MBP 2020-21 Book2 - Flipbook - Page 67
Sigma Gamma Rho distinguished itself by having National affiliates such a Philo and Rhoer
affiliates. Specifically, Rhoer affiliates are comprised of young girls organized at every level: local,
regional and national. These affiliates sole purpose is to help young people as they face challenges
growing up while ensuring that they learn about their heritage and develop leadership skills. This
commitment is a positive force in ensuring the social, educational, civic and even spiritual
development of our community.
Iota Phi Theta, the nation’s fifth largest predominately African-American social service
fraternity, was initially founded by men who were non-traditional students, namely older than the
average college student by three (3) to five (5) years. This catapulted their call to serve and assist in
developing men. In fact, the fraternity was formed in September, 1963 as a support system for
African-American men in turbulent times. As a result, they participated heavily in sit-ins and protests
in the early days of their formation. Still today they have the same commitment and purpose: “The
development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Fidelity and Brotherhood among Men”.
Kappa Alpha Psi was birthed in the bowels of racism. The God-fearing founders of this
organization recognized the important foundation of spirituality. It became one of the five objectives
of the fraternity. In fact, many of the rites of this fraternity are engrained in Christian ideals and
excerpts from the bible. This principle empowers the fraternity to raise the sights of AfricanAmerican youth and stimulate them to achieve higher goals than they might otherwise have
envisioned for themselves. This eye toward spiritual development plays an important role in the
lives of all its members.
Just a cursory glance at the Divine Nine enables us all to see the value, the positive role and
necessary longevity of each of these sororities and fraternities. I am positive there are more Greek
organizations that aspire and achieve great milestones in cultivating the social, educational civil and
spiritual development of the African-American community. This remains vital today as our
community faces greater challenges: apathy, criminogenic thinking, continuing racism that blocks
economic prosperity, just to name a few.
These Greek organizations are so vital because each of them take the baton in this race by
remembering the important call posed by Alpha Phi Alpha: “It is not how much I can derive from the
Fraternity but how much can I do for the Fraternity”. That is why each of these organizations have
been and continue to be vital to the African-American community, they answer the call for SERVICE.
These Greek organizations continue to groom young African-Americans and empower them with
historical knowledge of those who have paved the path they now enjoy. These organizations
provide financial support within communities to ensure that the dreams of post-secondary education
become a reality. These organizations help support families who have yet to envision or capture the
American Dream. Regardless of who they are sorority or fraternity, borne from youth or maturity,
they each serve a need within the community that speaks to the heart of the struggles and needs of
its people, whether socially, educationally, civically, or spiritually.
Verda M Colvin
Judge, Court of Appeals
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