Re-inventing the D9 sororities?

[Steeltrap]

Originally posted by TonyB06
Miss Priss, I take your comments in the sincere spirit in which I think they're given. But to me it just represents an ever-moving target. To some the D9 will always been seen as too elitist, too self-serving, too-whatever else. As to community, ultimately people see and hear what they want to see and hear.

I spoke earlier on this thread trying to shed some light, but will have to let it go knowing that some (not speaking of you specifically) are just not going to get it---and that'll have to be ok. What we do, and more importantly the spirit in which we do it, will go forward; no matter who joins or doesn't join us, and no matter what anyone else thinks.

peace to errrybody.......

TIA.

[AKA2D '91]

Originally posted by TonyB06
but will have to let it go knowing that some (not speaking of you specifically) are just not going to get it---and that'll have to be ok. What we do, and more importantly the spirit in which we do it, will go forward; no matter who joins or doesn't join us, and no matter what anyone else thinks.

peace to errrybody.......

I'm ready for the benediction...are you?

[miss priss]

Originally posted by Steeltrap
TIA.

thanks Tony...I guess you never really understand until you are a member, and it was really meant sincerely without trying to offend. It wasn't meant to be targeted at the D-9 but all of US. That's why we are here to learn from each other right? But I got one question ....steeltrap what is TIA?

[Steeltrap]

Originally posted by miss priss
thanks Tony...I guess you never really understand until you are a member, and it was really meant sincerely without trying to offend. It wasn't meant to be targeted at the D-9 but all of US. That's why we are here to learn from each other right? But I got one question ....steeltrap what is TIA?

Totally in agreement.

[miss priss]

Originally posted by Steeltrap
TIA.

thanks Tony...I guess you never really understand until you are a member, and it was really meant sincerely without trying to offend. It wasn't meant to be targeted at the D-9 but all of US. That's why we are here to learn from each other right? But I got one question ....steeltrap what is TIA?

[SummerChild]

Sorry to bring this back up after we're all ready for the benediction but I will be brief here miss priss and just say that we'll have to agree to disagree. I don't agree that the D9 is elitist, although depending on one's definition of elitist, almost any group can be deemed elitist. Further, I'm kind of offended at the idea that the hard work that we do is seen as only to gain media attention, especially when *most* of what we do is not even publicized. You gave credit for the impact that the D9 has made in the community and I think that it is well deserved. I embedded a few other comments below.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by miss priss




<<Because this is a tri-part question, I'll address them separately....
1.) and 2.) In fairness the D-9, gives heavily to the community and, in some cases, work actively in them; however, unfortunately, (this has been discussed before somewhere) the D-9 is regarded as a bourgeois group of people who attack needs when deemed for media purposes...just because it sounds/looks good.....now we all know that's not true for all the D-9. >>


As I mentioned, this is just not the case and as mentioned, in fact, most of our work goes unpublished.


<<But some people feel that they are not taking a more active role in the political infrastructure of (Black) America, not making full commitments to community charity not just giving to them like they did in the sixties/seventies, and the persistent crutch of approaching the new millennial problems with the old millennial ways. >>


My sorority is registering thousands to vote all across the country, sorors are everywhere holding elected offices, chapters are nationwide hosting non-partisan candidate forums, how is this not taking an active role in the political infrastructure? Concerning not making "full commitments to community charity," ths is an easy thing to say but what does it really mean? We serve the community. Who is to say whether the commitment is a "full" commitment I don't know; however, I do know that we did a million hours of community service last year and not an insignificant amount was with community charities so that's really a hollow claim. Concerning approaching new millenial problems in old millenial ways, our Partnership in Math and Science to address the new wave emphasis on math and science is an example of our *we* are in touch with the new 21st century needs of the community so this old millenial claim is just not valid.



