Black and White--Is it an issue?

[Tillennium01]

~What do the bi-racial people fit in? Now that is something to think about! ~

NOTE: I am not Greek.

I feel like this, if black women were ambitious enough to make an organization for black women, I am going to support the cause! We have 4 black sororities. If I didnt see that I fit in one of them, then I wouldnt join ANY sorority! (Not to mention, if I didnt get into the ONE I want to join outta the 4, I wouldnt join ANY!) Its not so much because its a black sorority and I am black! Its the history behind the black sorority that makes me want to join.

Tillennium01

[Tillennium01]

I wonder y its TSU thats gotta do such a thing! What is ur personal opinion about Tennessee State University as a whole?

Tillennium01

[sigtau305]

i'm a member of sigma tau gamma fraternity at cleveland state university in cleveland,ohio. I'm also an african-american. There was never an issue of race that was brought up by my chapter of the organization as a whole. Yes, there was at times during my pledge period that I was put down by the black greek organizations for pledging a "white" fraternity, but I haven't regretted it since then. Sigma Tau Gamma was the first to integrate minorities in the fraternity. I was the second african-american to join my chapter( the first one join in 1968). Being a sigtau is the greastest experience in my life. it also help me honed my leadership skills. because of that, it help me when I was past president of the n.a.a.c.p. college chapter at school as well as being vice-president of I.F.C. I've been very blessed to be part of a great organization and I will continued to stay involved.

SIGTAU 4 LIFE!!!

[pink bunny]

Sigtau305, I think it is great that today as an african american you have the opportunity to join a predominately white fraternity. Good for you. And on the surface that looks very good. But i like to look deeper then the surface. And below the surface why you would want so much to forge a brotherhood and adopt the traditions of an organization that didn't want you as a member and never had your well being in mind or that of your people until it became politically correct to do so is beyound me. That is probably what some of the black greeks were wondering. Your fraternity may never have brought up your race but don't be so "NAIVE". The very fact that Sigtau "had to intergrate" in the first place speaks for its self. In addition you are the 2nd black since 1968 to join your chapter. Why? Think about it. When people are denied something for so long when the opportunity arises to have that thing some people will go after it just to say "Hey i did it" or "I can have this" that's probably why that brother joined to prove something. Because it was a "FIRST". Why did You join? I am curious to know and of course you don't have to answer if you don't want to because you don't owe me an explanation. Good luck to you and I hope you do stay active with your fraternity. And i hope that you will also never have to encounter members of your fraternity who look at you in shock and think to themselves smiling "they pledged that black dude" which i would bet has already happened. Don't let your eyes decieve you.

[pink bunny]

Tillennium01 i agree with you in that i would not pledge a sorority (sisterhood) that traditionally did not love, support, or respect me as a woman and as a human being when i have the opportunity to bond with a sorority (my choice of four) who do love, support, and respect me as a woman and as a human being and not becuase they are trying to be polictically correct.

[sigtau305]

hey, pink bunny,
thank you for your response. very nice of you. I don't mind you asking me why I pledged. The reason started back when I was a student at a community college. One of my good friend ask me if i wanted ot go to a alpha phi alpha smoker. At that time, i thought it would be cool. I was supposed to be on line but i decided to wait because I was close to obtaining my associate of arts degree. At my first quarter as a student at cleveland state, I was in between classes, so I went to the unversity student center(a.k.a. the cage). There, i saw a whole bunch of fraternities with their rush tables, recruiting new members. I have check every one of them. The first table I came across that I came across was sigtau. I talk with the rush chairman and I was giving a flyer to attend a rush party. The second fraternity that I visited was phi beta sigma fraternity. They gave me some info. I went to two of the sigtau parties and I had a great time. then, I went to visit the fraternity house and I was impress by it. A week later, I was invited to a spghetti dinner. There, I recieved my bid. Pledge acceptance was on the follwing sunday. At the same time, Phi beta sigma had sent me a letter inviting me to their smoker. Now, what was wild about this was both on their stuff was schedule on the same day, which was sunday. It took me all the way towards the day before to decide which group would I benefit the most from. I chose to pledge sigtau because they were very friendly to me. Plus, they really want me to join.I feel I could make a impact with this group. So, I went that route and the rest is history. since then, there were three more african-americans that pledge after I cross. one of is currently an active brother as I. He came in spring'98. Hopefully, I have answer your question about I why I pledged. If you have any more questions, Please feel free to ask me. I'll be more than happy to answer.

p.s. I like your username. very cool(smile).

[This message has been edited by sigtau305 (edited January 05, 2000).]

