Guest Rebuttal Editorial – Prince Sherwood on Phi Beta Sigma Inductions
September 29th, 2009
Some time ago, Mo’Kelly offered an editorial on the induction practices of BGLOs and their present state. Mr. Prince Sherwood of Phi Beta Sigma took the time to put pen to paper to offer an alternative view in response and make the case for a less dire picture depicting Phi Beta Sigma specifically and BGLOs more generally. As always is the case in The Mo’Kelly Report, ALL (respectfully constructed) viewpoints are welcome and will be given equal space in which to be expressed. To that end, may I present Mr. Richard Prince of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Mo’Kelly’s original piece HERE.
Holding On To The Old, While Embracing The New.
The only way I can formulate a response you is to hold on to the old, while embracing the new. When I listen to the radio here in Tampa, Florida I’m amazed by the “Old School” hip hop mixes going back to Biggie, Tupac and every other rapper from the mid-1990’s. Yet, I clearly remember the birth of hip hop circa the late 1970’s because I was there, deep in the underground movement before the Crash Crew’s mix tape was so hot it made it to the radio. What does this have to do with your article of Greeks selling out?
Everything! It places everything in perspective.
While Greeks like myself can relate to tradition by thinking back to the early1980’s, my younger Greek Brothers and Sisters will consider “old school” tradition to be centered in the 90’s decade. The same can be said of me by a Greek who joined in the 1970’s and of them by someone who joined in the 1960’s, etc all the way back to our Founders.
So it seems that with each passing decade a layer of prestige is peeled off the Black Greek Lettered Organizations, i.e. the privileges and exclusivity of membership; while new layers are added on. (I for one would have never thought Party Walking would replace Stepping, but in some areas it has). And so goes the change in time. It could be said that Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, (already known as a Fraternity of Firsts: African Presidents; Creation of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, with Omega Psi Phi; Constitutionally Bound Brother/Sister), is embracing change by
inducting high profile people, which puts Phi Beta Sigma on the lips of many who may not have considered joining a BGLO.
OLD SCHOOL TRADITION – Mo’Kelly, I share your irritation when I see high school students stepping and carrying on customs traditionally reserved for college Fraternities. I’ve learned to accept the change by understanding the influence BGLO’s have on these kids and if one more student makes it to collegeas a result of emulating Black Greeks then it makes me a proud Sigma Man. It should be said that over the past five years 100% of our Sigma Beta youth group in Tampa have gone on to attend four year Universities, and though it wasn’t required, some have even joined Phi Beta Sigma. There is a certain feeling with seeing a young man grow and develop through your Sigma Beta Club only to come back a few years later as your Fraternity Brother.
1980’s HAZING – There were some schools that had admirable initiation practices, [mine being one of them. In nearly 30 years of Greek life there has been zero instances of hazing suspensions at Stony Brook University]. By design, pledging is meant to break down an individual, strip them of their personality and character flaws and build them up into a Sigma, Kappa, Omega or Alpha Man. Same is true with Sororities, but as the Black Panthers gave way to the Crips & Bloods, some gangland mentality permeated their way into our Greek system and degraded our initiation practices to nothing more than a gangland beat down. The result, as you noted in your article, was the abolishment of pledging altogether. Unfortunately we threw out the Good with the Bad and joining a Fraternity or Sorority further lost a significant amount of symbolism.
CAPITALISM / CORPORATE GREED – So now you have members in the Divine Nine whose value systems are farther apart from our founders and more aligned with commercialization. People run for office within their Fraternity/Sorority not for the love and advancement of their organization, but for the opportunity to misappropriate funds, embezzle and otherwise pad their resume. These people are already looking ahead at their next conquest and
leave no lasting legacy. I’m sure each member of the Divine Nine can point to at least one individual whose advancement in their organization was more for political gain rather than safeguarding and advancing their organizations. It is what it is and the only message I have for critics is step up or shut up.
