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Black Greeks: Their Roll on College Campuses

4/21/2011

3 Comments

 
Picture
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
J. Kennedy
4/20/2011 05:53:25 pm

I defintely agree that the true purpose for such organizations have been slightly tainted. These orgs were founded to fight social, political, and educational injustice for the Black American. I believe some where along the line, the spirit of continuing that fight as been lost.

Reply
Xian
4/20/2011 06:35:39 pm

Tainted, indeed. It seems that this is true amongst fraternities and sororities in the North. I've never traveled to a HBCU, but from what I hear Greek life is totally different from what I observe here in Michigan. Greeks at school even say that. The same goes for a lot of things that are very different between the North and the South, but that should not be an excuse. An organization should be the same all the way around when it comes to achieving the dreams of their founders.

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Brian Nwagwu
4/20/2011 07:33:24 pm

I agree very much with you Blake. It's unfortunate that for you to become a "man/woman", you must indure some humiliation before you are crowned into "womanhood, manhood". As much as we can scrutinize them, the same can go for black student organizations period. The same hypocrisy and uproar and political agenda that we have with black Greeks, is the very exact same with black orgs. Instead of people joining these organizations to better their neighborhoods and community, people take advantage by bettering their pockets or personal agenda, until they need help and expect others to fill the void that they were expected to fill.

If any Greek member reads this, I hope you aren't sensitive and can take this constructive criticism to better your organization, your respective community and most of all, yourself. Your org was founded for a reason and it is your duty to uphold that responsibility.

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  • HOME
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