Edited by Azizi Powell
This post presents selected comments from the discussion thread of a March 11, 2015 Yahoo article from "Good Morning America" ABC News. That article is about the racist song that was sung on a party bus March 8, 2015 by members of the historically White fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
That song -which is usually referred to as a chant- was secretly taped on March 8, 2015 and then given to a Oklahoma University Black student organization who posted it on social media. Another video of the same incident which was filmed from another angle has also surfaced on social media.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and sociological purposes.
The subjects of race, racism, songs, chants, and Greek letter fraternities are of interest to me, and I believe, also of interest to some other pancocojams readers.
I'm reposting these selected comments on this blog because I believe that online comments can be of historical and folkloric value and comments on Yahoo discussion threads can be difficult to retrieve.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
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Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPPUXpFYwjE for a video of this racist song/chant.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon shuts down U. of Oklahoma chapter after racist video
CNN News, Published on Mar 9, 2015
(CNN-)A fraternity fraught with scandal quickly shut down a chapter in Oklahoma when a video surfaced that showed members singing a racist chant with the n-word.
-snip-
The chant is actually a repetitive song that is sung to the tune of "If You're Happy And You Know It Clap Your Hands". The words sung are:
"There will never be an "n word" in SAE. [2x]
You can hang them from a tree
But they'll never sign with me.
There will never be an "n word" in SAE."
****
FEATURED ARTICLE
From https://gma.yahoo.com/sigma-alpha-epsilon-racist-chant-taught-us-fraternity-142054333--abc-news-topstories.html "Sigma Alpha Epsilon Racist Chant Was 'Taught to Us,' Fraternity Member Says" By ABC NEWS
Two video tapes have surfaced on social media of members of SAE at OU singing racist song on the bus on the way to a party....
Former fraternity members have claimed the same language was used at other colleges, but the national headquarters denied being the source of the chant, which referred to lynchings and keeping African-Americans out of the fraternity...
In separate statements, the two men who have been expelled from the university have mentioned that the song was ‘taught to us,’” the fraternity said in a statement released late Tuesday. “However, as has been maintained in previous statements, the national fraternity does not teach such a racist, hateful chant, and this chant is not part of any education or training"....
****
NOTES ABOUT THE SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THAT ARTICLE'S DISCUSSION THREAD
This post quotes a very small number of comments from the discussion thread of the article whose link is given above. There were 424 comments in that discussion thread as of 6:00 pm EST March 11, 2015.
Most of these quoted comments refer to allegations that the racist chant that was sung by SAE fraternity members without their knowledge and later posted on social media is an old chant that is known to other chapters of that fraternity and to other fraternities. Other comments that were posted to that discussion thread are also quoted in this post.
All of these comments were published on March 11, 2015. The oldest comments are given first, except for responses. These reposted comments may not be in consecutive order.
These comments are numbered for referencing purposes only.
This is not meant to be a comprehensive listing of all comments in this article's discussion thread. Nor is it meant to be a comprehensive listing of all comments from that discussion that refer to this song/chant being sung in other SAE fraternity chapters or in other fraternities.
COMMENTS
1. Hotlanta
"They were taught that chant. So sad."
****
2. Just a thought
" "it was taught to us" "
that's not an excuse""
****
3. Rick Ford
"Hmm all these people singing about hanging black people from trees are not racicst... hmm"
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4. HAL 9000
"I founded an SAE chapter 30 years ago and that song NEVER came up. We have all races in our chapter which I am still very much involved with. In addition SAE waived their pledge program a year ago (I don't agree with as I think you should earn it) to let anyone in. Generalizations like this are what keep the media's ratings up."
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5. David
"Doesn't matter if the song was taught to you. You have a brain and should decide between right and wrong and know your own moral convictions"
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6. Marc M.
"Oh, so they didn't know it was offensive and wrong? Please."
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7. GeorgeJackson
"Blame it on the alcohol. Boo hoo. "The song was ‘taught to us'". Boo hoo. Own up white people. Until you stop making excuses and take responsibility for the virulent racism and bigotry that permeates your entitled and privileged community, we will always have a race problem in America. "
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8. Rocco 2
"The fraternity was founded in 1856 at the University of Alabama a red state does not say much about this fraternity. I would not be surprised if those racist words did not come from them perhaps because of all the federal government had to do for the university to admit black Americans to that school. "
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9. Gigantor
"I lived in the dorms in graduate school in Chicago Illinois. I heard bigoted comments when the "guys" got together away from class. They called blacks "boogens" and other stuff. It was not about hate though. It was more about joking and acting stupid. Still biased and racially motivated so it made me feel like an outsider since I am a minority--hispanic. Racist comments should not be condoned no matter the intent. In order to really understand the minority view, you almost have to be in "the minority." The "majority" often don't see this.....they don't empathize."
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10. DaveK
"My college is in a northern state, and that song's typical of my local SAE chapter before it was banished from campus and the chapter house bulldozed."
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11. Go And Get Yourself A Shotgun
"Don't for one second think that this is an isolated incident. My father was a Delta Upsilon back in the early 60's. Being the racist old fart he is, it is not uncommon for him to start singing old frat songs that are racist. These songs were made up long ago in a different time. They are slowly dwindling away with history but this is a perfect example of how some are still alive. Back then they truly had meaning. I believe in today's world they are merely looked at as comical entertainment for privileged white kids. Now excuse me while I tune in to Tosh.O for some modern day racist comedy."
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12. Jan S
"Speaking of songs...it would helpful if the race inciting analysts on tv would comment on the hip hop songs full of horrible lyrics about women, white people, white cops. That seems to go unchecked. "
****
Reply
13. Tommy
"Jan S - You're comparing a racist chant to artist making music. Granted, the lyrics may not promote positive race relations; but, a lot of it used in context with the story being told in the song. What happened on the bus was wrong, plain and simple. You sound like a kid saying, "Yeah, but, they do it, too". Grow up. Rap songs vs. racist chants.......big difference."
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14. Commenter
"I heard it in Arkansas 40 years ago. It wasn't SAE, for what that matters. Bottom line is that this chant/song has been around longer than any of the kids involved, so obviously someone taught it to them.
I don't think that matters, though.
It's interesting that while kids have a normal tendency at that age to question authority and generally not do what they are told, and yet they went along with something that was wrong and distasteful forty years ago, because someone taught it to them. …"
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15. Spirit of Steve
"BS I heard that chant on a California state campus 36 years ago after a rival fraternity warned me, they said check it out, they are Hiltlers Youth is that what you want? I checked it out, did not like it and rushed another larger National that was very diverse. This stuff is passed down from older members through their legacies and SAE knows it. Not only do they cover on that but cover on exactly how blacks are in that fraternity. The spokesperson says they dont know like that is difficult info to gather. ... its not 1981, in 2015 and you could have info readily available for press but NO you gotta lie about that too."...
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Reply
16. kurt
"First of all, SAE is the largest national fraternity, so you did not join a "larger" fraternity. Second, I was an SAE in California 15 years ago. We had multiple black members of the fraternity, as well as asian members, latino members, gay members, etc. Not only have I never heard of this song, it would be really awkward singing it if we did with 4 or 5 black guys there. While they are all chapters in the same fraternity, most chapters have absolutely zero communication with each other. Most of the other local chapters we actually avoided each other because they didn't get along. after decades of existence, chapters develop individual identities, including rituals, etc. Also, is it really scandalous that SAE doesn't have racial statistics at the ready. They have 15,000 active members, and well over 100,000 living members. Never do they ask members' their race. It is not exactly easy to get info from 100,000 people, most of whom you have no current contact info for, or even who is still alive and who is dead."
****
17. Reply
Spirit of Steve
"I said "another large fraternity" not a larger Kurt ...and it was 34 years ago. I not only heard that chant but at that central coast calif school visited their house in rush and definitely saw their confederate flags proudly displayed on the walls ... dont call me a liar when you do not know the WHOLE ... okay?
Now for my rebut to your experience, some are racist not all, and this stuff is passed down through legacies and YOU KNOW IT"
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18. jerry
"Ahem... ATTENTENTION APOLOGISTS
If it was JUST the N-WORD, no one would care. It was the LYNCHING and WE WILL NEVER HAVE ONE that are the problems."
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19. jag
"The song was, directly, taught but the predilection to use it may not have been, They may have been taught by family and school that such behavior is wrong but society taught them differently. From a very young age, they recognized that they had privilege not afforded to members of other races. Further they learned that it is, very often okay, even beneficial to them to not only use that privilege but to disparage groups that don't share it. I think of that as indirect teaching and, you know, experience is often the best teacher."
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20. P
"This racist kid is lying, I've been a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon since 1997. We have a leadrship school conference every two years where brothers from chapters all over the country meet in Evanston Illinois. I was one of many blacks that attended leadership school in '98 and I met white, black hispanic and asian brothers from around the country. This song was not taught to them by anyone except for maybe other brothers from that chapter. We are a diverse brotherhood and have been for a long time now.
-snip-
Editor: The comment about lying refers to the comment that one of the people who was expelled from the University for leading this song made that it was taught [in the chapter of that fraternity].
****
Replies
21. TaylorH
"Multiple SAE chapters use that song"
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22. Kol
"UT is now coming out with reports that the SAE chapter there used this song. that would be quite a coincidence that they made up the exact same song."