[pink bunny]

Hello Sigtau305, Wow you were such the gentleman. Thank you for your explanation.
Take care Brother.

[BIG_Crimsonguy]

Hi everyone,

I am a proud African American male with a dilemma. I have been awarded a "bid" by two fraternities, one of them is historically black and the other is predominately white. I did all of my research on this particular BGLO and I came to love the organization on a national level. However, the particular chapter at my university leaves much to be desired. The entire chapter GPA is far below the national level minimum, the chapter does little community service and the members still seem to be able to maintain a high level of conciet. I kept my mouth shut during the interview process and the small get togethers because I wanted to appease the current brothers. I wanted to join badly because I respected its history, I had friends who were their sorors and because my best friends were active at other campuses. I felt that if I could "cross" and just stick with it, that I could enjoy the bonds with my other friends. However, I feel that the brothers in the chapter at my particular university are "lackluster" (compared to what i've heard and seen elsewhere) and after thinking closely, I'm not sure if I could enter into a bond with people who, at the beginning, I had the highest respect for, but after seeing who they where and what they were ultimately about, I have little if any respect for them. On the otherhand, I was able to rush a house in the IFC and I liked it. The members were really friendly towards me. I really had not ever considered going through rush but I went a long with a friend so that he wouldnt be alone. I was surprised and glad I did it. My whole problem is I really dont know what to do. I looked at the other 3 NPHC fraternities (one is suspended from my campus) at my university and for one reason or another, I couldnt picture myself in a bond with its members. Even though brotherhood is ultimately what I'm looking for, joining a predominately white fraternity would mean that I would rarely get the chance to enjoy the presence of my beautiful strong black sisters at our parties. Oddly enough, I couldnt picture myself getting along as well with any other "white" fraternity then I did with this one. I guess the truth is that when I feel compelled to join the NPHC because I know that long ago, many white greek houses where racists and didnt allow blacks and we had to do our own thing. I feel and see the strong history and traditions that have emerged in those organizations today. However, after thinking deeply with myself, I do not feel that I would enjoy myself or possibly even be a close brothers to the current members of the NPHC house at my university because ater hanging out with them for several months, I've come to realize that they're not what everyone make them out to be. On the other hand, the IFC house, who when I first me them seemed like a bunch of "tools", have probably turned out to be one of the most open-minded, friendly group of guys that I've met. I know that I'll probably get cold looks if I do the IFC thing but the truth is that my friends and family who I grew up with will always have my back and as long as I dont forget who they are, I can succeed at anything. Tell me what you think. I know that the decision is ultimately mine but what is your advice? And NPHC ladies (i.e. poodles, cats, elephants and frogs) uld you date a guy or attend a formal with him if he were in a predominantly white fraternity?

Thanks

BIG_Crimsonguy

[pink bunny]

Hello Big Crimsonguy as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. i believe that you know the answer to your question it is that which is closest to your heart. Hever if i were in your situation i would look at my motives for joining any greek letter organization. They all have different purposes and chapter characteristics vary from one chapter to another, your school's chapter may not be the best example of that particular organization. But if you really have a deep respect and interest in this BGLO then why not wait and join at the graduate level. I could have joined other sororities on my campus while AKA was off the yard but i did not want second best so i waited for what my heart really wanted and it was well worth the wait. Believe me you can still enjoy your college experience without being greek. Remember once you join another greek organization you can not join a BGLO later when you see a chapter that meets your expectations then it will be too late. Another option is that you could join the undergraduate chapter on your campus and help those brothers rebuild and strengthen their chapter instead of looking down on them, that is what true brotherhood is all about. It is easy to join what looks good but hardwork is the call of the BGLO because we are used to making what is not, WHAT IS. Our history is a history of perserverance not compromise. Don't compromise what you really want for the sake of being greek. Also why do you feel BGLO sorors would not attend parties at the white fraternity houses? Is your campus that racially divided? Why you would even consider joining a group where your own sisters would not feel welcomed is another issue all together. I think you need to ask yourself what is it that you really want. Do you want a life long brotherhood that is found across the country and the world or do you want a college experience that often ends at graduation. Think about it. Whatever your decision i wish you the best of luck in your greek endeavors.

[AKAtude]

Hello Big Crimsonguy,

I agree with my soror, Pink Bunny. You should evaluate your reasons for pledging and follow your heart. Even if the chapter of this particular BGLO does not meet your standards, then maybe you can make a difference by working from within. Maybe they can use your leadership abilities to help strengthen the chapter. I truly believe that a chapter can only be as strong as its members, but you have to be willing to put forth the effort.

