[IotaNet]

To The Group -

I posted on this topic about two years ago (when GC was on the old server!) but perhaps it will be helpful for newer GC'ers for me to post it again.

This post originally appeared in October, 2000 and the topic was "Why do some organizations have a Beef with Iota Phi Theta?"

The answer to this question lies in the very origins / development of BGLO's in America.

The evolution of BGLO's in America is a phenomenon that is closely entertwined with the evolution of African-Americans, our culture, our traditions, and our heroes. BGLO's represent the very fabric of African-American leadership and struggle over the past 100 years.

As BGLO's were formed and as they grew, the vast majority of this growth was concentrated in the 8 member organizations of the NPHC that most people have become familiar with over time. Contrary to popular belief, there have always been other BGLO's but none of these "other" groups were able to sustain the necessary interest or growth that was necessary for long-term survival.

A highly contributory factor to these organizations' lack of success was the fact that people who joined these "other" groups were ridiculed as "losers" or "rejects." And make no mistake about it sterotyping is a HUGE part of BGLO culture. Even among the original groups, these sterotypes are very powerful and linger to this day.

Members of Kappa Alpha Psi have been stereotyped as "Pretty Boys" - Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha have been stereotyped as "Fair-skinned debutantes", and the list goes on. As with most stereotypes, these characterizations are sweepingly general at best and downright inaccurate at worst. Be that as it may, the characterization of non-NPHC fraternity members was (and in many cases, remains) "Reject."

As odd as it may seem, the prevailing notion in the Black community was that there would never be any significant organization founded after 1922 that would be worthy of notice or recognition. As a matter of fact, before 1993, the NPHC constitution did not even include a provision for accepting more organizations beyond the 8.

Well, the true measures of organizations' worth or impact are their goals/objectives/purpose AND their ability to attract and sustain membership that feels an affinity for these concepts. Just as the 8 previous groups were founded during a time of great movement, upheaval, and change (in the early 1900's), Iota Phi Theta was founded in 1963 (ironically, exactly 100 years after the Emancipation Proclaimation), during one of most historic times in American History: The Civil-Rights Movement. Due to the tone of the times and the unique background of the Founders, Iota brought a spirit and spark that resonated with many men throughout the country.

As Iota grew and developed, the overall attitude toward the organization was "Ignore them and they'll go away." Fortunately, Iota did not. As the organization grew (and its leadership became more sophisticated), it began to expand its sphere of influence and membership.

It was during this time that the Fraternity began to seek membership in the NPHC but these efforts were rebuffed for over 20 years. In the meantime, the organization sought (and was granted with little difficulty) membership in the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC).

Without getting into deep (and gory) details, in 1996, the Fraternity was granted membership in the NPHC. Even with that acceptance, there remain a LOT of people who cannot abide the notion of a 9th "REAL" Black GLO. These people simply can't accept that there could be another Black Fraternal organization (beyond the original 8) that would be viable or legitimate.

There are also some people who feel that the creation of additional fraternities somehow dilutes or detracts from the legacy of the original 8. Others feel that the people who create these groups don't have the right to do the things that the original groups do.

The problem with this logic is that if one condemns the creation of a new organization in 1963 (or 2003), one also has to condemn the creation of new organizations after 1906 (when Alpha Phi Alpha was founded) and/or 1908 (when Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded) and nobody is going to do that.

Perhaps that will help you to understand.

Even after 200 chapters, 20,000+ members, and almost 40 years, the bottom line remains: Some folks just can't accept change.