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Black Greeks: Their Roll on College Campuses

4/21/2011

3 Comments

 
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I am very aware that I may receive backlash for this post and I am also aware that this may not be the most popular post.  However, I will keep it short for those of you who can't/don't read. And I will speak my mind.

Initially, the "Black Greek" was introduced to the collegiate environment for the edification of the African American students.  These fraternities and sororities were built on principles like education, and community service, love for all mankind, etc.  This is a very commendable thing (in spite of those black sororities and fraternities who would administer the "paper bag test" for admittance).  Out of black fraternities and sororities, a pride was born; boys and girls were turned into men and women.  Many successful people were birthed out of organizations like this, which is extremely commendable to me.

Today, I question whether or not some of the founders of these organizations could recognize the particular organization in which they started, if they were to come back from the grave today.  What was meant to be a stepping stone to the collegiate atmosphere, has now become a stumbling block to many college students.  In many aspects joining a sorority or fraternity has almost become a popularity contest.

The process in which many of these students face is despicable.  My father, who is a member of a Greek lettered organization, explained to me the purpose of "the wood".  It was very similar to grade school paddling for misbehavior.  Somewhere along the line, people got out of hand with their processes and inhumane hazing was birthed. What constitutes an individual to put their hands on another, in order for them to gain membership into an organization? We minimize the power and intellect of these organizations into the mere mentality of a modern day slave exchange.  I mustn't fail to mention our lost brothers and sisters who died in the process of trying to "pledge" a Black Greek organization.  In reality, many of these brothers and sisters don't even know what they are pledging for.

It has been said that Black Greeks get a "bad rep".  This is true, however, no one can give you a "rep" except those who rep-resentation your organization.

Don't get me wrong, there are good things and people who still emerge from these organizations, but the dynamic of life is different which produces different morals of the people.  Many of my dear friends and associates are Greek which is why I constantly question my reasoning and my morals pertaining to a decision of such great magnitude. I challenge all Black Greeks to step it up a level and make a true impact on your college campuses.  How are you making your founders proud? And I challenge those who are considering the Greek life to examine yourself and put your morals at the forefront of your decision. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26)

I have more, but I want to hear from you. Go and comment;
Peace be upon you,
Blake E. Odum

3 Comments

The Power of Black Creationism

4/18/2011

3 Comments

 
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As I find it a great need to address the plight of the African American male, I must first take into consideration the American in general.  For hundreds of years, the African American human being, has learned to adapt to the climate of American living.  The generalized American was granted certain amenities to make life more sustainable; the African American went against the societal grain and created his own amenities for mere survival. The African American way of life WAS to CREATE that in which you NEED. Somewhere along the line, we have lost our zeal to create, but the artistry of adaptation has taken root in our lineage and it has branched out into the generation.  This is a remarkable trait, one of many, that links us together.

However, this is not enough.  It is only through creationism, that we can change the reality that plagues us.  It is only through creationism that the great poets of the Harlem Renaissance can transform a Harlem concrete jungle into an artistic haven of pure brilliance.  It is only through creationism that African Americans, stuck in the slums and ghettos of major cities across the country, can demand the benefits of self-education and birth forth ingenious activity.  Through creationism, we breath on the future of our coming generations and declare greatness over their footsteps.  It is only through creationism that YOU make your SURROUNDINGS/ENVIRONMENT become a product of YOU. Adaptation plus creationism is the true foundation of African American existence.  What are you creating? and more importantly, what are you allowing yourself to adapt to?

Wake up my people and Peace be upon you all,

Blake E. Odum


3 Comments

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  • HOME
  • 2020 HBCU TOUR
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