I am a Delta. I did a video expanding my thoughts on this topic on my Patreon: www.patreon.com/posts/55255112

The hazing that happens to get into our black organizations turns me off. At HBCUs, there’s hazing for every damn thing. Hazing to get in the band, D9 orgs, the majorette team… other random orgs on campus, etc. We shouldn’t have to break each other down and humiliate each other.

I've always had the impression that the elitism is the point

I remember getting invited to an aka teen brunch and seeing how rude and judgmental the ladies were talking about other girls hair and dresses. The also basically encouraged it among the girls. That immediately turned me off and kept me away through college.

I just get irritated that when I wear pink and green, it’s assumed that I’m an AKA and if not I shouldn’t wear that color combo.

When I was told that you gotta PAY ANNUALLY to be apart of a sorority I said “welp, I’m good”

D9'S DON'T EVEN HAVE A CAMPUS HOUSE🙊😭😭😭

Sorerities and fraternities always gave me illuminati bootcamp 🥴

I had family mad at me because they had a direct line to AKA acceptance and I chose a completely different route in life. Sentiments about me missing big opportunities and a lot of colorism / classism at play. They would tell me how they could set me up with all these well off frat bros (people they networked with I guess) sounded like I was getting setup to be pimped out.

I always feel like I missed out on a small piece of life by never becoming an AKA. It’s just something I always wanted to do as a child. Now as an adult, I hear more and more of the other side of pledging and it’s very eye opening.

I never understood why an aboriginal/Indian/black person would pledge to a GREEK organization... I personally didn’t like the rituals and the gang behavior.

As a grad member of a D9 org, I would like to add that the elitism doesn’t stop once you’re in the org , ppl even within these orgs ostracize and often treat each other horribly. Thanks for sharing!

Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life!

“Eschew”…. Ain’t heard that since SAT prep class… well done

Would love to see a full-length video on this!

This reminds me of what my homegirl went through when she was attending the University of Tennessee. She tried to pledge a D9 sorority, but she ain't made the cut, because they believe she wasn't black enough due to her wealthy upbringing, and she broke down in tears badly for days. She told me about the whole situation, and has even said of how much it took a toll on her self-esteem, so she decided to switch gears and rushed a white Panhellenic sorority instead to make her feel better, after which she ultimately went Alpha Chi Omega, and she became the happiest she's ever been.

When I was rejected at 19 by a D9 org my self esteem plummeted. I felt like it was because I was dark and plus size and not pretty enough. Despite making all As and being super active in my community and on campus. I tried to commit suicide because my life dream was over

It’s the recruitment piece for me. I remember being so excited about college and wanting to join a D9 sorority. I asked about the recruiting process and was scolded. I was told they don't recruit, you show interest, and then they invite you. Okay cool, I went to a litany of events, too fucking many to list. Imagine how upset I was when I saw the line presentation (I can't think of what it’s officially called) one day. Mind you, I found out there was one girl who dropped line and they invited her back again and she dropped line AGAIN. What was even more fucked up, the only girl who wanted me was the lone white girl of the group. It left a bad taste in my mouth for sure.

D9 organizations stands for the “Divine Nine” historically black sororities and fraternities.

When I was in college at an HBCU these organizations were very trifling. I felt that they were for people looking for an easy ride in life and would damn near sell their soul just to be in. (Not saying that's true for everyone, but the shit I saw definitely made u feel that way). Then the fraternity men would just be hoeing out the sorority sisters. I was even more disgusted by that. I always said if thats what it takes just to join and be successful, I can do better on my own and refuse to be a begging ass woman for anyone or any group.

As a member of the D9, you're so correct! I joined my org because I like the principles we were founded on, as well as the philanthropies we focus on. However, I put myself in debt to pledge Alumni chapter (and I don't really regret that part), but I'm not currently financial because 1. the money and 2. there are people in my chapter where I live that I honestly don't want to deal with due to their attitudes and elitist thinking. People would rather look down on you than check-in and on you like the family we're supposed to be would do. I love my sisters as a whole, but it doesn't always feel like they love me back and it's sad.

No one really talks about how much it costs to join… the four figure fee is absolutely ridiculous to request from college students.

Because of the mindset like this, D9 on smaller campuses disappear. I know my campus had one disappear. I remember one of the faculty members talking to me about how they recruiter differently and it could be brought back and asked if I would like to help with it. Ma'am, I'm a freshmen stem major. I barely have time for this conversation

It seems elitism is their goal. I’m sure many don’t take that as a criticism.

