Black Fraternities & Sororities: Part 1

In this episode of Perspective, Ted provides an interesting discussion for his listeners as he dedicates the time to discussing fraternities, sororities and Greek life. While Ted himself is not a member of a fraternity, he opens up the discussion to speak with three men from different Greek organizations, who are all members of the Divine Nine, the name given to denote the nine African-American Greek organizations. During their conversation they discuss their personal experiences in their respective fraternities both during and after college, the opportunities that experience has provided for them, as well as the impact it continues to have on their lives, each identifying that the reason (at least in part) for their personal success is somehow tied to their connectedness to their Greek organizations.

While they speak to their own experiences in fraternity life, the topic of hazing is also addressed as it is a point of contention within today’s collegiate environment. The group dedicates time to discussing the historical intention of fraternities (promoting brotherhood, scholarship, community involvement, mentorship) which in many respects seems to be in opposition to how they are seen in today’s climate (promoting partying, unwanted hazing, exclusivism). The 4 likewise discuss how those apparent differences can be reconciled as they review how many organizations are pouring back into the local community through different community initiatives, projects and philanthropy, which is consistent with their historical design.

As the conversation resolves, Ted and his guests also take time to discuss the somewhat contentious performance from Beyonce at the recent Cochella festival which many interpreted as an homage to HBCU’s (Historically Black College & Universities) Greek culture, while Beyonce is not herself a member of a Greek organization. While some felt her performance respectfully appropriated Greek culture, others were offended by it, which the group reviews. Ted hopes to offer the listener a fresh perspective into Greek life from those who have dedicated their lives to it and seen the tremendous good it can offer for young collegians looking for a way to be poured into while pouring into others and their community.

 

Follow today’s participants on Twitter & Instagram @apitts56 @iamrichaun @csurratt

 

Learn more about HBCU’s (Historically Black College & University’s):

https://hbculifestyle.com/category/hbcus/history/

 

Learn more about the Divine Nine:

https://hbculifestyle.com/the-divine-9-sororities-and-fraternities-on-hbcu-campuses/