-snip-
UT = University of Texas
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23. P
"I'm SAE for over 20 years and black and I've never heard this song"
****
Reply
24. Commenter
"P... the fact that you've never heard the song kinda underscores the fact that MOST people know that it is unacceptable. I suspect most whites under 40 probably never heard it, either. It's in poor taste, it's offensive, it defies Roget for enough words to explain why you and many never heard it.
But the fact is, it is a very old song, and they sang it.
And the remedy was swift and appropriate.
Now your grandkids will never hear it, either."
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25. rab02d
"SAE, you're not fooling anyone saying this is an isolated incident at just this chapter. This just happens to be the chapter that got caught and blasted on social media."
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26. CHRIS E
"SAE alum 1967 - 1971 Arkansas; never heard that song and there certainly was more racism at that time in history. Who knows the Origin of this song. Bottom line it is not right. Those beliefs need be stripped from our thinking."
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27. Johnny Laronson
"Right....so this frat was originally formed in 1856 in Alabama but this is the first time any racist statements have been made? Yea, I believe that."
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28. Nina
" "Taught to us" My son was less than 3 years old when he could sing, "if you're happy and you know it, clap your hands". How he learned it we don't know, he had yet to go to college.
did they have "racist 101"?"
-snip-
The tune that that racist fraternity song uses is the same tune as the children’s song “If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands".
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29. DooDahMan
"What happened on one campus may not reflect what happens in another chapter. Their national organizations responded swiftly in disbanding the offending chapter."
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30. E
"I wonder what chants the The Divine Nine uses to keep white kids out?"
-snip-
"Divine Nine" is an informal referent for nine historically Black fraternities and sororities. Read the comment given as #35 and the response given as #36.
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31. ThatGuyOverThere
"So if it had been a black fraternity on the video would it still be an issue? "
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Replies
32. Chris
"Yes, it would."
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33. Rick56
"IF is an important part of your statement.
IF 3 or 4 thousand whites had been lynched, then yes, it would be as big a deal
IF white had been denied the right to vote for decades, yes, it would be as big a deal
IF whites had been enslaved for hundreds of years, yes, it would be as big a deal
IF someone comes up with a comparable tape, yes, it would be as big a deal
IF you find one, get back to us..."
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34. Sara
"Typical defense mechanism - Displacement. Focus on the issue, not your what ifs."
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35. Patsy Lee Oswald
"one thing that none of the stories about this has mentioned is that, at the university of oklahoma, five of the fraternities (out of 18), and four of the sororities (out of 15), are black-only.
there are nineteen black-only fraternities in the u.s., and eleven black-only sororities, while there's not a single white-only fraternity or sorority in america.
(the fraternities: alpha phi alpha, iota phi theta, kappa alpha psi, omega psi phi, phi beta sigma
the sororities: alpha kappa alpha, delta sigma theta, sigma gamma rho, zeta phi beta)
****
Reply
36. Commenter
"As stated, you do not know what you are talking about. First of all, the "black only fraternities and sororities" were started in the early 1900's when blacks were not allowed to join white fraternities. Therefore, the majority of the members are black for that reason, but there are members of different races in the organizations. I would think SAE was white only but that is not the case, but a majority of their members are white.
Your simple half-hour search demostrates you do not know what you are talking about."
****
37. Commenter
"We don't talk about anybody in our songs"
-snip-
I think "We" here means "members of Black Greek Letter Organizations" (BGLO).
As a [long inactive] member of a BGLO-Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1967), and a person interested in BGLO cultures, including our chants, I agree with what I think the commenter is saying. I've never come across any BGLO chants that mention White people or any other race or ethnicity-including Black race or skin color.
I have come across commenters to BGLO step videos in which non-members of that organization stepping mention that one of the step team is White or Asian or another race/ethnicity that isn't Black. However, those comments appear to be often written with a mild sense of humor to point out something that is unusual - for instance, these comments in a video's discussion thread of a Greek Roll Call:
kZay7, 2012
"is that an asian delta I see lol"
**
Phill Damon, 2012
in reply to kZay7
"shes Cambodian or I think that's the Korean one"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni27szdWkWo
-snip-
Furthermore, my sense is that the sorority or fraternity chapters that have non-Black members are proud of that fact.
I don't think that the commenter was referring to the BGLO tradition of fraternity chants that diss [insult] other BGLO fraternities and sorority chants that diss other BGLO sororities.
For what it's worth, I've not come across any BGLO chants that refer in any way to non-historically Black Greek organizations.
Note: That said, one area where some historically Black Greek letter fraternities show insensitivity in their chants is by name calling other fraternities groups "sissy". Ironically, the historically Black Greek letter fraternities that call others "sissy" are also called that by other fraternities. However, I've never come across any of those chants which included any promotion or support of discriminating against gay males for membership in the organization doing the chanting. Nor have I ever come across any chants in which the organization promoted or supported violence against those fraternities which were described as being "gay" or against gay people as individuals or as a population.
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38. nglJeffrey
"The national organization is trying to duck this but that chant is well known throughout SAE, not just this one chapter."
****
Reply
39. Carol
"That's a lie. My son is a member of this fraternity at another university and he has black fraternity brothers. I'm sure they'd have a problem if this was a "well-known" chant throughout SAE."
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40. Jimmy Doogan
"The racism is probably a product of geography vs. fraternity. I was an SAE in Colorado, we had black members and our songs were about womanizing, not racism."
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41. J
"Ok. The national office didn't teach it. But they absolutely knew of it. And they have for years. Notice their statement didn't deny knowledge of the song, which is undoubtedly sung at EVERY chapter. And notice the national office didn't say they warned or educated chapters against such activity. This will come back on the national office. No doubt about it."
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42. Commenter
"It's not uncommon for fraternities to have drinking songs that have been around for 50+ years. These songs can be unique to that chapter and have nothing to do with national. While times have changed, there songs haven't."
****
Reply
43. Commenter
"so nobody ever has to take responsibility right? cause it 's just a drinking song, right? and times have changed, right? were you even in this country this summer?"
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44. Doom
"So you were "taught" a racist song. Does that mean you have to continue singing it and pass it along? Why not be a trailblazer and bring that group of spolied racists brats out of the dark and into the light? What a weak excuse. Of course the old, "it's not really my fault" #$%$ is everyone's defense anymore."
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45. Sarah Goodwoman
"Not allowing membership because of the ethnicity of a person is racist. When someone says a negative generalization of an ethnic group it is racist. These things are racist for they are acting like another ethnic group is inferior to their own ethnic group."
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46. bryan
"I am an SAE from Oregon State University. I was never exposed to any form of racism during my time there. We did every other thing known to man but never even talked about race. We considered the fraternity an honorable place with a great history. We are taught what it means to be a TRUE GENTLEMAN which does not include racism."
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47. Dubious Dawg
"LOL - You should hear what Alpha Tau Omega and especially Sigma Nu and Phi Kappa Tau chant (sing) about Delta Gamma and The African American Student Union. LOL What SAE was chanting was both tame and lame."
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48. C
"I am not an SAE, and my frat had some songs that today would get us in trouble, but I have heard that chant before from other SAE chapters. Not sure where it started, but it did not start at SAE OU."
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Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label Black Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Black Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Saturday, April 5, 2014
"Darling Omega" Song & Two Other Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Songs From The 1970s
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases two 2009 videos of three Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. songs from the 1970s as sung by new members of that historically Black Greek lettered fraternity. My transcription of the lyrics to those songs are also included in this post. Information and speculation about some of the sources and possible sources for two of these songs are found in the comment section of this post.
The content of this post is provided for folkloric, historical, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the members of this fraternity who composed these songs. Thanks also to those who are featured on these videos and thanks to KingJames432 for publishing these videos on YouTube.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
I believe that fraternity and sorority chants and songs are folkloric products. As such they are worthy of being documented and studied. However, I recognize and respect the position that only persons associated with those specific organizations have the right to perform the songs and chants that are associated with their organization and I strongly believe that people who aren't associated with those organizations should be mindful of this restriction.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1: Darling Omega - Omega Psi Phi Songs - Terrible x3 Tau Lambda Lambda Chapter
KingJames432, Uploaded on Nov 17, 2009
www.SouthernMDQues.org
Songs taught by 1-'78'Bloody Mu Psi... Darling Omega. The '70s Bruhs would always woo the women with their vocal abilities... passing down the tradition. Again, sorry for the hoarse voices...
-snip-
LYRIC TRANSCRIPTION
DARLING OMEGA
(Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. song from the 1970s)
[Chorus hummed]
Chorus sung in unison:
Oh, Omega
Darling Omega
I will always love you so.
Oh, Omega
One person – My darling, my darling
Group - My darling Omega
I will never let you go
Verse:
Oh, I look in the sky
the colors fill my soul
Oh it was Omega’s purple and gold
Chorus
Verse:
Oh, some frats think they are better than Q
But deep down in their heart
They know that that isn’t true
Chorus
-snip-
[The sound of Ques doing their signature bark is heard at the end of this song.]
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the video. Additions and corrections are welcome.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2: Omega Psi Phi Songs - Terrible x3 Tau Lambda Lambda Chapter
KingJames432, Uploaded on Nov 17, 2009
Neos setting owt some songs on their initiation... and NO.. they will never wear that much 'nalia at the same time again lol. Their voices were a bit hoarse.