<<These are only a few that I hear....For me ideally, I would love to see a communal interaction occur with people in the D-9....like they do with Habitat for Humanity.....In my community, for instance, most of the Black/Latino community has trash and dilapidated homes everywhere...who's going to take the first step in seeing that these things are done? I personally take part in yearly clean-up...but we have a (Greek) mayor who has the power to say Hey let's get to work...and although he has made some initiative...the work must be continuous not just one weekend...and this is what poor Black folks see....it may not be true but that's what they say they see. The premise is that the D-9 only dedicates a weekend to (that) communities needs, but only a premise, and unjustifiably so!>>


We have joint alliances all the time.


<<2.) We need to empower our people with understanding the true definition of wealth, making a impact on how we address health; also, creating jobs for the jobless, issues like gay marriage and its impact on the Afro-American community, addressing the social ills of welfare, black on black crime, warfare involving the Tutsis in Rowanda, take back our urban schools by insisting that we have quality schools in neighborhoods and the presence of (professional) role models for our young Black men and women to name a few…>>


As I mentioned in my previous email: Education, Economics, Health, the Black Family, and Arts - need I say more?


<<Alpha Kappa Alpha does wonderful things in the community as well as the others …But personally for me, I look at my surroundings and ask myself am I making the difference? Has these orgs. empowered me to want to make one(a difference)? Do I feel important to them? Are they impacting me? Do I have take ownership by what they (the D-9) have given me? These are all personal accountability questions. >>


miss priss, these are questions that each person should ask him/herself so I agree with you that these questions should be asked. I would dare answer that in my opinion, the legacy that Alpha Kappa Alpha has established and given to African-American women all over the world (members and non-members) by her advancements for women, the causes that she has taken up, etc. *has* impacted you as a (presumably) Black woman and has lent a hand to paving the way for you to make the difference that you make today. You (and none of us) have gotten here alone - we are all riding on the shoulders of the phenomenal people who came before us. I would say to consider what a sisterhood of thousands of moving and shaking African-American women have done in each of our respective communities, both as members of the sorority as well as just African-American women and I dare say that no African-American woman (member or not) could *not* not be impacted by that. Each action by anyone in our community affects us all.

QUOTE]

[AKA2D '91]

SC, you are GOOD....That's all I"m gonna say!

[DIVA1177]

You make a VERY impassioned argument for AKA and the D9 in general(aren't you a lawyer?). However, the D9 by virtue are elitist organizations. It is not meant in a bad way or is it necessarily a bad thing. Honestly, any organization where you are CHOSEN for membership, is elitist. Elite is not the person with the most money or the best car. I think in terms of D9, it means the best All Around Person. I can remember being an undergrad student attending a "Meet the Greeks" function. The members of the respective G8(No Iota in NPHC back then) organizations were all there and representing. The main focus was how the groups were elitist not because they think they are somehow "better" than everyone else. They are elitist because they want the best for their organizations and therefore want the best people, the most elite people, to represent their organizations. Everybody on the planet can not be an AKA.

[Ideal08]

Originally posted by DIVA1177
Everybody on the planet can not be an AKA.

THANK GOD!!!

[miss priss]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91
SC, you are GOOD....That's all I"m gonna say!

here here!
But you know, because I am NOT greek, I get the chance to listen and hone in on why GDI's, nun phi nuns, and whoever else feel the way that they do and these are some of things that I am hearing. People view their commmunities and take that as a tool for if something/somebody is working. I do not profess that I represent the disenchanted, rejected, or objectionable few to the D-9. So I hope no one leaves here offended, mad, hurt or pissed at anything I've written..... Just playing devil advocate....

What I find is that those greeks that are active in their respective communities are passionate about what they do;generally because they were like that before they became members. Tony was right for whatever reason people will always make assumptions about the "activeness" of greeks...and that's their opinion...but as you stated very passionately that this IS what defines Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority....as I understand from you....you care and obviously others care about their communities.....Delta Sigma Theta,for example, in my community has a serious impact in our educational/civic/social communities as well as Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho...I am impressed with the level of congeniality and service that these organizations have with each other....