SHERYL UNDERWOOD – Is a professional celebrity. We each have at least one in our respective organizations, but she has stepped up to the plate, showing her love for Zeta and took the reigns of the organization. I’ve had the opportunity to see her at our recent Conclave in New Orleans and trust that Zeta Phi Beta is in good hands.Now, has Arthur Ashe ever been Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi? Will Michael Jordan, or Bill Cosby ever run Omega Psi Phi? Besides Ms. Underwood for Zeta, has there ever been an instance when a high profile figure also served as President of their Fraternity or Sorority? And trust me, Soror Underwood is all about business when it comes to Zeta. If you want to see jokes then purchase a ticket to the Improv.
In Closing;
What exactly “Does it say when the latest round of Phi Beta Sigma honorary inductees, only the White man – Bill Clinton – has a degree from an accredited four-year college or university? Mo’Kelly says it won’t be long before all of us are irrelevant, then extinct.”
(On the contrary).
What it says is Phi Beta Sigma has (1) reinvented itself to such a significant extent as to be deemed worthy of membership by high profile people in government, science and media arts and, (2) we continue to be the Vanguards of
the Divine Nine. Finally, if the term honorary is so offensive, why not ask the dignitaries of our respective organizations to return and/or decline the many honorary PhD’s that are conferred not as a measure of academic achievement, but for life time achievements.
The author of this article, Prince Sherwood, is the Vice President of the Tampa Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. The Tampa Alumni Chapter is also the recipient of the 2009 Southern Regional Chapter of the Year Award and repeated that distinction at the 2009 Conclave by receiving the Model Chapter of the Year. Visit us on the web at www.tampasigmas.com or contact the chapter at info@tampasigmas.com.
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Tags: NPHC BGLOs, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Tampa Sigmas, Zeta Phi Beta
17 Responses to “Guest Rebuttal Editorial – Prince Sherwood on Phi Beta Sigma Inductions”
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In all the hoopla about Bro Clinton, I think we forgot all about when the Happy Warrior was made an Alpha -- or am I now telling my age………………
I think Mr. Sherwood did a good job “rebutting” you, Morris. He was respectful and thorough in his analysis.
As someone who might join a frat one day, I’m not sure if I “buy” his hazing argument. That’s what makes folks not want to mess around with any BGLO. Life is a hazing process itself (with holding patterns and disappointments). I don’t need ANYBODY to teach me what the Lord God Almighty already has in store.
He went through the GREATEST hazing process so that we would become the real “new” creatures. And that IS, what I feel, will be the down fall of all BGLOs. There’s this fake PR strategy of saying hazing will not be tolerated but it still goes on in undergrad chapters.
I don’t like the stepping because it goes on more in the church, which is a house of PRAYER-not PLAY. Plus, we must teach our children more than just performing all the time. You can’t do dances in the medical lab or the Congressional floor.
Overall, this was a fine effort. I enjoyed.
Very good arguements were brought forth by the young man. I still agree with some of MoKelly’s points as well. These origanizations need to become more global because the world doesn’t just consist of the U.S. Many could reach outside of the US to help their people who are hurting all over the world. If they don’t they remain stale and irrelevant. Honorary degrees have lost some their luster because diploma mills are accused of giving them out. They only mean something to me when the peron has amde a significant contribution to society. Alicia Keys receiving one versus Shirley Chisolm (who you know completed her education, versus Keys who did 2 years) both have made contributions but the honorary was not made for commercial purposes.
Zack I don’t agree about the stepping, I read somewhere that the African President from Ghana introduced stepping from African dance traditions. When I see some South Africans dance, the rhythem and movements remind of steps that Black greeks try to emulate.
Zack I agree with your accessment of hazing. The world, racism, lack of education, or heck the devil himself do enough to “initiate” you into life. God gives you test the can prove you are ready to move to the next level. You continue to fail his test you will have to keep repeating the test and he gives you the answer book! Sadly at times hazing creates a group think mentality to some persons in the origanzation. (Look no further than MoKelly’s report on the AKAs. Some are scared to challenge BAM in fear of losing their “pearls” yet girlfriend is robbing them blind and ain’t stepping down for the good of the origanization. sorry for being so long!!