We're not Greek. We're African. Let's build and celebrate around that.

Being apart of a D9 org as an alumnae chapter member is something I was considering doing but with the way everything is secretive and you’re told to have discretion, I don’t understand how someone would be able to join. Like how can you have discretion but you also have to express interest? Sounds like a contradiction to me🤷🏽‍♀️.

I remember I asked my mom why she never pledged (she’s the demographic of women they would try to recruit) and she said she would never join an organization that enforced the brown paper bag test.

I totally understand why a black person would want to join a PW sorority especially if they have always lived in white spaces. My cousin told me that I needed to join a particular D9 sorority and I honestly only heard about her pledging and then her pledging other people. I never heard about the fun that she had or if she actually liked her sorority sisters. I basically was told that you should join a D9 because it will help you get a job. I became a nurse. I never found myself in a situation that being apart of a D9 organization would had helped me get a job in a particular hospital.

I still struggle with my desire to join an org. Like I really wanted to. I’ve wanted to since I was a child. But I’m also anti-elite and I hate the catty nature I’ve seen. It appears to be secretive and you have to know someone but it’s like??? A sisterhood means I have to know an elite person, have extra discretionary income, be well educated and well liked, AND just magically figure out how to get in?? It’s a turnoff but I also just feel like I want to because I know I could do well and serve if I were to make it.

I’m an AKA. I pledged because some of my mentors as a teenager were AKA’s. We did lots of great community service for sure. But I totally feel you. I think D9 separates more than it promotes unity. I think we should be rebuilding and reinvesting in our neighborhoods & our children. I’m just disappointed by where I see all this $$$ going to or better yet where it’s NOT going to. I think we could accomplish so much more good.

My feelings exactly. It's giving hierarchy and white supremacy.

Pleaaaasee make a whole video, @Jouelzy ! I have been waiting for this topic!

LOL i hung with the artsy stoner college kids lol...I had no time for ANY sorority. The black sororities did recruit but were so rude I was like why would i pay to deal with mean girls ack. I liked my college experience despite not joining an organization LOL....

Reasons why I never joined one at my HBCU. I’m not sacrificing my integrity, character and morals just to fit into a group of women who may possibly not even have the best interest of me. Now so many years later, I have thought about maybe joining a graduate chapter but I’m unsure if it’s fully for me or not..

I just couldn't get with it. The whole secrecy, elitism, power dynamics and the financial/time commitment just didn't seem worth it/ fitting of myself to me. I'm more of a hippie/free spirit. But I have friends who are a apart of these organizations. The things you learn......

My sister is a Delta. Her characteristics after joining turned me off from any org. Historically, many D9s practiced rampant colorism and classism. I'm good. I prefer to be a united state of me. I don't do group think or in groupness in general. I join in on activities I enjoy but never get pulled into it to the point is become my identity and personality. That's weird

I couldn’t do it. I was there when my friends (men and women) came home from their daily hazing. And then walked around like the were the creme de la creme. Like I’m sorry, you realize y’all are all abusive criminals right? And then continue to perpetuate that abuse on your kin in the name of “brotherhood” and “sisterhood.” I can’t get behind it. Not to mention I went to a PWI and recruitment was sooo low. But even my D9 friends knew not to check for me once they got in. I was pretty vocal about my disdain for the abuse.

I must admit that as a D9 member, that many of our black brothers and sisters joined their organization for the wrong reason.Also, the levels of disrespect is obvious throughout the D9.🤦 Whatever happened to supporting each other? Whatever happened to respect yourself while in your letters. Many people that are not members refuse to join due to the many stereotypes. It is our duty to show people that we're more than stepping, parties, and D9 gear. Lastly, Ive experienced both the good, bad, and the ugly from our D9 over the years and pray that things get better. Love your channel! Wiley College, Fall 04, #3 SGRHO

I lost a good friend over this same topic. I transferred to her college for sophomore year and I won’t say which sorority she was in but we were best friends in high school. We went to different colleges first year. So because I was so close to her I wanted to join the sorority she was in and I heard great things about it. Then during a convo about it, she says, “you can’t just join my sorority. You have to know your history and I don’t think you do. So you really need to do your hw on black struggle..and blah blah”. I was more hurt than turned off, because I was thinking- who are you? I thought we were best friends and you’re basically telling me I’m not good to join your sorority? And You’re saying I don’t know about being black? I didn’t try to join and we kind of started becoming distant after that.

