The Divine Nine...

AlphaChiGirl · #1 06-01-2000, 12:54 AM

Although I am a proud Alpha Chi Omega girl,I decided to read The Divine Nine, the history of BGLO's. I am African-American, and I wanted to know even more about the Black Greek Organizations, especially the newer groups like Sigma Gamma Rho and the Iotas (I can't remember the other letters for the life of me). I've heard from some BGLO members that the book isn't well-liked. I thought it was a fulfilling read. Any input? Have any GLO members, regardless of race, read this book?

theXgirl · #2 06-01-2000, 01:29 AM

I picked up a copy but I'm not halfway through it yet. I must admit though I did read some of the interviews of the members and was suprised and pleased to see a fellow classmate of mine from jr high school and college as one of the interviewees: Shannon Reeves,(Q). So far it's ok. I think it's a good reference for historical facts.

ZetaAce · #3 06-01-2000, 07:42 AM

I think the Divine Nine is a good book for people to read who know very little about BGLO's and would like to inform themselves better.

I have a copy of the book. It has good information in it but some of the info isn't correct. That's why some people do not like it. I am on a listserv that the author of the book is on and he has stated that all of the info in the book that is not right will be corrected in the next print.

Some people have also stated that they think the book has a 'slant' in favor of his and his wife's organization. I don't 100% agree with that, I think it's natural to give your organization an extra 'push'.

ZetaAce

sgrho_22 · #4 06-01-2000, 09:28 AM

I personally applaud him for doing something that no one has ever done and that is to compile the history of these organizations into one. Unfortunately, I can't overliook the fact that he made so many incorrect info especially on my organization especially when the info is right there on our international webpage. I understand that every first edition has mistakes but did he consider having someone from the international office verify info...I think I'll wait for the second edition...Regardless, after saying all that I still applaud him for what he has done.

Salience · #5 06-02-2000, 12:53 AM

I am halfway through with it, and I don't see a slant towards his wife's organization, rather his "sister" sorority.

It is okay, and I have learned some tidbits about different organizations, but the typos and misprints are a wee bit annoying.

Sal

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@~~^~~~~
Subtlety is the key ;o)

Rhoyal Blue_22 · #6 06-02-2000, 08:03 AM

I'm curoius-what is Alpha Chi Omega? Is that a white organization-not to sound racist. It's just that I haven't heard of that before. ANd since we're on the curiousity level, what made want to join/pledge that organization,(if in fact it is a white one.) I find it very interesting....

Finer Woman10-A-91 · #7 06-02-2000, 10:54 AM

Now Salience, I have read a lot of your posts and you know full well his organization does not have a "sister" sorority.

Quote:

Originally posted by Salience:
I am halfway through with it, and I don't see a slant towards his wife's organization, rather his "sister" sorority.

It is okay, and I have learned some tidbits about different organizations, but the typos and misprints are a wee bit annoying.

Sal

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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated...Every Finer Woman's Dream!

ZetaAce · #8 06-02-2000, 11:08 AM

When I read the book, I didn't think it had a slant towards any of the sororities. I think it had a slant toward his organization, but like I said earlier, I think that's natural. IMO, that section seemed to be more complete.

I have also heard some of his sorors say that they did not particularly care for their section of the book.

AlphaChiGirl-The Iotas are Iota Phi Theta.

ZetaAce

12dn94dst · #9 06-02-2000, 02:40 PM

I've yet to hear from anyone in the NPHC who is satisfied with the book. Everyone I've talked to (this includes Alphas, AKAs, Deltas, SGRHOs, Zetas) have said there are "inexcusable" errors in their respective sections. For the most part, I think they're of the type that you'd have to be a member to notice.

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Kelli
12-DN-94
SSU c/o 1997

ZetaAce · #10 06-02-2000, 02:45 PM

12dn94dst- You're right! I know one group was complaining because he got some of their founders wrong-I can see how they were offended because you can find that information on the net easily.

But, overall it is a good learning tool for people who are trying to learn more about the organizations in the Divine Nine.

The author, Lawrence Ross, will be at all of the National Boule's/Conventions/Conclaves that are happening this summer to sign the book.

PrettyKitty · #11 06-02-2000, 04:28 PM

you know what's funny...he blames his many errors on the editor.....and typos...NOT!

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The Epitome of Style and Grace, Always Exemplifying Good Taste, A Zeta Woman, A Finer Woman, That's Me!

AlphaChiGirl · #12 06-03-2000, 03:47 AM

<<I'm curoius-what is Alpha Chi Omega? Is that a white organization-not to sound racist. It's just that I haven't heard of that before. ANd since we're on the curiousity level, what made want to join/pledge that organization,(if in fact it is a white one.) I find it very interesting....>>

If you'd like to know, please feel free to email me and I'll explain it to you. :-)

#13 06-05-2000, 04:58 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AlphaChiGirl:
[B]<<I'm curoius-what is Alpha Chi Omega? Is that a white organization-not to sound racist. It's just that I haven't heard of that before. ANd since we're on the curiousity level, what made want to join/pledge that organization,(if in fact it is a white one.) I find it very interesting....>>

To Rhoyal Blue_22:
If you are wondering about Alpha Chi Omega, check out the website at: www.alphachiomega.org
It is a NPC sorority and I believe that it originated from a sorority that was oriented towards Music students (the badge has a lyre on it, to show the musical origins). I suppse historically it was a "white" sorority, but today the chapters would reflect the ethnicity of the campus.

Hope that this is of interest to you!

ZetaAce · #14 06-05-2000, 05:14 PM

FYI- The second printing of the Divine Nine should be out sometime this summer.

ZetaAce

#15 06-05-2000, 07:16 PM

I bought the book New Year's Day and have only read the interviews. I am glad that someone took the time to write a book of this magnitude. However, I was not feeling some of the info that he divulged in his book. Some of the info about DST, I did not find out until I was on the road to becoming a Delta. I think that the way he executed his book was random and not what I was expecting at all. I was really looking forward to reading the book, but was not impressed when I tried to read it. I have not yet noticed the errors but that adds to my further displeasure of this book.

I agree that he did have far more info about Alphas and AKAs but I truly am not bothered by that, primarily because Deltas have a published book written by a soror.