-snip-
LYRIC TRANSCRIPTION
Song #1:
LYRICS: WHEN WE CROSS THE BURNING SAND*
(Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. song from the 1970s]
Lead- When we cross the burning sand
Group- When we cross the burning sand
Lead- Into Omega land
Group- Into Omega land
Lead- Oh what a joy it will be
Group - What a joy it will be
Lead – To be in this fraternity
Group- To be in this fraternity
Lead – Well, purple or gold, well, purple or gold
Group -Well, purple or gold, well, purple or gold
Lead - Will be the only colors we know
Group- Will be the only colors we know
Lead and group- And we gonna be workin, workin
all our lives
We gonna be workin for Omega Psi Phi.
[Repeat the entire song.]
-snip-
*I'm not sure if this is the actual title of this song.
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the video. The word "well" is given in italics because I'm not sure if that transcription is correct. Additions and corrections are welcome.
Note that this video begins with the group singing "Omega Psi Phi." I think those words are the end of another song as other lines of this song begin with the lead singing.
****
Song #2 [begins at 1:46]
LYRICS: WE LOVE OMEGA*
Lead – Well, we love
Group- We love Omega
Lead – Oh we love
Group- We love Omega
Lead- Ooh we love
Group- We love Omega
Lead and Group - Because it’s deep down in our heart
We said it’s deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper
down, down down ,down
Deep down in our hearts
We said it’s deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper
Down, down down down
Deep down in our hearts
Lead – Omega’s so high
Group- So high you can’t get over it
Lead- Omega’s so low
Group- so low you can’t get under it
Lead &Group- Omega’s so
Lead and Group – wide
Lead & Group -You must go through that door
[This video shows the entire song being repeated two times. This moderately uptempo song is accompanied by the singers' clapping their hands and later in the song raising their hands for the words "Omega's so high" and dancing/stepping down to the words "deeper" and "down".
*I'm not sure if this is the actual title of this song.
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the video. Additions and corrections are welcome.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This pancocojams post showcases two 2009 videos of three Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. songs from the 1970s as sung by new members of that historically Black Greek lettered fraternity. My transcription of the lyrics to those songs are also included in this post. Information and speculation about some of the sources and possible sources for two of these songs are found in the comment section of this post.
The content of this post is provided for folkloric, historical, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the members of this fraternity who composed these songs. Thanks also to those who are featured on these videos and thanks to KingJames432 for publishing these videos on YouTube.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
I believe that fraternity and sorority chants and songs are folkloric products. As such they are worthy of being documented and studied. However, I recognize and respect the position that only persons associated with those specific organizations have the right to perform the songs and chants that are associated with their organization and I strongly believe that people who aren't associated with those organizations should be mindful of this restriction.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1: Darling Omega - Omega Psi Phi Songs - Terrible x3 Tau Lambda Lambda Chapter
KingJames432, Uploaded on Nov 17, 2009
www.SouthernMDQues.org
Songs taught by 1-'78'Bloody Mu Psi... Darling Omega. The '70s Bruhs would always woo the women with their vocal abilities... passing down the tradition. Again, sorry for the hoarse voices...
-snip-
LYRIC TRANSCRIPTION
DARLING OMEGA
(Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. song from the 1970s)
[Chorus hummed]
Chorus sung in unison:
Oh, Omega
Darling Omega
I will always love you so.
Oh, Omega
One person – My darling, my darling
Group - My darling Omega
I will never let you go
Verse:
Oh, I look in the sky
the colors fill my soul
Oh it was Omega’s purple and gold
Chorus
Verse:
Oh, some frats think they are better than Q
But deep down in their heart
They know that that isn’t true
Chorus
-snip-
[The sound of Ques doing their signature bark is heard at the end of this song.]
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the video. Additions and corrections are welcome.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2: Omega Psi Phi Songs - Terrible x3 Tau Lambda Lambda Chapter
KingJames432, Uploaded on Nov 17, 2009
Neos setting owt some songs on their initiation... and NO.. they will never wear that much 'nalia at the same time again lol. Their voices were a bit hoarse.
-snip-
LYRIC TRANSCRIPTION
Song #1:
LYRICS: WHEN WE CROSS THE BURNING SAND*
(Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. song from the 1970s]
Lead- When we cross the burning sand
Group- When we cross the burning sand
Lead- Into Omega land
Group- Into Omega land
Lead- Oh what a joy it will be
Group - What a joy it will be
Lead – To be in this fraternity
Group- To be in this fraternity
Lead – Well, purple or gold, well, purple or gold
Group -Well, purple or gold, well, purple or gold
Lead - Will be the only colors we know
Group- Will be the only colors we know
Lead and group- And we gonna be workin, workin
all our lives
We gonna be workin for Omega Psi Phi.
[Repeat the entire song.]
-snip-
*I'm not sure if this is the actual title of this song.
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the video. The word "well" is given in italics because I'm not sure if that transcription is correct. Additions and corrections are welcome.
Note that this video begins with the group singing "Omega Psi Phi." I think those words are the end of another song as other lines of this song begin with the lead singing.
****
Song #2 [begins at 1:46]
LYRICS: WE LOVE OMEGA*
Lead – Well, we love
Group- We love Omega
Lead – Oh we love
Group- We love Omega
Lead- Ooh we love
Group- We love Omega
Lead and Group - Because it’s deep down in our heart
We said it’s deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper
down, down down ,down
Deep down in our hearts
We said it’s deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper
Down, down down down
Deep down in our hearts
Lead – Omega’s so high
Group- So high you can’t get over it
Lead- Omega’s so low
Group- so low you can’t get under it
Lead &Group- Omega’s so
Lead and Group – wide
Lead & Group -You must go through that door
[This video shows the entire song being repeated two times. This moderately uptempo song is accompanied by the singers' clapping their hands and later in the song raising their hands for the words "Omega's so high" and dancing/stepping down to the words "deeper" and "down".
*I'm not sure if this is the actual title of this song.
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the video. Additions and corrections are welcome.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Military Influences On Fraternity & Sorority Steppin
Edited by Azizi Powell
[Revised August 7, 2016]
This is Part I of a two part series on the influence of the United States military on historically Black Greek lettered fraternity & sorority steppin. Video clips are added throughout this post to illustrate the points that are made in the excerpts.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/11/devil-dogs-q-dogs-are-there-connections.html for Part II of this series. In that post I speculate about the possible relationship between the military referent "devil dogs" and the "Que dog" referent for persons associated with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
****
UPDATE August 12, 2016
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-military-influences-on-historically.html for an expanded excerpt from the 2005 book African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision by Tamara L Brown, Gregory Parks, Clarenda M. Phillips, et. al. as well as an except from a Phi Beta Sigma fraternity website.
****
DISCLAIMER
By no means is this meant to be a comprehensive presentation of information on the subject of the influence of the United States military on fraternity & sorority steppin. For instance, this post only features videos of two historically Black Greek lettered organizations: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Furthermore, the huge influence of military cadences on fraternity step chants and vice versa isn't discussed in these posts.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
****
INFORMATIONAL EXCERPTS
(These excerpts are presented in no particular order and are numbered for reference purposes.)
Excerpt #1
From African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision edited by Tamara Brown
Google Books, p 327-329
"The military has played a large part in the formation and continuation of BGLO chants and steps. One might even say that the performance behaviors of both the military and BGLOs exist in a type of symbiotic relationship.... As a result of blacks entering the military before, during, and after attending college, one find BGLO behavior in the military, and military behavior in BGLO system.
The brothers of Omega Psi Phi with their paramilitary garb, trace stepping back to the military influence of the 1900s. Ex-soldiers attending college would incorporate marches and drills into their BGLO performance…Shannon Rawls of Kappa Alpha Psi elaborated: “Members of black organizations, brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi...who went to the military for World War II in the late ’30s and early ‘40s would come back home and incorporate some of the same cadence and military style back into....the stepping style, or into the dancing style that they did.”
Stepping during that early period was called lining, descriptive of the formation in which soldiers march. Some Omegas and other BGLO members still refer to stepping as marching on account of this early military influence.
This military behavior is further observed in the clothing, stance, and marching of BGLO members. Part of the basic working military wardrobe consists of camouflage pants, or fatigues, and combat boots. These garments, though found in all fraternities, are especially prevalent in brothers of Omega Psi Phi..."
-snip-
"BGLO" = Black Greek letter[ed] Organizations
****
Excerpt #2
From Soulstepping: African American Step Shows by Elizabeth C. Fine (University of Illinois Press (2007, pp 56-57)
"Perhaps the most striking nonverbal facial expression that reveals the lowly, liminal status of pledges is what students throughout the country refer to as “the grit”.
Appearing to grit their teeth, pledges performing in their first steep show, called a “probate” or “neophyte” show, frequently affect a stoic demeanor as they stand in line with fellow pledges, their lower lips often thrust out...When questioned, examined, and sometimes taunted or criticized by members of the society they want to join, they strive to keep their cool and show respect by staring straight ahead without moving or showing any emotion. The stance closely resembles that required by the military when new recruits stand stiffly at attention under review by their superiors. It is possible that returning Black G.I.’ brought the grit to campuses when they joined fraternities after World War I and the Korean War. The compulsory ROTC participation requited by Howard and other land grant universities may also have contributed a military influence to stepping....