Mr Sherwood, let me disabuse you of the notion that Zeta Phi Beta proudly upholds Ms. Underwood’s leadership. You need to speak only on what you KNOW, not what you THINK you know. You foolishly laud my organization for “choosing” an entertainer to lead us. The other BGLOs won’t compromise the rich heritage, the great legacy, the great works of their proud organizations by choosing entertainers to lead them. Let me disabuse you of the notion that we are “proud” of her. Many of my sisters in Blue and White are embarrassed by this debacle. She wasn’t ELECTED! She was SELECTED! Which is MY first problem with her “psuedo leadership.” Secondly, what we all do professionally, IS how we are judged personally. A vulgar, misogynistic comedian is now the face of Zeta. Would you accept THAT as the face of Phi Beta Sigma? I think not! Lipstick on a pig -- doesn’t make it anything but a pig with lipstick!
CrabbyGurl for president ’16!
CrabbyGurl was being polite!
Soror Underwood STOLE the office of IGB with the help and assistance of others.
And that includes those so bereft of knowledge of the basic principles of parliamentary procedure as to NOT KNOW what "majority rules" meant.
I have spent the last year trying to get sorors to understand that while 605 voted for her, more than 1000 voted for someone else.
Those 1000 sorors and the intelligent folks back home have mobilized, taken up arms, and are ready to do battle.
It's what happens when basic principles are ignored and cast aside!
These are perilous times.
When we emerge we will realize that this depression is greater than that of 1929 yet Soror Underwood had the National Executive Board meeting last January on the West Coast.
Then there was a poorly attended but expensive grand reopening of national headquarters timed to coincide with the inauguration in DC the next week or so.
FOLLOW THE MONEY FOLKS!
She may not be stealing it, but she's sure spending it like a sailor on shore leave?
Those of us who are in it to win it -- or for the long haul -- have absolutely no idea how long it will take to bind up the wounds left as she and her crew slash through our organization like Attila the Hun.
But it will take more than clicking my size 6b slippers three times!
Pretty scholarly, but the reference being made is AKeys has made significant contributions to AIDS awareness, Africa and children's issues, we as African Americans sadly enough tend to go for style over substance. Hence may comparsion with a Shirely Chisolm. If it will give you an apples to apples point AKeys versus Oprah Winfrey receiving Honorary degrees. Both have made significant contributions however Winfrey is looking to African and female's futures with her leadership academy. Honorary degrees are nice publicity for your school or origanization, however I look to the person's personal and professional achievements not just if they can fill out a Versace gown, dunk a basketball, etc.
Mo, you are quick I just hammered out my response.
I totally agree with your answer. I think she is a hellva musician/pianist. She carries herself with class and grace when interviewed, however we need to show people who are making contributions to society in making changes that effects the overall structure of how we are viewed as a people. Sheryl Lee Ralph's Diva's Singning, Bob Johnson in Liberia, shoot Cosby showing another side of Black America.
Alicia Keys carries herself with style and grace? LOL
Home-wrecking ain't stylish or graceful. Ever.
Fed up said…She carries herself with class and grace when interviewed
"When interviewed." Esbee, Fed Up never gave Alicia general style and grace credit. Just wanted to put that out there.
I have to say this. Fed up, do you realize Alicia Keys attended Columbia University at the age of 16? Columbia is not exactly letting in people off the street. I’d say that the girl had to be pretty scholarly at some point.
@ Moi,
Nobody would ever say that Alicia Keys wasn't brilliant academically. But the point here is dropping out of college to pursue a music career is not in line with what Alpha Kappa Alpha ostensibly stands for. My other point is that AKA can "honor" the achievements and service of Alicia Keys in ways OTHER than honorary membership.
The bottom line is I would not want my daughter to grow up and drop out of college to chase a music dream. She could wait two years…and that's coming from someone who worked in the music industry for many, many years.
I remember meeting Alicia when J. Records presented her to the industry. And as with all artists, she could've succeeded or failed. At the time she wasn't even the main priority of the label, it was the artist Olivia, who now is a side artist for 50 Cent and doing a lot of nothing. A music career can go either way. But AKA is supposedly about scholarly attainment.
