean the community and feed the community, could we impart some lessons about love of self and community that will last them a lifetime.
Just my 06 sense worth
Blackwatch!!!

Blackwatch,
If while cleaning the community, you want to impart some lessons about love of self and community, I say why not? Christian missionaries that travel to poverty-stricken countries not only fix and clean up some the country's most deplorable physical conditions, but they also minister to the mind and soul as well. They give people hope and to me our communities need HOPE now more than ever!

[Blackwatch]

I felt a little uneasy with the "us and them" nature of the post myself, but that's how the dynamic is in the midst of the service projects. The different cultures give rise to the differences that I observe. The fact that we come in and talk about education being worth while and get laughed at shows that their is a different value system in place. This is evidenced as well by the spending habits and "label worship" that is not only exhibited in inner cities, but on college campuses and corporate board rooms as well. I guess that I am trying to say that though I can relate and I do understand our brothers and sisters in the inner cities, I also see that there are differences here. And I think that these differences are what the people need to see. College is obtainable, success and longevity of life are obtainable, but a change in values has to accompany those things. "If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten" so to speak. This does not mean that we are fundamentally different, but that we as college educated people have an obligation to work in our inner city communities to show others how to overcome.

Blackwatch!!!

[ClassyLady]

Originally posted by Blackwatch
"If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten" so to speak. This does not mean that we are fundamentally different, but that we as college educated people have an obligation to work in our inner city communities to show others how to overcome.

Blackwatch!!!

Very well said!!!!