DIVERSITY OR DEATH

[dyhardque]

Originally posted by the411:
I think you and are are one in the same, dyhardque! It's almost like you read my mind.

One of my primamry issues with non-blacks joining BGLOs deals with the question of intent/purpose. I have to wonder WHY this person wants to join. Is it truly and sincerely because she is committed to the uplift and advancement of African American women and the community we serve? Or, is it that we do "cool" things and it'd be "cool" to join? Is it because she isn't accepted by traditionally white GLOs and feels that she'd be better received by a BGLO (after all, blacks have always been an accepting people). Does she feel that, by joining an organization with a reputation for having a challenging and difficult pledge process (not necessarily, but not excluding hazing), she'd feel better about herself and others will respect her? I ponder these questions when a non-black demonstrates an interest, but in all honesty, I ponder these questions when blacks pursue membership as well. I have met white, Latina, Asian and even Indian Sorors who have made me feel very confident that they are committed to the ideals of DST, and (sadly) I've met black sorors who've shown me that they are committed to the paraphernalia, parties, stepshows, and Ques/Alphas/Kappas/Sigmas/Iotas. We as current members face the challenge of recognizing what attributes are most important and crucial to the success and legacy of our organizations-- is it the race of our members or the work our members do for the organization? I say the work and evidence of committment should be the deciding factor, but I do have another concern...

I worry about us losing our identity as black organizations. Sorors, if you'll recall our Minerva Circle of Identity, you know how important it is that we celebrate our race! While I don't doubt that a non-black member can be a damn good Delta because she eats, sleeps, lives and breathes the virtues, motto, and oath, and because she is as passionate about the well-being of African Americans as I am, I still welcome the thought of there being a place or niche just for me and mine. I would NEVER keep someone out of my chapter on the basis of their race, ethnicity, religion, age, or sexual orientation! However, I like the idea of being apart of a SISTERhood with women who share AND understand (from experience) the two thing I adore most about myself-- my blackness and heritage!

Right on soror