For me, I am more concerned with the commitments the AA community as a whole is making.....When will we (as AA) be personally accountable for what happens in our communities?....My interests lie in applicable solutions not a bunch of finger pointing....Maybe this is another thread but I find that communities in dire straits suffer because they blame everyone but themselves and take divisive attitudes to solutions....

Bottom line I think the D-9 is relevant, it's just that people who feel that they aren't hasn't empowered themslves.

[reddawn18]

Originally posted by miss priss
here here!
But you know, because I am NOT greek, I get the chance to listen and hone in on why GDI's, nun phi nuns, and whoever else feel the way that they do and these are some of things that I am hearing. People view their commmunities and take that as a tool for if something/somebody is working. I do not profess that I represent the disenchanted, rejected, or objectionable few to the D-9. So I hope no one leaves here offended, mad, hurt or pissed at anything I've written..... Just playing devil advocate....

What I find is that those greeks that are active in their respective communities are passionate about what they do;generally because they were like that before they became members. Tony was right for whatever reason people will always make assumptions about the "activeness" of greeks...and that's their opinion...but as you stated very passionately that this IS what defines Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority....as I understand from you....you care and obviously others care about their communities.....Delta Sigma Theta,for example, in my community has a serious impact in our educational/civic/social communities as well as Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho...I am impressed with the level of congeniality and service that these organizations have with each other....

For me, I am more concerned with the commitments the AA community as a whole is making.....When will we (as AA) be personally accountable for what happens in our communities?....My interests lie in applicable solutions not a bunch of finger pointing....Maybe this is another thread but I find that communities in dire straits suffer because they blame everyone but themselves and take divisive attitudes to solutions....

Bottom line I think the D-9 is relevant, it's just that people who feel that they aren't hasn't empowered themslves.

I co-sign on this. But I would like to add any organization, greek or not, who plays a role in the advancement our people and the communities that we live and grow is relevant to the nature of what is the African American Community.

Speaking from a non-greek.

[deltalamb]

Greetings Everyone,

I wanted to take the opportunity to reply to the statement that was made in reference to my organization and a few others.
I am a founder of Delta Lambda Delta Sorority, Inc and I must say that in no way, shape, or form are we trying to recreate any of the D9 sororities. We are our own unique organization. We have every right to call ourselves a sorority, for if you check the definition of the word in the dictionary it says:

so·ror·i·ty ( P ) Pronunciation Key (s-rôr-t, -rr-)
n. pl. so·ror·i·ties
A chiefly social organization of women students at a college or university, usually designated by Greek letters.


An association or a society of women.

We are a society of women dedicated to making a difference not just in the lives of our members but in our community as well. Speaking on behalf of myself (and other people that I know, including a few of my sorors) there have been times that I indeed thought about joining a D9 organization when I was in college (and yes I am college educated as a matter of fact all of my members are) but after seeing so many of my close friends coming back to their dorms with bruises and cuts on their bodies, being rushed to the hospital with ashtma attacks brought on by certain activities in which they were not allowed to use their pumps, and seeing friends of mine laying in hospital beds for two months straight after the chapter they were pledging was suspended due to hazing, I decided that D9 organizations were not for me.

As far as starting an organization where you do not need to be a student in order to pursue membership, that right there is a given. D9 organizations are open to students and I have come across many women who for personal reasons could not attend school at the time. Is this to say that they should be denied the rights and advantages of a sisterhood? As far as a sorority for mothers goes, I cannot speak for the founders of that organization but I know a few women who attended informationals for a few D9 organizations and were denied the chance to pledge based on the fact that they were young, unwed, single mothers.

Please do not get me wrong. I truly and whole heartedly respect all of the D9 organizations. I have friends and family members who took that road, but just as someone said earlier, unfortunately some of your members have seemed to stray away
from the vision that your founders had for your organizations. I do not believe that all members have forgotten the true meaning behind the years of hard work that went into pioneering your organizations, but indeed a few members have and unfortunately it is making a lot of people look elsewhere.

