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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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"

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Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc. (1911)
"Yo Yo"

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Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
"Roo" or "Roo Roo" [also written "RΩΩ"]

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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914)
call: "Blue Phi"; response: "You know"

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Iota Phi Theta, Fraternity, Inc. (1963)
"Ow Ow"

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Sororities
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908)
"Skee Wee"

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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
"Oo-Oop"

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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,Inc. (1920)
"Z-Phi"

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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!"

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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

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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"."

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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."

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This concludes Part I of this pancocojams series on Black Fraternity & Sorority calls.

Thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

10 comments:

  1. I just happened upon several comments in the viewer comment thread of this video of Winston-Salem State University's stomp and shake cheerleading squad's call being similar to an [un-named] sorority's calls: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAVz7StUoow "WSSU CHEERLEADERS FOR MTV (watch in High Quality)

    I believe that that sorority call the commenters referred to was that of Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc. However, the commenters who wrote in support of WSSU refuted that there was any connection between that squad's calls and the call of that sorority.

    Here's one of those comments:
    "
    lilpimpok, 2012
    in reply to AORaines
    They don't "eyyuppp" to mock sororities. They do it because the "eyyuuup" is more like an accent for the cheer. Its just to give the cheer a little more life and flavor. The majority of HBCU cheerleaders incorporate the "eeyyuup" in their cheers but of course it originated from the mighty WSSU cheerleaders A.K.A Cheer Phi!"
    -snip-
    HBCU= Historically Black Colleges And Universities

    A.K.A. in that quote means "also known as".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As a former WSSU Cheerleader, Co-Captain, and Coach, I think the waters have been mudded over the years with our (ad lib). Yes, our cheering squad does make a sound (PRESENTLY) that does sound similiar with an E-Yip of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. However, this has happened because our original sound (ad lib) has been transformed to what you hear today. Our original sound was more of a blllllrrrryip (rolling of the tongue) to make the noise. Unfortunately, the new members couldn't really make the rolling sound noise; thus, they make up for it with what you hear on youtube these days. AGAIN, WE WEREN'T TRYING TO SOUND LIKE A SORORITY CALL. Things just evolved that way.

      Delete
    2. Pappa-Ra, thank you for sharing that information about the WSSU cheerleaders call.

      There's far too little information about WSSU cheerleading and other past and present traditions and customs associated with stomp and shake cheerleading. That is one aspect of African American culture that I've attempted to document, with particular attention to the oral traditions although the information and examples that I share in a number of pancocojams blog posts (tag: stomp and shake cheerleading) aren't from my direct experiences.

      For the historical record, please share more information and correct misinformation on the subject of WSSU cheerleaders and other stomp and shake cheerleading squads by writing more comments and/or contacting me at azizip 17 at yahoo dot com.

      Thanks again for sharing information and kudos for being a part of history as a former WSSU Cheerleader, Co-Captain, and Coach

      Delete
  2. The hand signs weren't part of the organizations, when they were created. Look at pics from the 1900s - 1940s approx. You won't see any hand signs. I personally think hand signs and calls are stupid! It's origination was on the net; I had read about it years ago. Stepping is okay, in the proper setting. No harm in asking when was it created, just like asking when was the org. created. 1906, 08, etc... No problem in disclosing that info. Some Greeks act stink. Most Greeks have no problem telling you. Don't ask what is the meaning, that's really none ya biz.
    If your not in it...who gives f**k? Pay Greeks no mind. I've seen nasty ones and laugh as I refuse to donate a penny to their org. Older you get, the more irrelevant they become. They just throw cool parties and barbecues in college.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment, Dean. I assume that your comments refer to Black Greek Letter Organizations.

      I appreciate your beginning point that fraternity and sorority hand signs were created after the 1940s as there are no pictures of those signs in photographs before those years. (I also note that you included calls in that comment though it seems to me that photographs couldn't document calls.)

      I also recognize that the rest of your comment is your opinion and you are entitled to that although I very much disagree with most of what you shared, especially your last point that all Greeks do is "throw cool parties and barbecues in college".

      Delete
  3. @Azizi Powell

    You posted:
    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

    Correction:
    There are five historically black fraternities. You forgot and/or omitted Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc (which is a member of the NIC).

    Member Fraternities - NIC | North American Interfraternity Conference
    https://nicfraternity.org/member-fraternities/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous, thank you. I didn't catch that misinformation in the excerpt I quoted from that university. I'll add a note in that post with the correct information that you've shared.