It was the casual usage of the word “eschew” for me

Disaffiliated after undergrad college and alum years best decision of my life my soul felt lifted after

No lies were told

It’s sad that members like this take all the “benefits” of the sorority and wait u til they’re almost 40 to speak against these organizations. The fact is most members of these organizations know it’s BS but they also know the perks (social status) that comes with the membership so instead of admiring this organization is SOLELY for clout they continue to mask it behind community service and principles that they know is cap. Meanwhile they ostracize students who are risking they’re own reputation calling these organizations (when they reputation still counts I.e. before 40) when they should be combining to advocate the closure or Atleast a change to these organizations. D9 ORGS ARE ONE OF THE MOST DETRIMENTAL CHALLANGES THE BLAXK COMMUNITY FACES specially because of the demographic it targets (the incoming black educated class). It has completely detailed so many doctors scientists lawyers congressman mayors etc you will practically through one semester away pledging and Atleast one trying to reap all the benefits from your initial sacrifice. This is not to mention the black men and women who die during the process

I joined a white sorority at my school and they were always curious as to why the D9 didn’t recruit like how they did. Even the white fraternities felt that way. Especially when there would be a new member class of 8 people every semester, but you’d see the same 6 alphas for 3 years straight. We literally watched SGRGO just die off when all their members graduated. That was in 2011 and they’re STILL gone. Being in a white sorority just LOOKS like more fun. Matching bright shirts, jubilant chants, introducing new members is done in the open sun and not some tiki torch march to the executioner’s block. It’s far from perfect, but at least it’s very enticing from the outside.

And these demons become doctors, and nurses, lawyers, hospice workers, emt workers 🤢🤢🤢 if they do this to their own "sisters" and "brothers" what do you think these murdering animals are doing to unexpecting strangers who they deem "unworthy"?? It should be illegal and burned down

That is why I pledged a graduate chapter instead of undergrad. Less drama.

I get why folks would be turned off by historically black Greek orgs but I’m not sure how that ends up translating to seeking membership in white sororities and fraternities. Many are just as elitist and IMO more meaningless and frivolous than D9 organizations, who actually do pretty extensive volunteer, philanthropic, and organizing work. They also don’t seem to have the same cultural relevance post-college. We won’t even get into the extensive history of racism and supporting white supremacy by most white fraternities and sororities. I get the visibility piece. The D9 orgs at my school (big state school) were super-secretive and none of my friends ( one of whom had a grandmother who was a Delta) who were interested were invited to pledge. But I never found most of the white sororities appealing or safe for black girls. There was a newer multicultural sorority that seemed appealing but I was too shy to consider looking into them more. There is an inherent elitism in Greek Letter orgs especially those with any history. Maybe there are newer ones founded on different principles or older ones trying to deconstruct that legacy.

If you naively walk up to one and say that you're interested, they will laugh or mock you. I'm happy this conversation is starting to take place. Today you still see first-generation students who don't know who TF those D9 people are on campus or what they represent. They aren't serving in the community as deeply as they think. The comments under the Alabama videos were disappointing yet revealing for many reasons. The current model will still recruit girls and guys w/ in the D9 space but via the process will further put a wedge between them and the greater Black community. I recall you asking one Black girl on TikTok why she joined a white org, and her answer was it offered corporate access to TOP companies that lead to a job. Many of the girls (black and white) have said this.. I wonder if D9 orgs are really doing M&E work on the programs they are running in the community or how current members are doing as a result of their ties. It's something to think about....

Brown paper bag rule let's not forget

It's always given me very much satanic cult-like vibes. A ton of my family members have been very involved with sororities & fraternities along with free masonry & eastern star organizations. My mom was the black sheep & didn't attend college like her siblings & cousins so we were too ghetto to be involved in such activities living in the trailer park lol. Thank God for small miracles.

I had bounced around the idea of joining a sorority but when I kept hearing about the elitism, the rivalry, the steep annual fees, and the fraternity hazing rituals gone wrong, it turned me off of the idea completely. School’s exhausting enough - I don’t need drama and toxicity in my social life too.

Once I learned that they beat yo ass, I was OUT. I grew up in LA in the 90s and it just reminded me of gangs. Still does tbh.

Girllllllllllllllll TALK ABOUT IT! (I’m an AKA)

Some real secret society type shit. College is weird..