As to why we chose to be a Greek letter organization, why did the founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha choose to use Greek letters? The first African American based Greek letter organizations in existence were Sigma Pi Phi and Gamma Phi. If they had given those that came after them the problem and strife that a lot of the D9 sororities are giving to the new sororities that are up and coming then your organizations would not be where they are today.

A lot of us never understood why it is that so many "white" organizations can be created and they are never given any heat for it but the minute an African-American based organization is created we are jumped on for our vision, our hard work, and our beliefs. I do not understand why we cannot just be commended for our efforts and supported the way that we still support and respect all of you regardless of all of the horrible stories and actual witnessing of hazing that some of us have had the displeasure of being exposed to.

Point blank...The D9 organizations were not the first Greek-letter organizations in existence and they will not be the last. You have Black Greek-letter organizations that have been in existence since the 1920's that are not a part of the D9, you have organizations that were formed in the 90's, and then you have those that were created within the past year. The same way that I and my sorors created Delta Lambda Delta Sorority, is the same way that 20 years from now other "sororities" will be created, and when they do, I will be willing to embrace them with open arms and help to guide them because we all have an ultimate vision, an ultimate goal, and an ultimate practice; SISTERHOOD.

Peace and Love,

Aisha
Delta Lambda Delta Sorority, Inc.

[UNNOspr99]

Originally posted by MeezDiscreet
actually, all of this artwork is wack...

As an artist, I usually don't hate on other people's art, but MY letters look more out of place in this image than everyone else's

in the words of my favorite commercial:

"that's just wrong"

[PhDiva]

I don't profess to know everything (or really anything that isn't public knowledge) about BGLO's. I am a young college professor who is also non-greek. But because I teach Black and Women's Studies, I am often bombarded with questions about BGLO's from my students. For this, I usually direct students to the Office of Greek Life and to individual members of BGLOs.

What I'm interested in however is the nature of this conversation and how dismissive many of you were to RainMan's comments. Granted, his dislike of the Divine Nine is most apparent (so you have to get past the sarcasm and angst to get to the meat of his argument) but his initial question about who has a monopoly on what is considered a legitimate GLO does have merit. Essentially, as I see it, he is asking what Cornell West asked of Black people as a whole in his book Race Matters...what does it mean to be Black in America? Who has the right to define Blackness and on what terms? If my hair is relaxed am I less Black than the sista who wears dreads? Does the NPHC have the monopoly on Black Greekdom?

I can recall from my high school years being teased by my Black friends when I was placed in Honors classes. Then years later, I was leading a panel discussion on being black versus being smart...b/c Black students who were also smart were being asked to choose one identity over the other. What became apparent is this type of "crabs in a barrel" mentality of sorts and regretfully, being closed off to the idea of other BGLO's is about as simpleminded as white folks thinking Black people are inferior and less intelligent than whites.

We have real issues in the community that needs addressing and the F4 or D9 members can't address all of them so why not allow other organizations to peacefully co-exist? Likewise, if someone chooses to join a non-D9 organization, this is not to say AKA's are elitist or she got rejected from SGRho or that hazing is part and parcel of the F4 intake process. This means that person made a choice based on their personal beliefs, values and desires. You can have an opinion about it certainly but sometimes you just need to know when your comments are akin to tearing someone down. It's not always productive for yourself or the community as another person stated earlier.

Our strength as a race has always been our diversity and willingness to adapt to a variety of seemingly endless obstacles placed in our way. Please stop allowing your own egocentrism about the organizations you're apart of keep you from recognizing the strength that is Black America.

PhDiva

P.S. I do agree with you all about the artwork. These images are synomous with particular organizations and folks should refrain from using them as their own.

[ladylike]

Originally posted by UNNOspr99
As an artist, I usually don't hate on other people's art, but MY letters look more out of place in this image than everyone else's

in the words of my favorite commercial:

"that's just wrong"

UNNO, I think the originator of this piece (an artist by the name of WAK) would agree with your "that's just wrong" comment. The original piece did not have greek letters on it at all as well as the piece with the sista on it.

The painting should look like this: