Non-Black Members in Historically Black Greek Ltr Organizations

[WenD08]

Teva7,

no, my soror was incorrect. Eleanor Roosevelt was an honorary member. even now, there are several white and non-white members of Alpha Kappa Alpha working hard to uplift our Sisterhood.

[WenD08]

more than several, i should say!

[IotaNet]

To the Group:

In an earlier post, I mentioned that Ebony Magazine would be doing a story on "White Members of Black Greek Lettered Organizations." Well, as I understand it the issue containing that article is now on the newsstands.

I've not seen it but I am interested in commentary from anyone who has.

------------------
IotaNet
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
3AH80

Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity
Zeta Nu Chapter, Spring, 1979

[12dn94dst]

Morning!

I read the article in Ebony last night. It was a nice article. It didn't go into a lot of depth as far as people's feeling one way or the other, but it did mention the range of feelings on the African American member's side from "so long as he/she is working, I don't care about skin color" to "I staunchly oppose white members in the NPHC." Also, the Caucasian members interviewed did answer the "why an NPHC organization" question (of course, else there wouldn't be a point to the article). From what I gathered, the NPHC organizations represent strong commitment to community service and a feeling of true sister/brotherhood that could not be gained from GLOs in the opinion of the members interviewed. I liked what Lucas Klein (Alpha Phi Alpha) said regarding his observations of a GLO on his campus "There was no reason to affiliate with people with whom I didn't have much in common other than the color of my skin. We had no common goals or beliefs." Isn't that really what joining a fraternity or sorority is about?

All in all, I'm not suprised with the findings in the article. The Caucasian members interviewed showed a sincere commitment to what we do and the ideals of the organization, which is nothing more than we seek of any other applicant. Like I said, it's not an indept study, but it does provide some insight.

Kelli

[mgdzkm433]

I'm not versed on BGLO's, so I really can't say much about them. From what I do understand, correct me if I'm wrong, they exist to uplift the black community. So, with the purpose stated, what is wrong with a white person wanting to take part in this endevor? No, I can't relate to what it feels like to be denied service becuase of my skin color, but I am a part of a generation that wants to help change that mentality. Just because I'm white, and I haven't had the same experiences, doesn't mean that I don't want to strive for a better world for ALL people. Just because I don't know what it's like to be discriminated against doesn't mean that I don't want to take part in uplifting a community that, despite what you think, I am a member of too. We ALL are members of this community--the US, the World. We are in it together, so why shouldn't I be allowed to help because my situation is different. It's like saying that we can't feed the hungry in Africa because we don't know what it's like to starve. Why would anyone want to deny the joy of helping others to someone? Why anyone want to deny the joy of having someone help to anyone? The more willing members, the more we can accomplish. That goes for ANY organization that uplifts this world.

[lluvmook98]

...km433,

Your points are rational but if you think about it, race relations in America are such that they don't give rise to trusting in one another. Whether people admit it or not we all have some bias toward others. Race is not as much about rationale as it is emotion. That is also true for greek organizations. Especially BGLO's, if you see how deep rooted they are in our community, they are like parents or children. You may appreciate someone else wanting to help your child but you perceive them as an outsider, you don't think that they know what is best for your child.

You have to realize we are not taking about some fairytale land this is America and no amount of "heal the world" will change feelings if people don't want their feelings changed. If may not be right but that is just how many people feel.

[mgdzkm433]

point well taken. I can understand that. I personally find the dedication that many African Americans have to their community very inspiring. Thanks for the insight.

[jazbri]

lluvmook98,

Excellent point... I think you've hit it directly on the head.

[mgdzkm433]

Do you think that same standard is or should be held in GLO's?

[lluvmook98]

...433,
That is an interesting question. I say that because, even as an African-American, I might say that that idea of standars is prejudice but when you say the opposite about BGLO's "we" feel justified in being "separate but equal".

Really I don't have a particular feeling about non-blacks in BGLO's, but I do wonder why they would want to be in one. The same way that I wonder why blacks, especially, want to be in HWGLO's but to each his own.
First of all we can't offically hold on to the "standards" so I think that it is a waste of time to slight a white person who is in or interested in a BGLO. But emotionally I think it bothers whites and blacks when some one who is different tries out for their org. Even if it is not blatant racism, you wonder what might you have in common with them.
My honest opinion is, as long as we look different, we are going to treat each other differently. There are too many factors in this world that perpetuate racism to think that it will easily go way. Also if a soror, any soror, is about representing AKA well, I will support her.

------------------
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
L.R.O.G.
#1 Fall 97
Omicron Pi

[This message has been edited by lluvmook98 (edited November 20, 2000).]

[prettygyrl]

First of all Hey Hey to everyone. I have not been in awhile. I have stopped in from time to time whenever I was a around a computer. I have finally moved and settled so I am back.

Whoever knows me knows that I usually post on topic such as these and it seems that my opinion is not usually liked by most. Anyway I think though that this is always going to be a topic with no end. We all will never agree. The fact remains that whether Blacks like the idea of whites joining the BGLO or not, they do and they will continue. As I said before my opinion on this is known, but still there is nothing anyone can do about it. I am not greek, although I am currently pursuing. There are no white people in any of the NPHC org. on the yard at my school. I doubt that there are a whole lot across the board. This race issue continues to be large because we make it large. When people start topics such as this everyone jumps on the bandwagon saying the same things but still there is no solution. There are so many other serious problems that BGLOS and GLOS are facing today that can and should be addressed, other than this same Black White issue. I have read various newsreports where some colleges are questioning the necessity of greek org. and some are trying to decide if they can find away to get rid of them all together. Now thats a serious issue. The numbers are dwindling as far as MIP goes on some campuses. Thats something to address also. There are so many problems with hazing and some org will be broke soon from being sued some much. Thats serious also.

You see all those issues far outweigh this Black and White stuff because if things get really bad for the greek org and some of them start to really fall off, it will not matter what race the members off especially if the org is no more.

[lluvmook98]

I personally don't see the problem with conversation. No this will not change anything but if it will open the doors to something else then let it be. It is not like I would be on my undergrad campus campaigning if I was not on line so really we are not wasting time. The only way people will let anyone get rid of glo's is if they are banned by state/federal law. Even if we are all city chapters not bound to any campus. As long as we live in America racism will be an issue. Not because we on this board make it, but because it is. As long as we are civil I say keep talking, maybe we will get some type of understanding. If we never talk we will thrive on the stereotpyes we have of one another. That is not just unproductive but it will take us back hundreds of years. So to all my greek family in the struggle, talk on!

[AKA2D '91]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91:
MN:

I understood you perfectly well THE PHIRST time!

HOW IS THAT RUDE?


relax, relate, release!