I tried to join but wasn't chosen and it hit my self-esteem. I found out it was because I was best friend's with someone apart of another sorority. Politics on 💯🤷🏾‍♀️

The hazing and jealousy deters new members. Many undergrad members don't join grad chapters. Charity starts at home. D9 and Pan-Hellenic Councils need to stop this madness. Frats and sororities need to help uplift the Black community. Also the animosity between Deltas and AKA's is tired. You all are sisters so act like it. That's factual history. The insults are demeaning and unprofessional.🤔

My own elitism and classicism is directed towards being around ppl with similar values, similar out look and to some degree similar experiences as a BW who is well-educated professional woman. I wouldn’t deny anyone from any walk of life their human rights or human dignity just because I don’t want to socialize with them. I think if I tried to socialize with ppl from certain walks of life, I’d be met with hostility at best. I wouldn’t share common interests for entertainment, leisure, activities, travel, cultural events or fine dining. Among AA ppl, there is a lot of criticism of elitism and classicism, but for me it’s about being with like-minded people.

The Military, Army, and PWI Frats + Sororities also have, so it's not subject to HBCU's. My sis wasn't hated, my dad doesn't confirm no r deny. I went to an HBCU for undergrad (my whole family did) but also after the Band's hazing issue they cut a lot of that hazing out. I will say a friend at a PWI was extremely lucky to be alive after a hazing incident with a group she was pledging for. At the end of the day some people want to join because of the community/brotherhood/sisterhood that the organization stands for! Not to shun people like some of these NEW AGE Sororities and Fraternities do. But I will say, if you went to an HBCU, you already feel part of a community/sisterhood/brotherhood. I see my Alum and it's nothing but love! And we help each other! I see another HBCU school, and we joke and get on each other but it's nothing but love for them too...cuz we chose an HBCU. It's the mindset of that organization at that school. I just don't feel like an 18 year old should make that choice, maybe someone in there JR/SR year should make that choice

I pledged AKA in 2009, and yes, you're right. Things need to change.

What are the D9 organizations?

Bunch of women just fluffing each other up

No thank you!!!! You really hit the nail on the head!!!

I wanted to be a delta in college , but they really belittledvme and to think I was just buying their sisterhood... Which is really all I wanted is to be apartof something , got the books, attendedvmeetings, esearched and all... I just did not want to feel condensed by them which is how i felt. Smh.

I got a booklet from my college about the sororities on campus and they were Panhellenic council. I had to go to the booths during orientation and freshman welcome to know about D9. Panhellenic and IFC had great marketing from the university but not the same attention for D9

Hmmm...maybe different depending on where you live or pledge? Yes, I've run into some D9 elitists, but there are plenty of folks who are in my community who are active Pan-Hellenic Greeks. I'm a member of SGRho, in the deep south and we mostly work together sponsoring events, fundraisers, forums, etc. Most of the elites were also members of other groups like Boulé, Jack & Jill, or the Links, etc. That's another story...

I attended a PWI (Penn State) and the d9 organizations were corny AF. All they did was fight at parties and be known for drama amongst the already small black student population. The interest that I once had dried up even with me having d9 members in my own family. I eventually joined the order of the Eastern Star.

I just don't understand the whole hazing thing. Look, ain't no damn way I'm paying nearly a quarter of a million dollars in tuition to let some 19 year old brand and spank me just so I can be apart of a clique of future office middle management mf'ers.

All those fees and foolishness and NO CAMPUS HOUSES👀🙄Ridiculous

I remember being invited to alot of AKA stuff I got an aunt in that stuff and i love her but that lifestyle just never fitted me.. they live different i cant do that 😅

I've never heard of a Greek letter org, white or black, that was not elitist. Private organizations are elitist. They all have some sort of cost and some sort of pledging. I've actually heard of more hazing deaths from white frats than from blk ones. I just don't see how you trade a problematic black org for a problematic white one. If these orgs are problematic then don't join. As far as fun is concerned, I'm sure it's based on the University and the chapter, not the org itself.

When you have access to better things, you tend to move in circles that don’t even do the same things.

D9s are similar to elitism. They have these rituals to get in. Makes you wonder who really controls the world.

So? It’s suppose to be. Everything isn’t for everyone and everyone isn’t invited. So I don’t get what the point of this one.

I would also like to point out that you can frame higher education as an idea, elitist as well. If we are navigating elitist spaces, is it not the duty for those of us in these high pressure spaces to find a space where we feel we belong? I never did join one of the D9 in undergrad, but I was friends with the girls who did and they had a bond of togetherness and sisterhood navigating academic spaces which still are not accepting of black and brown people. So I feel this arguement is a bit reductionist by calling it elitist or privileged. Once you enter higher education as a black person, you automatically gain a privilege according to society

😬 Not a single lie told ☕️🫖

This yound lady is droppin' info!!