In addition to ROTC and the influence of returned service men and women, military influences were perhaps from a tradition of the mock military reviews that were held among slaves. During “Training Day” performances, slaves “lampooned white military practices”. “Burlesque" military-style parades flourished in the 1830s from New England to Georgia and later became a standard feature of minstrel shows and other forms of entertainment. Many African American benevolent and secret mutual aid societies enjoyed elaborate public parades and encouraged youth to participate in drill teams….Because of their emphasis on piety and respectability, the black schools established by northern missionaries after the Civil War refused to allow students to dance. Some, however, “permit[ed] them to ‘march’ on social occasions, E. Franklin Frazier notes.”
****
Excerpt #4
From http://students.washington.edu/pbskl/step.htm
The history of Stepping according to the Temple of Blue [Phi Beta Sigma] SOURCES:
Brother Terrence A.B. Lewis
Brother Ahab El'Askeni
..."Other elements of stepping formed after the return of brothers from World War II. Various elements of military marching and line formations were implemented into fraternities with the end of the war and the advent of peace time. This, along with the founders influence, are some of the origins for the use of the cane by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in many regions. To this day the military influence as well as Masonic influences can still be seen in the step process as well as the pledge process of most Black Greek Lettered Organizations. It is through these and many other factors that stepping began to become an intimate part of Black Greek Lettered Organizations...
For Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, in many regions, canes were used due, in part, to the influence of the founders, but for the most part by the military drill sergants who were members. In the late 40's and early 50's, for the purpose of identification, many black drill sergants carried canes. These canes allowed other black soldiers to identify with their rank, which was neccessary on many bases where racism was prevalent. Of course there were some drill sergants that were members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. as well as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and it is possible that these were some of the influences for using canes as a part of the step process."
****
Comment (added on August 5, 2016)
Here's a comment from the discussion thread of the video given below as Video #3:
George m, 2013
"These POGES need to stop barking, they STOLE that Bulldog bark from us the Marine Corps, they are NOT a TRUE brotherhood WE ARE! throw a grenade in the middle of that crowd and see if a q dog belly flops on top of it, I THINK NOT! The Marine Corps have been doing that WAR BARK a lot longer than you have, THATS WHY WE ARE DEVIL DOGS!!!! You guys are Pathetic, do something constructive instead of Hazing and popping each other in the Ass which is what you guys do seeing as you are a Greek club."
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: Omega Psi Phi 2013 Atlanta Greek Picnic Hop team @atlgreekpicnic
Atlanta Greek Picnic Published on Jun 10, 2013
2013 Atlanta Greek Picnic Omega Psi Phi Hop team/ Stroll Off ||
Follow us http://twitter.com/atlgreekpicnic
-snip-
The video that was initially showcased is no longer available.
Notice these men's military fatigue pants.
****
Video #2: NCCU Homecoming 2012 Step Show- Phi Beta Sigma
NCCULife, Published on Nov 9, 2012
This video is uncut, raw footage filmed by NCCU students. Congratulations to the men of Phi Beta Sigma on their 1st place win for the second year in a row!
****
Video #3: Omega Psi Phi Que Dogs
.
mrchangeurlife, Uploaded on Jul 18, 2008
Gamma Sig Ques Settin' It Out 75th Conclave 2008
-snip-
Note the Step master standing on the side of the step team, similarly to how the Drill Sergeant stands to the side of his unit.
****
Video #4
Phi Beta Sigma WINS 2013 Atlanta Greek Picnic $10,000 step show @Atlgreekpicnic
Atlanta Greek Picnic·Published on Jun 10, 2013
Phi Beta Sigma WINS 2013 Atlanta Greek Picnic $10,000 step show
****
OTHER RELATED LINKS
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/cane-kane-performances-in-black.html This is Part I of a three part series about cane (kane) twirling by historically Black fraternities & sororities. Part I provides some historical information about that subject.
**
http://zumalayah.blogspot.com/2013/05/prince-hall-shriners-riding-doing-camel.html This post shows the similarities between steppin and the camel walk performed by Prince Hall Shriners
**
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-chain-gang-cadence-soul-patrol.html This post shows a movie version of Black military cadence marching.
**
Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/08/branding-mean-mugging-grittin-in-omega.html for a pancocojams post on branding and "mean mugging".
****
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post, to those who are featured in these videos and to the publishers of these videos. Thanks also to all members past and present of historically Black Greek lettered organizations.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
[Revised August 7, 2016]
This is Part I of a two part series on the influence of the United States military on historically Black Greek lettered fraternity & sorority steppin. Video clips are added throughout this post to illustrate the points that are made in the excerpts.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/11/devil-dogs-q-dogs-are-there-connections.html for Part II of this series. In that post I speculate about the possible relationship between the military referent "devil dogs" and the "Que dog" referent for persons associated with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
****
UPDATE August 12, 2016
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-military-influences-on-historically.html for an expanded excerpt from the 2005 book African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision by Tamara L Brown, Gregory Parks, Clarenda M. Phillips, et. al. as well as an except from a Phi Beta Sigma fraternity website.
****
DISCLAIMER
By no means is this meant to be a comprehensive presentation of information on the subject of the influence of the United States military on fraternity & sorority steppin. For instance, this post only features videos of two historically Black Greek lettered organizations: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Furthermore, the huge influence of military cadences on fraternity step chants and vice versa isn't discussed in these posts.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
****
INFORMATIONAL EXCERPTS
(These excerpts are presented in no particular order and are numbered for reference purposes.)
Excerpt #1
From African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision edited by Tamara Brown
Google Books, p 327-329
"The military has played a large part in the formation and continuation of BGLO chants and steps. One might even say that the performance behaviors of both the military and BGLOs exist in a type of symbiotic relationship.... As a result of blacks entering the military before, during, and after attending college, one find BGLO behavior in the military, and military behavior in BGLO system.
The brothers of Omega Psi Phi with their paramilitary garb, trace stepping back to the military influence of the 1900s. Ex-soldiers attending college would incorporate marches and drills into their BGLO performance…Shannon Rawls of Kappa Alpha Psi elaborated: “Members of black organizations, brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi...who went to the military for World War II in the late ’30s and early ‘40s would come back home and incorporate some of the same cadence and military style back into....the stepping style, or into the dancing style that they did.”
Stepping during that early period was called lining, descriptive of the formation in which soldiers march. Some Omegas and other BGLO members still refer to stepping as marching on account of this early military influence.
This military behavior is further observed in the clothing, stance, and marching of BGLO members. Part of the basic working military wardrobe consists of camouflage pants, or fatigues, and combat boots. These garments, though found in all fraternities, are especially prevalent in brothers of Omega Psi Phi..."
-snip-
"BGLO" = Black Greek letter[ed] Organizations
****
Excerpt #2
From Soulstepping: African American Step Shows by Elizabeth C. Fine (University of Illinois Press (2007, pp 56-57)
"Perhaps the most striking nonverbal facial expression that reveals the lowly, liminal status of pledges is what students throughout the country refer to as “the grit”.
Appearing to grit their teeth, pledges performing in their first steep show, called a “probate” or “neophyte” show, frequently affect a stoic demeanor as they stand in line with fellow pledges, their lower lips often thrust out...When questioned, examined, and sometimes taunted or criticized by members of the society they want to join, they strive to keep their cool and show respect by staring straight ahead without moving or showing any emotion. The stance closely resembles that required by the military when new recruits stand stiffly at attention under review by their superiors. It is possible that returning Black G.I.’ brought the grit to campuses when they joined fraternities after World War I and the Korean War. The compulsory ROTC participation requited by Howard and other land grant universities may also have contributed a military influence to stepping....
In addition to ROTC and the influence of returned service men and women, military influences were perhaps from a tradition of the mock military reviews that were held among slaves. During “Training Day” performances, slaves “lampooned white military practices”. “Burlesque" military-style parades flourished in the 1830s from New England to Georgia and later became a standard feature of minstrel shows and other forms of entertainment. Many African American benevolent and secret mutual aid societies enjoyed elaborate public parades and encouraged youth to participate in drill teams….Because of their emphasis on piety and respectability, the black schools established by northern missionaries after the Civil War refused to allow students to dance. Some, however, “permit[ed] them to ‘march’ on social occasions, E. Franklin Frazier notes.”
****
Excerpt #4
From http://students.washington.edu/pbskl/step.htm
The history of Stepping according to the Temple of Blue [Phi Beta Sigma] SOURCES:
Brother Terrence A.B. Lewis
Brother Ahab El'Askeni
..."Other elements of stepping formed after the return of brothers from World War II. Various elements of military marching and line formations were implemented into fraternities with the end of the war and the advent of peace time. This, along with the founders influence, are some of the origins for the use of the cane by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in many regions. To this day the military influence as well as Masonic influences can still be seen in the step process as well as the pledge process of most Black Greek Lettered Organizations. It is through these and many other factors that stepping began to become an intimate part of Black Greek Lettered Organizations...
For Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, in many regions, canes were used due, in part, to the influence of the founders, but for the most part by the military drill sergants who were members. In the late 40's and early 50's, for the purpose of identification, many black drill sergants carried canes. These canes allowed other black soldiers to identify with their rank, which was neccessary on many bases where racism was prevalent. Of course there were some drill sergants that were members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. as well as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and it is possible that these were some of the influences for using canes as a part of the step process."