      Delete
  4. As a member of one these organizations, who comes from generations of family being members of the Divine 9; SO much of the information you've given is plain old wrong. I'm a direct descendant of a member of one of the organizations who became a member in college. This Family member was on "the line" that came up with our organizations call. If my family member were still alive, she'd be over 100 now. Our call was made in the 40's; not the 70's lol. That's just ONE example. I know, personally, from one of the people who invented it, how and why the call was developed...and it's not even close to what I've read in anything I've read here, lol. Organizations of the Divine 9 have their own traditions; some are acceptable to be done in public and a lot are not. That's just how it is; certain things are sacred and you will never get the actual real answer unless you become a member and learn the history beyond what's available to the public. Even people who tell you they aren't active members anymore and will tell you how "it really is", probably aren't giving you accurate information; not purposely, but because they just have misinformation that is widespread. I'd probably be just as ignorant, even as a member, if my family hadn't been so involved since the 1940's. Its very to similar to attending an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). Traditions are sacred and go back to when the schools began. Traditions seem silly to people who didnt attend. The attire required for certain ceremonies, the reason people continue to attend Homecoming and reunions for the rest of their lives, etc; its all about the history taught during that 1st week freshman year. Following tradition shows how much sacrifice went into instilling a way for marginalized young men and women to be able to get an education. Giving back and donations are just one way to help other marginalized youth achieve their goals and attend college; its not to throw a party. Lastly, I just want to add that everyone joins their organization for a different reason. Everything from wanting to be "part of the group" for the "prestige" to fully believing in their particular organizations purpose and being dedicated to the work; believe me, these are like businesses and members work HARD to reach goals set to help their communities; both immediate and global. I guess you can get an idea of why I became a member, lol. It's a lifetime commitment to helping others; I see more members of the Divine 9 cleaning up playgrounds, going door to door to help people register to vote, start mentoring programs for youth of all ages, organizing food drives for local shelters and food pantries than I've EVER seen throw a party or a cookout. If that's all people see, that's all they want to see.
    Regardless, thank you for trying to shine a brighter light on the greater purpose behind black Greek Organizations 🙏🏽

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous, thank you for adding to the historical record about historically Black Greek letter organization.

      I appreciate it. For the historical record, I love it if you had shared which organization created its call in the 1940s and where and what its call was.

      As I mentioned in this post, I'm an inactive member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc (Gamma Zeta chapter, New Jersey). I became inactive shortly after I went over in 1967 as I decided to devote my attention to college and to the afrocentric organization The Committee For Unified Newark). The only direct information that I have about historically Black Greek letter organizaions since that time is my attendance at step shows, and knowing friends and other people who have joined these organizations.

      For the historical and cultural record, I would appreciate other corrections you or others make to my posts about historically Black Greek letter organizations.

      And I agree with you that these organizations benefit their communities.

      Best wishes,

      Azizi Powell

      Delete
  5. Here's a link to a July 31, 2024 video of Vice President and presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris speaking at Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.'s annual conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukK9PYPSl2w"Kamala Harris reacts to Trump's attacks at Black journalists convention", published by CNN, July 31, 2024.

    Here's a comment that was written in that video's discussion thread and my reply to that comment:
    @TheLunarnotes, August 1, 2024
    "can someone please explain the really spooky bone chilling squealing sound in the background!?"

    **
    Reply
    @azizip171, August 1, 2024
    0 seconds ago
    @TheLunarnotes VP Kamala Harris is speaking at the national conference (called a "Boule", pronounced BOO-lay) of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Sigma Gamma Rho is one of four historically Black Greek letter sororities. Kamala Harris is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., one of the other historically Black Greek letter sororities. There are also five historically Black Greek letter fraternities. These fraternities and sororities are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) which is informally known as "The Divine Nine". Kamala Harris mentions "The Divine Nine" in her opening remarks in this video.

    Each of these historically Black Greek letter organizations have a signature call. Sigma Gamma Rho's call is "Ee-yip" which is often elongated when vocalized or written as "Eeee-yiiiip!". For more information, click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/09/black-fraternity-sorority-calls.html for a post I wrote entitled "Black Fraternity & Sorority Calls (Information & Comments)".

    *People who aren't Black can also become members of historically Black Greek letter sororities or fraternities."

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