Historically Black Greek Life...

I went a college that was well in the sticks.  That's right.  The Brooklyn girl, stepped out of her comfort zone and into amish country.  Culture shock 101, 102and 201.  HA!  I just knew that I was going to a historically black college and join a historically black sorority.  But I guess a higher power had a different plan for me. 

As I went on to the prodominantly white institution (PWI as they call them now), I really had no idea the world I was stepping into, but luckily, it all worked out.  As I began to find my place at the school, myself and many other students of color realized, there was no greek organization of interest to us.  Particularly black students.  There was no historically black sorority or fraternity for us to join.  As a young black person growing up, especially, from the south, joining a historically black sorority or fraternity was expected.  It is embedded in all that we see.  As you watched A Different World, they were there was pledging.

And we see it continued in movies like Stomp the Yard.

Working for schools in the Northeast, and attending them, is hard for a student of color, because being in a historically black sorority or fraternity is important to many but it's not there.

For some reason, I decided tonight to take another look at the sororities to see where they are, as many of my aquaintances have joined post-grad.  It's amazing to see that there is a lack of presence in the northeast.  I will not say which sorority I considered joining then, but I will say it is on my mind to join as a post-grad to meet people and build a bond as I move forward in my life and career.

Does having this organizations at a PWI make it better for students of color or black students?  You are allowed to pledge on other campuses if it is not available at your institution but it may not be the easiest to get to.  Do students of color lose out by attending PWIs without these organizations?

Many students come to me asking about greek life regardless of their ethnicity or race. As an "independent," who attended a PWI, and attempted to bring two of these organizations to their campus, no.  The intent is not to negate the positive effects of having these organizations but you can survive withouth them.  What's most important is to remember that you are a student FIRST!  What makes me proud of the women that I attended school with who tried, they were not willing to sacrifice what they had going already.  They knew what they stood for, and made the decision based on their own needs. 

If you don't do it in college, you can still join post-grad.  If I can look now, so can you.  Historically black sororities and fraternities are important to our culture and our nation.  They each do great work for thier membership and communities.  You just need to know if it's right , which is right and the timing for yourself.  Keep historically black greek life going but also remember yourself in the process.