Forgive me. I think you misunderstood part of my repsonse. Upon reading the author’s article it was very clear her initial address was with regard to the BGLOs on the campus of the University of Florida. However, paragraph 7 opened with the intent to further discuss the matter on UF’s campus, but seemed to roll over to the entire Black Greek community as a whole. It reads as if the attitudes prevalent on your campus are as such as a result of the entire BGLO community. When you travel from campus to campus it is blaringly obvious that UF (as I stated before) is not unique, BUT there is another side to the coin. A trip to some of the college campuses up north may offer you an alternate perspective. Well, hopefully. Then, it will be very apparent why I requested that the “shallow and self-starving” proclamation not be an attempt to characterize BGLOs as a whole based on the chapters present at UF. I am sure you know the insertion or deletion of a single word can completely misdirect a conversation. And in this case, I believe it may have, judging by your response. As well, in anticipation of further discussion amongst my fellow greeks, I thought it imperative to ask that question. I’ll be the first to admit the things that have been outlined in the article are atrocious. I am ashamed this is the type of representation you all as students have been subjected to. It’s quite embarassing and disconcerting.

Now, regarding how accurate or inaccurate. I believe she may have very well hit the nail on the head with regard to SOME chapters on SOME campuses of SOME BGLOs. This is why I used my closing satement to respond as such. In no way did I want that message to get lost amongst the other pieces of my response. What I do not want is for the climate amongst the BGLOS on UF’s campus to be the trademark by which every other chapter on every other campus gets measured. I can’t let the work of chapters(undergraduate and graduate) of BGLOs who DO work and TAKE ACTION be discounted. You see, I am an active member of an active chapter that DOES work.

“Names of Fame”? No ma’am. That’s the last thing any BGLO needs. We have plenty of those - PLENTY! When you start name dropping, then you have start making excuses for why people do what they do and have done. And well, some… I could stand to rescind their invitations for membership. So, I purposefully left the famous people out it. What we need and expect (pardon me, what I need and expect) are “people of action.” How does one define action? Some see it as organizing a marchor a sit in. Others may perceive it as educating oneself so they are in a position to contribute to society as a whole. Silence, sometimes, can be the greatest form of action. So, a call to action -I agree with you. Although I celebrate my BGLO, I am not one who rests on it’s legacy. What I am often found screaming are things such as, “why is it that mediocrity has become the norm amongst our people?” However, that’s not a BGLO issue, that’s another issue. See, some expect to come to a BGLO and be “made” great. I expect that one comes already made great to a BGLO. They are two very different things. That’s an entirely different blog all in itself.

Progress. Anything can progress. Forward or onward movement. Do you really mean to tell me that you believe the existence of any historically black organization for 100+ years is not representative of some type of growth? Now, the mere existence of anything is not representative of progress, but considering the the economic, social, and political climate of the country when these organizations were established, I think we can ALL agree that their mere existence wouldn’t have gotten them past 1921. Would you not agree? Therefore, I must assert that our growth is evident. Now whether or not you agree with the strides we have made and whether or not you see them as positive or negative, constructive or destructive is up for discussion. The goals my organization sets, it achieves - gracefully. AND will continue to do so.

I don’t think the author was stereotyping. I think she gave an account of her experience.

This started off a discussion of BGLOs, but I think the type of action you are looking for has it’s roots in the ENTIRE black community. Let it not be left to the BGLOs. We could go on and on about BGLOs, but the BGLOs in question on the campus of UF start with the individuals. Actually, every BGLO starts with it’s individuals. So, I ask you, “Please confront the inactivity of the powerful, heavily funded, and now heavily populated AMERICAN BLACK !!” Then, and only then will I be able to continue this discussion.

nice site you have by the way!

It is unfortunate that the author, as as student at UF, has been left to question the modus operandi of the Black Greek community as a whole based upon her experience at her university. However, I ask that the author allow her experience to be one amongst her university and not be the umbrella under which the work and progress that these organizations become relegated to. They have a rich history and legacy. Rest assured it is highly doubtful that members of BGLOs will find themselves ashamed to be akin to great leaders. It is a thing upon which we pride ourselves - GREATNESS - our pursuit AND our achievement of it. As well, be mindful that individuals comprise the whole with regard to these organizations. Therefore, when one states, “This is not an assault on individuals within the organization”, be mindful that indeed, it is. Also, these BGLOs are no longer comprised of merely of individuals from the black community. Also, the black community is not merely comprised of Black greeks. So, “…a critique of the black community as a whole” based upon the chapters at UF is a problem unto itself. Where was the conscious thought and reasoning in that? Shall I ASSUME and assert it was starved out of the author in pursuit of…well, you get the point.

In reponse to the forum held: indeed unfortunate. As a member of a BGLO hailed from Temple University, I assure you a panel of greeks on OUR campus would have never afforded you the opportunity to put in print any of the responses listed above. There is no justification for complacency in any arena. Exemplify Stellar Performance - E.S.P. This is the standard we are held to. So, NO, complacency is not found amongst our founding principles. “Progressive intentions” are the solid foundation upon which 2 Black Greek letter organizations have done well to celebrate 100 years of existence. With regard to one of the two: those intentions = Service to All Mankind = 100 years of progress.

“I must note, however, that if black Greek existence on this campus seems shallow and self-serving, it is because black Greek organizations are composed of and cater to a shallow and unengaged black community…” Shoud this have read, “I must note, however, that if black Greek existence on this campus seems shallow and self-serving, it is because black Greek organizations ON THE CAMPUS OF UF are composed of and cater to a shallow and unengaged black community”???

Now, for the sake of calling a spade a spade: there are those individuals who are shallow and self-serving. In addition, there are those who will gladly wear shirts, step, and participate in roll call without ever having extended a hand to reach back into their respective communities. I, myself, have bore witness to this. And no, this is not unique to UF. Now, if this form of thought and action is RAMPANT amongst the BGLOs on the campus of UF, then please do question our motives as BGLOs. Any thinking person would. Yes, some will be respected merely because of the letters stitched on their shirt, jacket, or tote bag. However, BGLOs did not enlist that training nor do we encourage it.

Always,

-H

Seth
http://sethandray.wordpress.com

or in one word, Oreos.