ESENTLC

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

As my first post in Essentially Coverd, this was not the topic I had in mind. Originally I had planned to keep it light, introduce myself and share my journey on how I arrived to where I am today. What I know for sure? God will sometimes interrupt your plans, interrupt your comfort and speak so clearly that it becomes impossible to ignore. Reflecting as I’m writing this, my experiences in life have never mirrored traditional expectations and I was foolish to think it would start now. 

There was a time when I felt that publicly denouncing my affiliation with delta sigma theta wasn’t  necessary. Ignorantly, I thought as long as I separated myself and knew within my heart that I no longer aligned, that’s all that was needed. As a woman who is continuously growing spiritually, I now understand why the public declaration is not only necessary but required. 

According to Merrium-Webster, a contract is a binding legal agreement between two or more parties. Similarly, a covenant is a written agreement or promise usually under a seal also between two or more parities. 

Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people and that all should give up their particular customs. All the nations accepted the command of the king. Many even from Israel gladly adopted his religion; they sacrificed to idols and profaned the Sabbath. 1 Maccabees 41

Hellenization can be defined as the influence of Greek culture on civilizations that were conquered and interacted with the Greeks. Taken from the 1 Maccabees, the previous passage describes a time after the death of Alexander the Great, when Antiochus IV ruled over the Seleucid Empire. During his reign, Antiochus made it his mission to conquer the surrounding nations and enforce his customs and laws on the people. In an attempt to avoid persecution, many Hebrews willingly established a covenant with the Greeks agreeing to observe their ordinances. After conquering Egypt, Antiochus returned and attacked Jerusalem. The cities were burned with fire, historical artifacts were stolen, women and children were taken captive and those who refused to follow the commands of the king died.

From as early as middle school l began to develop my own understanding of “greek life”. I had teachers, family members and family friends, all of whom were involved with various fraternities and sororities. As a child I recognized that these organizations, collectively known as the National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) carried a certain esteem and significance within our community. The most notable individuals that represented black culture were also members of these organizations: Martin Luther King, Coretta Scott King, Jessie Jackson, Nicki Giovanni, Shirley Chisolm, Maya Angelou, the list goes on.

During my research, I learned the first Divine Nine organization was founded during a time when African American college students were experiencing social barriers on a predominantly white campus. The racial alienation experienced motivated these individuals to foster a sense of brotherhood in the pursuit of social change through the development of social programs. On a surface level, when looking at the conception of greek organizations, who wouldn’t want to join?  

“Within our generation we have been told not to question God but that is a lie…”

While I share my experience, please keep in mind that this was not an overnight decision; rather a process that has taken years to come into full understanding. In complete transparency, I didn’t begin to question my involvement with delta sigma theta until I was led to reevaluate my personal relationship with God, or lack thereof. Within our generation we’ve been told not to question God but that is a lie, it was in the seeking and questioning where my understanding and relationship actually deepened. With time, everything in my life not in alignment began to reveal itself which at the time included delta. 

For clarity purposes, during that season of my life I was exactly where I wanted to be. As the saying goes, hindsight is always 20/20. No matter how intentional you are in the moment, when reflecting on the past it is easy to identify what you could have done differently. During my own reflection I came to the realization that my pride along with my value of community, overshadowed my discernment when the red flags presented themselves. 

A popular argument used to defend participation in greek letter organizations is the concept they were founded on christian principles. An expansion of this argument highlights the distinction of a participant’s ability to serve God without idolizing the sorority or fraternity itself. 

“The underlying problem is not the duties of the organization itself but rather the spirits they were founded upon.”

In my opinion, when observing conversations surrounding denouncing, they are capped to a surface level understanding. The underlying problem is not the duties of the organization itself but rather the spirits they were founded upon; organization and community service disguised to give recognition to greco-roman deities through rituals, initiations and covenants. 

In closing, whether made knowingly or unknowingly, every action taken in the physical realm has a direct impact in the spiritual and vice versa. In part two of this series, we will further discuss the spiritual component behind these organizations and its importance. 

To the reader who is actively involved in a greek letter sorority or fraternity and consider yourself a follower of God. I encourage you to take what has been said thus far and present it before God on your own. Examine your heart. Check your pride. Read your ritual book and compare it to God’s word. This isn’t a personal attack but rather a revelation concerning strongholds that has God’s people bound and deceived. Always remember that God speaks in conviction without condemnation.

With Love,

Chandricah