Black and White--Is it an issue?

[Harmonysong]

OK, so here is my problem, I dont understad why....if we are all supposed tpo be equal then there are all "black" frats and sororities anyway. If any othere frat or sorority wanted to try to make themselves an all "white" organization then it would be discrimination. I just dont understand the logic here I guess. The same goes for Miss Black America...what is the point in it? You are discriminating against white people and we dont complain about it...but what you are also doing is discriminating against yourselves! Take a chance to break free of the group of people that you are with, I just dont understand what is going on with peoples minds today!

[mgdzkm433]

I'm not a member of a BGLO, but from what I understand, and my information might be off, but, BGLO's aren't just for African Americans. Recruitment is open to anyone of any race. The reson why they are considered BGLO's is because their organizations differ a bit (recruitement, government, ideals, purpose) from GLO's. They are traditionally black, and when they were governed under IFC and Panhell, they were not recieving the funding or support that GLO's were recieving, so they broke away and created their own governing body. Rightly so in my opinion. Because the were TRADITIONALLY black, they were then named BGLO's to signify the difference in organizations, not just because of color, but because of government. If any of my information is wrong, someone let me know, but this is how I understood it.

[ZetaAce]

Mgdzkm433,

You're correct! When BGLOs were first formed (1906-1922), the members weren't allowed in the other GLOs. Our organizations don't discriminate and people of other races/ethnicities are welcome to join.

ZetaAce

[This message has been edited by ZetaAce (edited April 26, 2000).]

[Finer Woman10-A-91]

Just to clarify.
NPHC organizations are HISTORICALLY African American in origin. However, as of Y2K ALL of the NPHC organizations are multi-racial and have been for many years.

The National Pan Hellenic Council was formed in 1930, to unify idealogy and purpose.

The NPHC distinction is made to signify membership in one of the 9 member affiliated organizations listed below.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated

BGLO is an acronym...signifying the orgin not affiliation, consequently there are other BGLOs that are not members of the NPHC...nicknamed the Divine Nine. Technically one would not interchangeably use the acronyms BGLO and NPHC.

Originally posted by mgdzkm433:
I'm not a member of a BGLO, but from what I understand, and my information might be off, but, BGLO's aren't just for African Americans. Recruitment is open to anyone of any race. The reson why they are considered BGLO's is because their organizations differ a bit (recruitement, government, ideals, purpose) from GLO's. They are traditionally black, and when they were governed under IFC and Panhell, they were not recieving the funding or support that GLO's were recieving, so they broke away and created their own governing body. Rightly so in my opinion. Because the were TRADITIONALLY black, they were then named BGLO's to signify the difference in organizations, not just because of color, but because of government. If any of my information is wrong, someone let me know, but this is how I understood it.

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

[Salience]

It warms my heart to see the thoughtfulness that goes into some of these replies. Kudos to all Greeks who strive for the betterment of humankind.

I only wish "the real world" was as humanistic as you all want to paint it, but Amadou's death further signals that we are still too close to the Jim Crow days.

[pink bunny]

Harmonysong after reading your post i was very angry however instead of blowing off unnecessary stem i will try to educate you so that you will no longer have this problem due to your ignorance. First of all BGLO's were founded because TRADITIONALLY white organizations DID not allow blacks to join their organizations that is a FACT, that is HISTORY (so who is separating who). Since our inception BGLO's have ALWAYS been open to men and women of other races (how can we discriminate after fighting so hard not to be discriminated against), however we can not help it if some whites do not feel comfortable joining an organization founded by blacks which is often the case (go figure). Your comment about Miss Black America well she is Black and she is American so what is your problem with that? Do you know that for many years black women no matter how talented or beautiful did not stand a chance at winning a Miss America pageant due to racism and ignorant attitudes about them. You obviously have no idea what it is like to be Black in this country. If you simply went back and studied your history you would find the answers to all your questions. We didn't separate ourselves and form Black Organizations because we wanted to be divisive or we thought it was cool, NO we did it out of a need that was not being met in the mainstream where we were not allowed to participate. I'm glad today Blacks can join most organizations if they choose to, it is politically incorrect to discriminate, but that does not lessen the need or the historical significance of black organizations in this country. Just because blacks are more accepted today does not mean we need to abandon the very institutions that brought us through all that horrific drama.

[Serenity]

Can I get an Amen?! You go, Pink Bunny!

[Salience]

Originally posted by pink bunny:
First of all BGLO's were founded because TRADITIONALLY white organizations DID not allow blacks to join their organizations that is a FACT, that is HISTORY (so who is separating who). Since our inception BGLO's have ALWAYS been open to men and women of other races (how can we discriminate after fighting so hard not to be discriminated against), however we can not help it if some whites do not feel comfortable joining an organization founded by blacks which is often the case (go figure). ... We didn't separate ourselves and form Black Organizations because we wanted to be divisive or we thought it was cool, NO we did it out of a need that was not being met in the mainstream where we were not allowed to participate. I'm glad today Blacks can join most organizations if they choose to, it is politically incorrect to discriminate, but that does not lessen the need or the historical significance of black organizations in this country. Just because blacks are more accepted today does not mean we need to abandon the very institutions that brought us through all that horrific drama.

and she keeps going and going and going! LOL

Be the bomb, sista!