****
Comment (added on August 5, 2016)
Here's a comment from the discussion thread of the video given below as Video #3:
George m, 2013
"These POGES need to stop barking, they STOLE that Bulldog bark from us the Marine Corps, they are NOT a TRUE brotherhood WE ARE! throw a grenade in the middle of that crowd and see if a q dog belly flops on top of it, I THINK NOT! The Marine Corps have been doing that WAR BARK a lot longer than you have, THATS WHY WE ARE DEVIL DOGS!!!! You guys are Pathetic, do something constructive instead of Hazing and popping each other in the Ass which is what you guys do seeing as you are a Greek club."
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: Omega Psi Phi 2013 Atlanta Greek Picnic Hop team @atlgreekpicnic
Atlanta Greek Picnic Published on Jun 10, 2013
2013 Atlanta Greek Picnic Omega Psi Phi Hop team/ Stroll Off ||
Follow us http://twitter.com/atlgreekpicnic
-snip-
The video that was initially showcased is no longer available.
Notice these men's military fatigue pants.
****
Video #2: NCCU Homecoming 2012 Step Show- Phi Beta Sigma
NCCULife, Published on Nov 9, 2012
This video is uncut, raw footage filmed by NCCU students. Congratulations to the men of Phi Beta Sigma on their 1st place win for the second year in a row!
****
Video #3: Omega Psi Phi Que Dogs
.
mrchangeurlife, Uploaded on Jul 18, 2008
Gamma Sig Ques Settin' It Out 75th Conclave 2008
-snip-
Note the Step master standing on the side of the step team, similarly to how the Drill Sergeant stands to the side of his unit.
****
Video #4
Phi Beta Sigma WINS 2013 Atlanta Greek Picnic $10,000 step show @Atlgreekpicnic
Atlanta Greek Picnic·Published on Jun 10, 2013
Phi Beta Sigma WINS 2013 Atlanta Greek Picnic $10,000 step show
****
OTHER RELATED LINKS
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/cane-kane-performances-in-black.html This is Part I of a three part series about cane (kane) twirling by historically Black fraternities & sororities. Part I provides some historical information about that subject.
**
http://zumalayah.blogspot.com/2013/05/prince-hall-shriners-riding-doing-camel.html This post shows the similarities between steppin and the camel walk performed by Prince Hall Shriners
**
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-chain-gang-cadence-soul-patrol.html This post shows a movie version of Black military cadence marching.
**
Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/08/branding-mean-mugging-grittin-in-omega.html for a pancocojams post on branding and "mean mugging".
****
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post, to those who are featured in these videos and to the publishers of these videos. Thanks also to all members past and present of historically Black Greek lettered organizations.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Black Fraternity & Sorority Calls (Information & Comments)
Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest Revision: August 1, 2024
This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series on historically Black Greek letter organizations (BGLO) calls.
This post provides information and comments about BGLO signature calls and a list of the signature calls for the nine historically Black Greek letter organizations that are informally referred to as "The Divine Nine".
This post also provides excerpts of two Greekchat.com discussions about historically Black Greek letter fraternities and sorority calls and hand signs.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/09/seven-videos-of-black-greek-fraternity.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases seven YouTube videos of Black Greek Roll Calls.
The content of this post is provided for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITORIAL COMMENT
[Latest revision: May 30, 2024]
I recognize that providing information about Black Greek lettered fraternity/sorority calls is very much frowned upon by most members of those organizations. While I agree with the position that the history & meaning of these calls doesn't need to be shared with persons who aren't affiliated with those specific organizations, I believe that the horse has already left the barn regarding sharing written and audio examples of the specific calls with the general public. I say this because those calls are routinely performed in public at Greek step shows, Greek strolls, and other Greek events, and those calls and chants are also showcased on YouTube videos and on other online websites.
As a community folklorist who is primarily interested in African American folk cultures, I believe it's my responsibility to document & disseminate as much cultural information as possible about BGLO fraternities and sororities, without violating the privacy of those organizations. For that reason I'm including lengthy excerpts about the subject of fraternity and sorority calls (and hand signs) from two Greekchat.com discussion threads. And, also for that reason, I'm providing definitions of and a list of "Divine Nine" calls ("Divine Nine" are nine historically Black fraternities and sororities that are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pan-Hellenic_Council for information about the National Pan-Hellenic council and a list of that Council's member organizations that are informally referred to as the "Divine Nine".
Note: When this post was first published I declined to list these calls. However, on June 30, 2017 as part of my research on a prospective pancocojams post (on Stomp & Shake cheerleader yelps and historically Black Greek letter sororities calls)*, I re-read this article and was dissatisfied with it.
Here's the link to that pancocojams post: https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/07/are-black-fraternity-sorority-calls.html Are Black Fraternity & Sorority Calls And Stomp & Shake Cheerleading Yelps Remnants Of Plantation Field Hollers And/Or African Ululation?
It seems to me that people (including me) aren't as intent on finding out why Greek letter organizations made up or chose their particular call as we are in finding out why Black Greek letter organizations have that custom, what the purpose or purposes of the calls is/are, and how each organizations call is written and sounds.
For those reasons, I've added more definitions of fraternity & sorority calls to the section below and have updated the videos of calls that are found in Part I of this series.
And I've added what my response would be if someone asks me* what historically Black Greek letter organization calls are and why BGLO have calls.
WHY HISTORICALLY BLACK GREEK LETTER ORGANIZATIONS HAVE SIGNATURE CALLS AND ALSO USE COMBINATION CALLS [revised May 30, 2024)
*I'm a long time inactive member of a BGLO (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), but I feel that -inactive or not- I can still respond to these questions:
If someone were to ask me what are BGLO fraternity and sorority calls, I would respond that
historically Black Greek lettered organization calls are signature sounds that members of a particular organization make to demonstrate and celebrate their membership in that organization and all that it means to them. That signature calls can be used to get the attention of other member or members of their organization who are some distance away. Calls can also be used to greet another member or member of that organization, and calls can also be used to "represent" (promote, "big up") their organization during public events.
"Combination calls" are vocalized or are written online and elsewhere by a member of one historically Greek letter fraternity or sorority to a member of another historically Greek letter organization. Those "combination calls" are made by using the beginning part of the call that represents the person's organization with part of the signature call of the organization that the person she or he is addressing belongs to. (For example, "Skee Phi" - a call made by a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.(whose call is "Skee Wee") to a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (whose call, in part, is "A- Phi") .
Out of respect, members of that particular organization are the only ones who should vocalize or otherwise use that organization's call.
If someone were to ask me why historically Black Greek Letter Organization have calls, I would respond that "Calls are part of Black history and culture" - extending back to field hollers (arwhoolie) and perhaps even extending back to African musical traditions.
****
GENERAL DEFINITIONS:
Fraternity & Sorority "Calls" [Latest revision July 1, 2017]
Historically Black [university based] Greek letter fraternity & sorority calls are signature vocalizations that members of a specific organization make to alert a member or members of that organization in the distance to his or her presence, and/or to greet another member or members of that specific organization. Historically Black fraternity & sorority cheers also are voiced to foster organizational unity and to "represent" (promote, "big up") their organization during their own chanting and/or celebratory gatherings and during public events.
A fraternity and sorority might have more than one signature call. These calls are usually informal (i.e. not recognized as an official part of that organization by that organization's governing body.) Non-members of a specific organization are strictly prohibited from verbally or in writing using that organization's call in public or in private.
Fraternity & Sorority "Roll calls"
When used by historically Black [university based] Fraternity & sororities (BGLOs) - and particularly by those BGLOs that are known as "The Divine Nine"*, "roll calls" refer to the consecutive vocalization of their signature call/s by multiple BGLOs during a public event. A host or moderator of that event formally announces each organization, usually in the order of their founding, beginning with the earliest founded fraternity and then, after the fraternities are recognized, beginning with the earliest founded sorority. Representatives of "sister" or "brother" organizations may respond to a call with their own call.
Also, as an expression of admiration and/or unity, a member of a Divine Nine organization might combine their own signature call with part of the signature call of another member "Divine Nine" organization (either fraternity or sorority).* That said, I've read that some BGLO members disagree with that practice.
****
DEFINITIONS FOR AND PURPOSES OF FRATERNITY/SORORITY TERM "CALLS" (from various universities' Greek organization glossaries)
These definitions are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
1. http://gogreek.okstate.edu/glossary
Oklahoma State University Go Greek Glossary
"Calls
A unique vocal expression attributed to an organization. Calls are special to members and shouldn't be replicated by non-members."
2. From https://www.unlv.edu/getinvolved/greek-definitions Fraternity and Sorority Definitions (Greek Dictionary)
"Call/Chant
Audible sounds used by members to acknowledge or gain the attention of other members. Calls may vary regionally within organizations, and some organizations may use more than one call."
3. From http://uca.edu/nphc/terminology/
"Calls – a unique vocal expression attributed to an organization. Please Do: Enjoy listening to the unique calls of the groups. Please Don’t: Repeat an organization’s particular call or response. It is considered a sign of disrespect."
4. From https://www.sa.sc.edu/fsl/greek-glossary/
"Call – A yell used mostly by NPHC organizations (although some NIC, NPC and local orgs have calls as well). Used to identify and greet brothers and sisters. For example, Alpha Kappa Alpha's call is SKEE-WEE. Non-members are not permitted to use the call.
NIC– Stands for North American Interfraternity Conference, and is the national coordinating body of all the men's fraternities. It does not enforce policies on the local IFC’s, and is totally different from the purpose of NPC and NPHC.