Dropping out is not that and will never be.
Prince, you are so completely out of line on GP. You don't know all the facts. As my good Soror Edda points out, this is an issue of fundamentals. So please go sit down and STFU! Your commentary was nothing more than a veiled opportunity to shine light on you and your chapter while seeming to support Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Guess what? Those of us standing on the side of right already know the answer. And as painful and as embarassing as it may be, we have every intention of removing the d-list comic from her fake throne and send her and all of her theiving cronies (co-conspirators) off in orange jumpsuits. Before any of you readers decide its so cool to hold office google "Fiduciary duties". And ask yourself are you ready to be held accountable on ALL these levels. Sheryl Underwood is no SOROR of Zeta she has been and continues to be grosly negligent in upholding her pledge to Zeta and as pointed out in another post any semblance of fiscal responsibility.
Mo, you have a couple more non-truths in your original article. Terrance Howard and Martin Lawrence are not and never have been members of my organization of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Your closing arguement states that Bill Clinton is the only one of the recent inductees that has a college degree. This is incorrect as well. Al Roker attended the State University of New York at Oswego where he double majored in graphic design and broadcasting/journalism in college. AS a final note, it should also be said that the last time we made anybody honorary, it was Blair Underwood in the early 1990's.
Disabuse Disabuse Disabuse. Wow. Looks like someone hit the Shift F7 and looked up a $1000 word to use in a $25 conversation. Lighten up people. And to the Zeta's beating up on your own brother. That's tacky and yet you complain about Sherryl being your president. Grow up.
Mo'Kelly keep up the good work man. Seems like you touched on a nerve here.
As a member of Phi Beta Sigma I sit here at 4:00 am shocked at how far we African-Americans have fallen. There was a time when the role of BGLO's were understood because they were needed. While many of us stand confuse the fight before the African-American community is still the same it just has been masked better. Many great people have come through BGLO's through many different channels and for many different reasons. I bring this point to the light because it seems like many comments that I have been reading fail to take into consideration the goals behind BGLO's. For those who are not aware of it the orginal purpose of BGLO's was to provide a venue for young blacks in college to try to improve the quality of life on their campus and college community. As organizations have grown from their founding schools and states to a now global society so have the goals grown as well. The truth is many people fail to complete college but they going on anddo great things and they should be recognized. Other people are brought into organizations because of their names for a purpose. We are fools if we think that we can stay to ourselves and maintain strict unbending membership rules and still benefit society as a whole. Some people may never hear of Phi Beta Sigma without it having now been connected with Bill Clinton, Al Sharton or anyone else who has become a member of Sigma in a less than traditional fashion. The same thing goes for any other BGLO. I still work with people who think fraternity and sorority life is only for college and partying ends when you graduate. There is a need for the high profile members because they can reach people that we can't.
As for my sorors who are upset with the state of Zeta while I respect your opinions I encourage you to present your arguments in a better way. Brother Sherwood who I know very well is a good man and by know means was trying to get involved with the politics of Zeta. Zeta business is Zeta business and should remain as such an should not be vented in a public forum just because you are upset. If you believe that a change is needed do what you have to do to get but do it within the ideals and standards of what a Zeta should be. Just to provide an example I am school teacher and aspiring vice principal. My current principal is not a very good leader and she has made my school staff very upset and calling for her removal. While I feel I can do the job better I do not bash or put her down in public but I do work hard so that my work is recognized. By doing so people listen when I speak and they respect my opinions. SO, sorors I encourage you to fight your fight but do it through actions and work. With that I wish you all well and ask you all BGLO members or not please do something in your community to help but an end to gang violence and to encourage children to stay in school. Let's make people who came before us like Charles Hamilton Houston proud.
Well stated my Brother William M. It really breaks my heart to see my sorors airing their disapproval of Underwood in such a public forum. I know plenty of Zetas who support Soror Underwood because she is now the face of Zeta like it or not. The office deserves respect. After seeing her on national TV talk about Zeta, she represented Zeta better than any of the other orgs represented on the show, matter of fact she was representing the Divine 9 and she did it with class.