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

[blu_theatrics]

First of al, I would like to know what you think constitutes "normal", are BGLO's not normal to you, then I would like to inform you that the correct name is the Nation Pan-Hellenic Council, not the Black Panhellenic council.

Originally posted by LanderAEPi:
The terrible thing about my campus (Washington University) is the racial separation. There's the Interfraternity Council (IFC) that oversees the twelve "normal" fraternities. Then, there's the Panhellenic Council, which oversees the six "normal" sororities. But then there's the Black PanHellenic Council, that oversees all of the BLACK fraternities/sororities. Unfortunately, there's little overlap -- black students join black fraternities, and there's almost no exception to the rule.

[blu_theatrics]

I'm sorry, but no one said that BGLO's were limited to Black people.

Originally posted by Alabama:
That is all fine and good for you to be proud to be a black woman, but for me to say that I would like to keep my sorority all white women so that I can be proud to be a strong white woman is supposedly racist! So why is that? Why can you make that statement and a white woman like myself can't? If I say it and it is racist, then you must be racist also. I hear all of the time that black women and men should be proud of being black, but whenever a white man or woman says that, we are not PC and should adjust our attitude as not ot offend a "minorities" delicate senceabilities. It just so happens that we are not all white, my pledge sister is black and she has never made a statement like you have. I don't understand why you bring up the fact that you are black and are strong because of it, why? There are black guys in my US histroy class that have decided to rage a personal vendeta against all of the shite people in class because at one time in history there were slaves and they happened to be black, and my problem with that is, I don't own a slave, I never have and never will, and if my ancestors did good for them but I had no part of it and it is over with, go get the fuck over it. As you may know MANY black men give black people a very bad name, at least in Iowa they do. I have three black friend two of which are male and about 2/3rds of our college are black males and I will not look at them waling down the halls. They are rude, obnoxious, and just plain sick. I have had things said to me, all by black guys, that no one has ever said to me, and I am offended. The worst is when, at a party, a black guy hollered al me, not my name but some dirogatory comment about my butt and when I didn't acknowlege him he got mad and started saying worse things to me and then got in my face because I didn't fall all over him. This whole process has never been explained to me except that al my school there are a bunch of niggers, black, white, yellow, it doesn't matter. And for those of you who read this, a nigger is a "bad" person, there is no color in that deifintion. So if anyone can explain this fuck up situation to me let me know.

[blu_theatrics]

Personally speaking as a woman in a BGLO, I am more worried about your attitude towards community service and following the ideas of our founders then your color and I hope that is how everyone views you...good luck

Originally posted by piglet3:
I'm currently looking at a predominately black soroity, and I am white. Many of the females on campus in this soroity are aware that I am interested. I am a little unsure of how they feel about my interest. I feel this is the right soroity for me and I am willing to work hard. How can I make them see me as a female that is willing and able to break some of those barriers that have been formed throughout the years, instead of just a white female interested in their organization?

[blu_theatrics]

No one has said anything about ALL BLACK frats and sororities. They are just histroically black, just as there are may that are historically white, So I'm sorry what's your complaint again?

Originally posted by Harmonysong:
OK, so here is my problem, I dont understad why....if we are all supposed tpo be equal then there are all "black" frats and sororities anyway. If any othere frat or sorority wanted to try to make themselves an all "white" organization then it would be discrimination. I just dont understand the logic here I guess. The same goes for Miss Black America...what is the point in it? You are discriminating against white people and we dont complain about it...but what you are also doing is discriminating against yourselves! Take a chance to break free of the group of people that you are with, I just dont understand what is going on with peoples minds today!

[mwedzi]

I am a black woman and joined a traditionally white GLO, except that on my campus, there were very few white people. My chapter was mostly Mexican-American with white women, black women and asian women. My class, only the 4th to be initiated at that chapter, was made up of myself and two other women, one AsianAmerican and one MexicanAmerican and they were so cool and I have not one regret. not one.

[RHOyal-Silence]

i would just like to say that i have met a few of my soRHOrs who happen to be Asian or White. it is my prayer that we as a people (American citizens) stop being so color conscious and learn how to appreciate the beauty within. people can bring a multitude of talents and other benefits to a sorority and fraternity if we look beyond the outside.

[tragic2k]

"Black or white, is it an issue?"

I think it depends on where the person is most comfortable.

A black person who does not feel comfortable around other black people probably would not have an easy time in a BGLO. However, for those who have this problem (usually from growing up in an all-white neigbhorhood or from going to an all-white school) I suggest joining your school's Black Student Union or going to some Step Shows or parties. You'll find that there was nothing to be uneasy about. (*NOTE, I DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM*)

Same for white people. If they grew up in an urban area, and feel more appropriate in a BGLO, then more power to them. Its a difficult process for them, much like it was for the blacks who tried to integrate GLO's in the 50's and 60's, but anybody who can endure something of the magnitude has obviously earned it.

For people who feel comfortable in both groups, I seek look a little deeper to see what you really want. Yes its feasible for a black person active in the black community to join a GLO (as it is a white person to join a BGLO) but there are certain things that BGLO's can offer to someone that GLO's cant and vice versa. It's all up to the individual, which I'm sure, has been said many times in this post.

An African-American female on a PBS special about sorority rush put it best when she said "The sorority had an American day where they played baseball and ate apple pie...at my house sweet potato pie was dessert of choice." (no, thats not exactly how it went but you get the point)

e-mails are welcome! =)