NPC– The National Panhellenic Conference is the organization that governs the 26 national women's sororities.
NPHC– The National Pan-Hellenic Council, the governing body of the 9 traditionally African American fraternities and sororities, also known as the Divine Nine. Also the local governing council for the NPHC organizations."
-snip-
NPC is primarily a PWI organization ["PWI" is a term that I've often found used since the 2000s which means "Predominately White Institution"]. That term can be said to be the opposite of historically BGLO which means historically Black Greek Letter Organizations". "PWI" refers to historically and present day fraternities and sororities whose had/have mostly White members. In the past and currently, almost all the members of historically Black Greek letter organizations were/are Black. However, there have been and still are a small number of non-Black members of those organizations.
Three of the four historically Black fraternities are members of NIC. Those historically Black fraternities are:
Kappa Alpha Psi
Alpha Phi Alpha
Iota Phi Theta
not Omega Psi Phi"
Source: http://nicindy.org/about/members/ [retrieved June 30, 2017]
-snip-
UPDATE December 23, 2019: Anonymous wrote a comment in the discussion thread below pointing out that this excerpt didn't include Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in its lists of historically Black Greek letter fraternities. That excerpt may have only listed fraternities that have active chapters at that particular university. However, Anonymous is certainly correct that there are five historically Black Greek letter fraternities. Thanks, Anonymous for pointing that out.
****
LIST OF NINE HISTORICALLY BLACK GREEK LETTER ORGANIZATION ("THE DIVINE NINE") CALLS
These organizations are given in categories (Fraternities/Sororities) and in chronological order with the earliest founded organizations in that category listed first.
Letters [or numbers] in these calls are often repeated to show to stretch out the call which shows enthusiasm.
Additions and corrections are welcome.
Fraternities:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1906)
call: "19" [response] "O6"
Response to that response [from a member or members of Alpha Phi Alpha] - "You know"
****
Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc. (1911)
"Yo Yo"
****
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
"Roo" or "Roo Roo" [also written "RΩΩ"]
****
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914)
call: "Blue Phi"; response: "You know"
****
Iota Phi Theta, Fraternity, Inc. (1963)
"Ow Ow"
****
Sororities
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908)
"Skee Wee"
****
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
"Oo-Oop"
****
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,Inc. (1920)
"Z-Phi"
****
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922)
"Eee-Yip"
-snip-
Note that these calls are usually elongated, for example, the Delta's call is often pronounced and written "Oooo- ooooop!"
****
EXAMPLES OF EIGHT CALLS OF THE PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL [DIVINE NINE] ORGANIZATIONS
Greek Speak Roll Call
UABStudentLife, Published on Sep 19, 2008 [the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Alabama)]
Check out the eight organizations of UAB's NPHC.
-snip-
This video doesn't include representatives of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Because that organization wasn't formed until the 1960s, there are fewer chapters of that fraternity nationwide than any other BGLO.
Additional examples of these calls are given in the videos that are showcased in Part II of this series:.http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/09/seven-videos-of-black-greek-fraternity.html
****
INFORMATION ABOUT NATIONAL PAN HELLENIC COUNCIL [NPHC]
From http://www.nphchq.org/mission.htm
"The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) is currently composed of nine (9) International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions."
-snip-
The nine organizations listed above are informally referred to as "The Divine Nine".
Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_African-American_Greek_and_fraternal_organizations for a list of some other historically Black fraternities or historically Black sororities.
****
A STATEMENT ABOUT CALLS & HAND SIGNS BY NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL
From http://www.afa1976.org/Portals/0/Membership_Intake_Guide_NPHC.pdf NPHC National Membership Intake Guide
Hand Signs & Calls
"Hand signs and calls have evolved into another historical facet of Black fraternal organization life. According to Kimbrough (2003), the concept of calls is embedded in both African and African-American tradition. These sounds were a form of yodeling known as whooping in the Congo and Angola tribes. Additionally, these audible sounds, also known as cries and arhoolies, could he heard being sung by slaves. It is not clear when calls were first used, however, it seems possible that calls used by NPHC organizations became prevalent during the mid-1970’s.*
Much like calls, the exact origin of hand signs cannot be pinpointed. According to Kimbrough (2003), pictures from college campuses of Black fraternities and sororities indicate that hand signs became a part of the Black fraternal experience during the 1970’s. Although it is not clear how calls and hand signs evolved, these traditions are long standing.
These universal symbols can be seen as exclusive outward expressions of pride and of strong organizational identification."
-snip-
*As a matter of information, I crossed over as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1967. (Gamma Zeta chapter, New Jersey, 1967). I definitely remember hearing and performing that organization's signature call "Skee Weee". I also definitely remember seeing and doing the organization's secret handshake.
****
ADDENDUM: SELECTED COMMENTS FROM TWO GREEK CHAT DISCUSSION THREADS ABOUT BGLO CALLS
From http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=280
"How were calls started?
Finer Woman10-A-91
Location: New York, NY
“The answer to your query is privileged information with respect to all of NPHC. And chances are no one will tell you on this board. You have guts for asking. But tell me this...would you have actually asked a member of the organization you are interested in this question in person?”
Quote:
Originally posted by InterestedGDI:
"I certainly don't want to pry into anyones secrets but I am interested in knowing how and who was the first sorority/fraternity to start doing calls, if anyone knows any back up history on calls and why they are done it would be greatly appreciated"...
**
06-27-2000, 01:15 PM
AKAtude
Location: SC
Well, if anyone has been hearing the calls for years on your campus (or anywhere for that matter), then common sense would tell you that yes, it is done between one frat/sorority member to another. I knew that without anyone telling me. If you observe then you will learn.
**
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=280&page=2
06-28-2000, 12:10 AM
alsoCurious
"Quote:
Originally posted by ZetaAce:
Wow, I think I can hear the Sarcasm.
I think AKAtude's point is, if you already asked someone and you got the exact same answer, what in the world makes you think that you're going to get more information on the internet. A lot of times people who are interested ask questions on the net that they KNOW they would not ask a member face to face."
ZetaAce
"I think there is a misunderstanding. I never asked someone this question, since I don't know anyone in those organizations and there aren't any on my campus. However, if the Internet did not exist as a forum through which to pose this question, and I met someone who was making a call, then I would ask the person the same question, because I would be curious s to what the heck they were doing. After all, how am I to know that the question is a faux-pas? Then if they said, "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that", then I would respect their response & leave it at that.
It is kind of like when the media ask a lawyer something that is privileged ...the lawyer would just say, "I'm sorry. That is privileged information"."
****
From http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?postid=4165 "HAVE YALL EVER NOTICED HOW BGLOS.........."
07-19-2000, 09:00 AM
ManndingoNUPE
Location: Washington, DC
..."If you have wonder to yourself, "should I ask this question?" you probably shouldn't, because you will not get an answer, and while we are not trying to be elitist, we may end up hurting your feelings. I don't think that the Greeks on here are snobbish or mean spirited, but we do get tired of the same old questions that you know we can't and won't answer.
Most fraternities and sororities are secret organizations, and we guard our secrets from outsiders.
Now this is not to sound elitist or stand offish, but you will never learn our secrets unless you join our organizations, PERIOD.
So if you have a particular question of an organization that you are interested in, go to that organizations section, and ask one of the members. But don't get bent out of shape because someone answers you in a way that you may not like. "...
**
07-18-2000, 08:25 PM
NUPE4LIFE
Location: TALLAHASSEE
..."Like in the Nupe forum, someone asked me and my bruhs what are call was. That's HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE! This forum was set up, like the AKA said, to serve as a place where Greeks can come and talk about issues affecting us all. But we also talk about real world issue outside of the Greek realm. That's why we're here. If you have any question about how to join a certain BGLO, I would tell you here and to your face that you must do research. It's not that we're being rude, but people expect you to give them the keys to your organization without them having to work hard for them. I'm sure the rest of the DIVINE NINE would tell you the same also. I'm sorry if that's not to your liking. So now you know why we have this website, now you know what questions to ask. The expression that "no question is a stupid question", is not true. I'm saying you but a lot of interested people have come up in here and ask for information that they know they're not suppose to be asking. That's my opinion."...
**
07-18-2000, 09:12 PM
2000, 09:12 PM
Rain Man
..."(Originally posted by NUPE4LIFE)
"...someone asked me...what our call was. THAT'S HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE!"
....I am not disputing that, matter of fact I do know about the culture, norms, and mores of BGLO, having pledged in a quasi-BGLO atmosphere. After eight years, I should know something about discretion.
Seriously, N4L, I don't think the issue here is so much whether or not a certain question on Greek Life is deemed appropriate for discussion so much as I see BGLO members questioning the motive for why it is being asked.
Ex. Someone asks you why you are called Nupes.
Is the motive:
Because they hear you shout it in your chants and calls and see it on your 'nalia and is just pure curious to know what "the deal" is?
Or is it because they got blackballed after trying to join a chapter and to be vindictive, they need some "inside info" to perp the fraternity.
I remember as a 1st semester freshman, I asked a Kappa what was a Phi Nu Pi. He quietly said, "Long story." End of discussion. I never asked again. I got the message. What do you think kind of impression he would leave me about his organization if he responded by giving me a beatdown? He knew my motive was not to perp, so he just responded quietly.
Since you don't know the motive, don't be quick to attack.
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO GOOD OLD FASHIONED TACT?!