Also, if the entire chapter has a GPA far below the national minimun, it seems as though those members should be placed on some type of probation for not maintaining the required GPA. Within my organization, everyone is expected to maintain the GPA set by our national headquarters or the chapter's required GPA if it is higher than nationals.

[BIG_Crimsonguy]

Hi Pink Bunny and AKAtude,

Thanks for your insight ladies, I have taken it to heart. I know it may seem that I am being a little impatient and that I am selling myself short but the truth is that I'm a junior and I dont have a lot of time. I considered waiting for a graduate chapter, but I'm really afraid of how selective they are and how you cant send them letters of interest. Also, my academic plans for graduate school will make it nearly impossible for me to make time for anything, much less being on line. My entire outlook on life (for the most part) is Carpe Diem. Someday when I'm old and grey, I want to be able to look back and say that I exhausted every oppurtunity imaginable and experienced everything I could. I dont want to spend the rest of my life wondering "what if?" The problem is that this situation does not meet that criteria. Choosing either would leave me with a permanent "what if I had done that?" situation. I feel like if I do either that I will regret it, but if I dont do either I will regret it. I dont know Pink Bunny, I pondered over your question "what do i really want" and its a number of things, some physical, some deeper then that. To some this question seems like and no brainer, but for some reason I feel stumped.

have a blessed evening

BIG_Crimsonguy

[amandapss]

I never had to make a decision on picking a group...at my school we are the only sorority on campus, but I couldn't imagine having to choose. I guess if I were you I would just pick which group you feel comfortable with. I wouldn't worry about the social situation...you can still meet a girl with the same background as you through other things. Whatever your decision is I wish you luck

[masdumas]

BigCrimson guy

I just read your post and I truly emphatize with your plight. I am a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and I am a Black man. I went through some of the same things you went through. Some of my situation was different as I was one of the Founders of my chapter (and now its alumni advisor) but some was the same. My family is full of APhiA and AKAs so they looked upon me with disdain and couldn't understand why I would want to do something like this. I simply explained that I thought it over and wanted to be with my friends. I went through a lot of crap from people at my school regarding my decision. The majority of that crap came from the other members of the BGLOs on campus who accused me of selling out. Let it be said right here: I don't sell out to anyone

I have also looked at the rest of the posts regarding this topic and I find most of them amusing. If you want to join a group based on race, creed, religion or color - great for you. However, make sure that when you are out recruiting mew members, you are speaking to everyone. Part of the problem is that we as Greeks overthink the recruitment process - make friends and ask them to meet your other friends and if they like each other ask them to join your group.

As for the Sigma Nus at TSU, good luck as we at Phi Psi are watching to see how it goes. I only hope that we can do the same thing one day.

As always, I'm proud to be a Phi Psi...

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[Shelacious]

Big Crimson Guy...

I am a "finicky feline" of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and my "sister sorors" of AKA gave you some good advice. I would never advocate anyone join an organization based upon anything other than what you feel is in your soul to join. And I would hope that no one would be so shallow as to overlook a "good man", regardless of the organization with which he chose to affiliate. :-) I agree, hoever, that you should look beyond the chapter level with an eye toward assessing what each organization is about on an International level. I was always taught that the chapter is a conduit by which you become a member of the organization, not the end all/be all of the organization. Therefore, although I love my collegiate chapter, I was an active member of it for only 2.5 years, but will be a Zeta for life, regardless of chapter affiliation.

And on the Black/White issue...Zeta has always welcomed women who exemplify Finer Womanhood and embrace the principle of Service in the community, regardless of creed or race. Clearly, as a predominately African American Sorority, we accordingly have many more African American women than anyone else, but I have met Sorors who were Latina, Asian and White.

[Illest Zeta on the Planet]

Big Crimson Guy,

Just read your post and I have to agree totally with my soror's advice. You have to go exclusively with what is in your heart - if you don't it'll haunt you for the rest of your life. I know plenty of greeks with the same sentiments, who wish they would have joined th organization they intially sought to become a member of. Don't let racial issues deter your goal either. I went to a traditionally white institution in which a Black women joined a white sorority and eventually became the first non-white president of ISC. She got all types of looks of dislike and shame from those of her own race. It's difficult to assess my school situation because I attended the most segregated public university in America. Racial relations were and are strained and those Blacks who choose to join white fraternities and sororities are to some extent chastised, but mostly just ignored because they are so-called sell-outs. It's very sad. Bottom line - if you don't have an understanding of self and know which direction you are headed, no sorority or fraternity is going to help. You need to have your identity established before you do anything. Good luck!