Wasn't It in Black Fraternities and Sororities, that the paper bag test was the most enabled?

This would be a great conversation with non members and members at various levels. Those from hbcu s and pwis. This is a great topic to discuss between us because there is a level a classism simple due to the fact that many poc did not and couldn’t not attend college because keep in mind college being a norm is a relatively new thing. It is silly to prop up the idea of being wealthy, private travel, luxury goods as being a goal in our society and then rejecting the idea that a d9 wants to be considered elite and only want “the best”. Once again however this would be a great and eye opening conversation to have amongst ourselves. I do think while maintaining standards, you must adjust to the times. We need to have conversations about endowments and investing at hbcus and d9’s history through now to have a real understanding of our history so we can make sure our hbcus and d9’s have a strong and healthy future.

You hold the people as the org if you want it you will do it and make it better simple people gone be people

Can we have a longer conversation around this? Because I had these same thoughts in school and it was not expanded on.

I still want to pledge grad chapter. However, I totally get what u are saying because I have family who are in these sororities. Even with them being in these organizations I haven't heard much about it until I was invited to an event when I was in HS about to graduate. It's so secretive.

Origins rooted in pagan Greek culture. Nuff said.

That's what sadly turned me off from it. It's like fear and classism does not feel lime sisterhood to me.

I’m gonna keep my 1906 mouth shut on this one😭😭

Brown paper bag test.

I can understand why folks would take it personal but they’re trying to weed out the front hours from those who are seriously ready to be a service to the community. A lot of folks are just pledging I’m trying to place for a jacket and a little bit of clout but I don’t want to do the daily community work that these organizations mandate them to do. And I’m not saying it’s a perfect process but the fear is if you just make it super open you’ll get way more members Who will just waste time in fall off as soon as they finish the pledge process. They are looking for lifelong commitment and folks are really turned on by the dancing and the brotherhood from the outside but that Mundane and work you got a put in day in and day out. It’s really a shocker for a lot of folks. They’re just not cut out for it. These are not party organizations will you just meet up with your girlfriends I have a good time and dress cute and that’s it. And there are other photos of sororities who are only into that and that’s fine. But most of the D nines have a mandate to be of service to the community. That takes time and money and plenty of it. You’re talking about organizations literally giving out millions every year and scholarship money for their local areas. Funding mentorship programs community cleanup programs, lobbying to their federal and state representatives. Then you got a pay for the buildings that you have lawyers on retainer material supplies that you’re sending out all the chapters. This is a business to in such a way that is an official organization that Hass to maintain a certain level of standards and transparency to his members. Paying members want to see folks doing work and wanna see their money Getting things done.

So honest, I would’ve loved to have joined the D9. But had no clue they existed, my parents are Haitian, and raise in a pro dominantly white community. And they were not visible at my university 20 plus years ago.

I wanted to be in one of the D9 sororities so bad (not gone say which one), and I would ask around to figure out how to be apart of it. But I would always get the run around and was told to just “go to the events,” and “do my own research.” Later on down the line someone finally told me that they probably just didn’t want me. And I’m ngl, that hurt like hell lol like damn, y’all didn’t even want to give me a chance?

Okay - unpopular opinion : it’s okay to be set apart and have some level of elitism when it has nothing to do with your basic human rights. It’s okay to have privilege if it’s not digging your heel into someone else’s back.

It's about status, or creating status...it was never about education, knowledge for the world around them....and that goes back to slavery.

WELP!!

For real!

What is your definition of recruitment? I never recruited and I attended an HBCU.

I knew one delta growing up. No one else! She pledged grad-school. She talked about it proud but was secretive about it in any other aspect. I didn’t even know it was a college thing smh or the benefits. Just knew they were proud of colors.

I was so excited to rush Delta during my sophomore year, but it was a hot mess internally with all the organizations..there was a lot of tension, fighting and questionable activities. It didn't seem sisterly/brotherly at all. Lots of sexual & physical assaults during pledging. Not to mention the pyramid schemes paying those expensive fees. It wasn't for me.

Spike Lee needs to remake school daze

In my family there's plenty of D9's, generational, and I can't think of many nails you didn't hit.

Let’s be clear, these organizations were founded by young college students. Of course young people are capable of making said decisions. However, if a person finds they have made an ill decision, leaving said organizations is a very simple, drama free process. The lifetime commitment is At Will ONLY!

Taking wood?

Sororities and fraternities have always sucked I don’t know why people think it’s cool LOL