I guess I am saying to BGLOs, if you must respond, please be tactful, not hostile and defensive. You don't know what the true motive of a person asking is, so just give a response, that while they won't know anything more about your org they could otherwise research about, they will know more OF the basic topic of the question asked."
-snip-
"your 'nalia" – paraphernalia [clothing and other items that have the organization’s colors or symbol.
"perp" – perpetrate [pretend to be something you are not]
**
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=437&page=3
Kymberleigh
Location: Bourbonnais Il. 60914
"Okay, so I've been reading this thread, and one thing bothers me. When ManndingoNupe made the comment that a particular question about his call was wrong. First of all there are people on this board who are Greek, and wouldn't know that asking a question like that was disrespectful. I belong to an NPC sorority and we don't have calls. So, if I had seen that or read about that somewhere I would assume it would be okay to post something here, and get a reply.
In NO way would I be trying to offend you. I would be attempting to enlighten myself. I have read so many posts where BGLO members are appreciative of the insight they receive from GLO's. So, If I wanted to know something about a BGLO I would probably post it here. If that info. was privy, then a polite response, not that of anger, would suffice.
I love this board for one main reason I learn so much about things I never knew."
****
This concludes Part I of this pancocojams series on Black Fraternity & Sorority calls.
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Latest Revision: August 1, 2024
This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series on historically Black Greek letter organizations (BGLO) calls.
This post provides information and comments about BGLO signature calls and a list of the signature calls for the nine historically Black Greek letter organizations that are informally referred to as "The Divine Nine".
This post also provides excerpts of two Greekchat.com discussions about historically Black Greek letter fraternities and sorority calls and hand signs.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/09/seven-videos-of-black-greek-fraternity.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases seven YouTube videos of Black Greek Roll Calls.
The content of this post is provided for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITORIAL COMMENT
[Latest revision: May 30, 2024]
I recognize that providing information about Black Greek lettered fraternity/sorority calls is very much frowned upon by most members of those organizations. While I agree with the position that the history & meaning of these calls doesn't need to be shared with persons who aren't affiliated with those specific organizations, I believe that the horse has already left the barn regarding sharing written and audio examples of the specific calls with the general public. I say this because those calls are routinely performed in public at Greek step shows, Greek strolls, and other Greek events, and those calls and chants are also showcased on YouTube videos and on other online websites.
As a community folklorist who is primarily interested in African American folk cultures, I believe it's my responsibility to document & disseminate as much cultural information as possible about BGLO fraternities and sororities, without violating the privacy of those organizations. For that reason I'm including lengthy excerpts about the subject of fraternity and sorority calls (and hand signs) from two Greekchat.com discussion threads. And, also for that reason, I'm providing definitions of and a list of "Divine Nine" calls ("Divine Nine" are nine historically Black fraternities and sororities that are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pan-Hellenic_Council for information about the National Pan-Hellenic council and a list of that Council's member organizations that are informally referred to as the "Divine Nine".
Note: When this post was first published I declined to list these calls. However, on June 30, 2017 as part of my research on a prospective pancocojams post (on Stomp & Shake cheerleader yelps and historically Black Greek letter sororities calls)*, I re-read this article and was dissatisfied with it.
Here's the link to that pancocojams post: https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/07/are-black-fraternity-sorority-calls.html Are Black Fraternity & Sorority Calls And Stomp & Shake Cheerleading Yelps Remnants Of Plantation Field Hollers And/Or African Ululation?
It seems to me that people (including me) aren't as intent on finding out why Greek letter organizations made up or chose their particular call as we are in finding out why Black Greek letter organizations have that custom, what the purpose or purposes of the calls is/are, and how each organizations call is written and sounds.
For those reasons, I've added more definitions of fraternity & sorority calls to the section below and have updated the videos of calls that are found in Part I of this series.
And I've added what my response would be if someone asks me* what historically Black Greek letter organization calls are and why BGLO have calls.
WHY HISTORICALLY BLACK GREEK LETTER ORGANIZATIONS HAVE SIGNATURE CALLS AND ALSO USE COMBINATION CALLS [revised May 30, 2024)
*I'm a long time inactive member of a BGLO (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), but I feel that -inactive or not- I can still respond to these questions:
If someone were to ask me what are BGLO fraternity and sorority calls, I would respond that
historically Black Greek lettered organization calls are signature sounds that members of a particular organization make to demonstrate and celebrate their membership in that organization and all that it means to them. That signature calls can be used to get the attention of other member or members of their organization who are some distance away. Calls can also be used to greet another member or member of that organization, and calls can also be used to "represent" (promote, "big up") their organization during public events.
"Combination calls" are vocalized or are written online and elsewhere by a member of one historically Greek letter fraternity or sorority to a member of another historically Greek letter organization. Those "combination calls" are made by using the beginning part of the call that represents the person's organization with part of the signature call of the organization that the person she or he is addressing belongs to. (For example, "Skee Phi" - a call made by a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.(whose call is "Skee Wee") to a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (whose call, in part, is "A- Phi") .
Out of respect, members of that particular organization are the only ones who should vocalize or otherwise use that organization's call.
If someone were to ask me why historically Black Greek Letter Organization have calls, I would respond that "Calls are part of Black history and culture" - extending back to field hollers (arwhoolie) and perhaps even extending back to African musical traditions.
****
GENERAL DEFINITIONS:
Fraternity & Sorority "Calls" [Latest revision July 1, 2017]
Historically Black [university based] Greek letter fraternity & sorority calls are signature vocalizations that members of a specific organization make to alert a member or members of that organization in the distance to his or her presence, and/or to greet another member or members of that specific organization. Historically Black fraternity & sorority cheers also are voiced to foster organizational unity and to "represent" (promote, "big up") their organization during their own chanting and/or celebratory gatherings and during public events.
A fraternity and sorority might have more than one signature call. These calls are usually informal (i.e. not recognized as an official part of that organization by that organization's governing body.) Non-members of a specific organization are strictly prohibited from verbally or in writing using that organization's call in public or in private.
Fraternity & Sorority "Roll calls"
When used by historically Black [university based] Fraternity & sororities (BGLOs) - and particularly by those BGLOs that are known as "The Divine Nine"*, "roll calls" refer to the consecutive vocalization of their signature call/s by multiple BGLOs during a public event. A host or moderator of that event formally announces each organization, usually in the order of their founding, beginning with the earliest founded fraternity and then, after the fraternities are recognized, beginning with the earliest founded sorority. Representatives of "sister" or "brother" organizations may respond to a call with their own call.
Also, as an expression of admiration and/or unity, a member of a Divine Nine organization might combine their own signature call with part of the signature call of another member "Divine Nine" organization (either fraternity or sorority).* That said, I've read that some BGLO members disagree with that practice.
****
DEFINITIONS FOR AND PURPOSES OF FRATERNITY/SORORITY TERM "CALLS" (from various universities' Greek organization glossaries)
These definitions are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
1. http://gogreek.okstate.edu/glossary
Oklahoma State University Go Greek Glossary
"Calls
A unique vocal expression attributed to an organization. Calls are special to members and shouldn't be replicated by non-members."
2. From https://www.unlv.edu/getinvolved/greek-definitions Fraternity and Sorority Definitions (Greek Dictionary)
"Call/Chant
Audible sounds used by members to acknowledge or gain the attention of other members. Calls may vary regionally within organizations, and some organizations may use more than one call."
3. From http://uca.edu/nphc/terminology/
"Calls – a unique vocal expression attributed to an organization. Please Do: Enjoy listening to the unique calls of the groups. Please Don’t: Repeat an organization’s particular call or response. It is considered a sign of disrespect."
4. From https://www.sa.sc.edu/fsl/greek-glossary/
"Call – A yell used mostly by NPHC organizations (although some NIC, NPC and local orgs have calls as well). Used to identify and greet brothers and sisters. For example, Alpha Kappa Alpha's call is SKEE-WEE. Non-members are not permitted to use the call.
NIC– Stands for North American Interfraternity Conference, and is the national coordinating body of all the men's fraternities. It does not enforce policies on the local IFC’s, and is totally different from the purpose of NPC and NPHC.
NPC– The National Panhellenic Conference is the organization that governs the 26 national women's sororities.
NPHC– The National Pan-Hellenic Council, the governing body of the 9 traditionally African American fraternities and sororities, also known as the Divine Nine. Also the local governing council for the NPHC organizations."
-snip-
NPC is primarily a PWI organization ["PWI" is a term that I've often found used since the 2000s which means "Predominately White Institution"]. That term can be said to be the opposite of historically BGLO which means historically Black Greek Letter Organizations". "PWI" refers to historically and present day fraternities and sororities whose had/have mostly White members. In the past and currently, almost all the members of historically Black Greek letter organizations were/are Black. However, there have been and still are a small number of non-Black members of those organizations.
Three of the four historically Black fraternities are members of NIC. Those historically Black fraternities are:
Kappa Alpha Psi
Alpha Phi Alpha
Iota Phi Theta
not Omega Psi Phi"
Source: http://nicindy.org/about/members/ [retrieved June 30, 2017]
-snip-
UPDATE December 23, 2019: Anonymous wrote a comment in the discussion thread below pointing out that this excerpt didn't include Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in its lists of historically Black Greek letter fraternities. That excerpt may have only listed fraternities that have active chapters at that particular university. However, Anonymous is certainly correct that there are five historically Black Greek letter fraternities. Thanks, Anonymous for pointing that out.
****
LIST OF NINE HISTORICALLY BLACK GREEK LETTER ORGANIZATION ("THE DIVINE NINE") CALLS
These organizations are given in categories (Fraternities/Sororities) and in chronological order with the earliest founded organizations in that category listed first.
Letters [or numbers] in these calls are often repeated to show to stretch out the call which shows enthusiasm.
Additions and corrections are welcome.
Fraternities:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1906)
call: "19" [response] "O6"
Response to that response [from a member or members of Alpha Phi Alpha] - "You know"
****
Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc. (1911)
"Yo Yo"
****
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
"Roo" or "Roo Roo" [also written "RΩΩ"]
****
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914)
call: "Blue Phi"; response: "You know"
****
Iota Phi Theta, Fraternity, Inc. (1963)
"Ow Ow"
****
Sororities
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908)
"Skee Wee"
****
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
"Oo-Oop"
****
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,Inc. (1920)
"Z-Phi"
****
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922)
"Eee-Yip"
-snip-
Note that these calls are usually elongated, for example, the Delta's call is often pronounced and written "Oooo- ooooop!"
****
EXAMPLES OF EIGHT CALLS OF THE PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL [DIVINE NINE] ORGANIZATIONS
Greek Speak Roll Call
UABStudentLife, Published on Sep 19, 2008 [the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Alabama)]
Check out the eight organizations of UAB's NPHC.
-snip-
This video doesn't include representatives of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Because that organization wasn't formed until the 1960s, there are fewer chapters of that fraternity nationwide than any other BGLO.
Additional examples of these calls are given in the videos that are showcased in Part II of this series:.http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/09/seven-videos-of-black-greek-fraternity.html
****
INFORMATION ABOUT NATIONAL PAN HELLENIC COUNCIL [NPHC]
From http://www.nphchq.org/mission.htm
"The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) is currently composed of nine (9) International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions."
-snip-
The nine organizations listed above are informally referred to as "The Divine Nine".
Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_African-American_Greek_and_fraternal_organizations for a list of some other historically Black fraternities or historically Black sororities.
****
A STATEMENT ABOUT CALLS & HAND SIGNS BY NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL
From http://www.afa1976.org/Portals/0/Membership_Intake_Guide_NPHC.pdf NPHC National Membership Intake Guide
Hand Signs & Calls
"Hand signs and calls have evolved into another historical facet of Black fraternal organization life. According to Kimbrough (2003), the concept of calls is embedded in both African and African-American tradition. These sounds were a form of yodeling known as whooping in the Congo and Angola tribes. Additionally, these audible sounds, also known as cries and arhoolies, could he heard being sung by slaves. It is not clear when calls were first used, however, it seems possible that calls used by NPHC organizations became prevalent during the mid-1970’s.*
Much like calls, the exact origin of hand signs cannot be pinpointed. According to Kimbrough (2003), pictures from college campuses of Black fraternities and sororities indicate that hand signs became a part of the Black fraternal experience during the 1970’s. Although it is not clear how calls and hand signs evolved, these traditions are long standing.
These universal symbols can be seen as exclusive outward expressions of pride and of strong organizational identification."
-snip-
*As a matter of information, I crossed over as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1967. (Gamma Zeta chapter, New Jersey, 1967). I definitely remember hearing and performing that organization's signature call "Skee Weee". I also definitely remember seeing and doing the organization's secret handshake.
****
ADDENDUM: SELECTED COMMENTS FROM TWO GREEK CHAT DISCUSSION THREADS ABOUT BGLO CALLS
From http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=280
"How were calls started?
Finer Woman10-A-91
Location: New York, NY
“The answer to your query is privileged information with respect to all of NPHC. And chances are no one will tell you on this board. You have guts for asking. But tell me this...would you have actually asked a member of the organization you are interested in this question in person?”
Quote:
Originally posted by InterestedGDI:
"I certainly don't want to pry into anyones secrets but I am interested in knowing how and who was the first sorority/fraternity to start doing calls, if anyone knows any back up history on calls and why they are done it would be greatly appreciated"...
**
06-27-2000, 01:15 PM
AKAtude
Location: SC
Well, if anyone has been hearing the calls for years on your campus (or anywhere for that matter), then common sense would tell you that yes, it is done between one frat/sorority member to another. I knew that without anyone telling me. If you observe then you will learn.
**
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=280&page=2
06-28-2000, 12:10 AM
alsoCurious
"Quote:
Originally posted by ZetaAce:
Wow, I think I can hear the Sarcasm.
I think AKAtude's point is, if you already asked someone and you got the exact same answer, what in the world makes you think that you're going to get more information on the internet. A lot of times people who are interested ask questions on the net that they KNOW they would not ask a member face to face."
ZetaAce
"I think there is a misunderstanding. I never asked someone this question, since I don't know anyone in those organizations and there aren't any on my campus. However, if the Internet did not exist as a forum through which to pose this question, and I met someone who was making a call, then I would ask the person the same question, because I would be curious s to what the heck they were doing. After all, how am I to know that the question is a faux-pas? Then if they said, "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that", then I would respect their response & leave it at that.
It is kind of like when the media ask a lawyer something that is privileged ...the lawyer would just say, "I'm sorry. That is privileged information"."
****
From http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?postid=4165 "HAVE YALL EVER NOTICED HOW BGLOS.........."
07-19-2000, 09:00 AM
ManndingoNUPE
Location: Washington, DC
..."If you have wonder to yourself, "should I ask this question?" you probably shouldn't, because you will not get an answer, and while we are not trying to be elitist, we may end up hurting your feelings. I don't think that the Greeks on here are snobbish or mean spirited, but we do get tired of the same old questions that you know we can't and won't answer.
Most fraternities and sororities are secret organizations, and we guard our secrets from outsiders.
Now this is not to sound elitist or stand offish, but you will never learn our secrets unless you join our organizations, PERIOD.
So if you have a particular question of an organization that you are interested in, go to that organizations section, and ask one of the members. But don't get bent out of shape because someone answers you in a way that you may not like. "...
**
07-18-2000, 08:25 PM
NUPE4LIFE
Location: TALLAHASSEE
..."Like in the Nupe forum, someone asked me and my bruhs what are call was. That's HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE! This forum was set up, like the AKA said, to serve as a place where Greeks can come and talk about issues affecting us all. But we also talk about real world issue outside of the Greek realm. That's why we're here. If you have any question about how to join a certain BGLO, I would tell you here and to your face that you must do research. It's not that we're being rude, but people expect you to give them the keys to your organization without them having to work hard for them. I'm sure the rest of the DIVINE NINE would tell you the same also. I'm sorry if that's not to your liking. So now you know why we have this website, now you know what questions to ask. The expression that "no question is a stupid question", is not true. I'm saying you but a lot of interested people have come up in here and ask for information that they know they're not suppose to be asking. That's my opinion."...
**
07-18-2000, 09:12 PM
2000, 09:12 PM
Rain Man
..."(Originally posted by NUPE4LIFE)
"...someone asked me...what our call was. THAT'S HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE!"
....I am not disputing that, matter of fact I do know about the culture, norms, and mores of BGLO, having pledged in a quasi-BGLO atmosphere. After eight years, I should know something about discretion.
Seriously, N4L, I don't think the issue here is so much whether or not a certain question on Greek Life is deemed appropriate for discussion so much as I see BGLO members questioning the motive for why it is being asked.
Ex. Someone asks you why you are called Nupes.
Is the motive:
Because they hear you shout it in your chants and calls and see it on your 'nalia and is just pure curious to know what "the deal" is?
Or is it because they got blackballed after trying to join a chapter and to be vindictive, they need some "inside info" to perp the fraternity.
I remember as a 1st semester freshman, I asked a Kappa what was a Phi Nu Pi. He quietly said, "Long story." End of discussion. I never asked again. I got the message. What do you think kind of impression he would leave me about his organization if he responded by giving me a beatdown? He knew my motive was not to perp, so he just responded quietly.
Since you don't know the motive, don't be quick to attack.
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO GOOD OLD FASHIONED TACT?!
I guess I am saying to BGLOs, if you must respond, please be tactful, not hostile and defensive. You don't know what the true motive of a person asking is, so just give a response, that while they won't know anything more about your org they could otherwise research about, they will know more OF the basic topic of the question asked."
-snip-
"your 'nalia" – paraphernalia [clothing and other items that have the organization’s colors or symbol.
"perp" – perpetrate [pretend to be something you are not]
**
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=437&page=3
Kymberleigh
Location: Bourbonnais Il. 60914
"Okay, so I've been reading this thread, and one thing bothers me. When ManndingoNupe made the comment that a particular question about his call was wrong. First of all there are people on this board who are Greek, and wouldn't know that asking a question like that was disrespectful. I belong to an NPC sorority and we don't have calls. So, if I had seen that or read about that somewhere I would assume it would be okay to post something here, and get a reply.
In NO way would I be trying to offend you. I would be attempting to enlighten myself. I have read so many posts where BGLO members are appreciative of the insight they receive from GLO's. So, If I wanted to know something about a BGLO I would probably post it here. If that info. was privy, then a polite response, not that of anger, would suffice.
I love this board for one main reason I learn so much about things I never knew."
****
This concludes Part I of this pancocojams series on Black Fraternity & Sorority calls.
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