NPHC is a Step Back

Written By: Vince Jacobs and Taikein Cooper

*Disclaimer* This in no way is a Greek hate entry. I really respect the things the NPHC has done in the past for African Americans and understand the pride members take in their organizations. I respect the process, and all individuals involved. Both of my parents are proud NPHC members (Alabama A&M). When I say PWI throughout this entry I mean major (BCS conference) colleges, not necessarily the literal definition.
                   With that being said, I feel like the NPHC has no place at PWI’s.  I can understand the importance of these organizations on black campuses. From an outside opinion, Greeks, especially at black schools are the elites of their campus. Socially they are the top of the food chain, and the members are from every aspect of campus.  These are racially distinct organizations on racially specific campuses.

This is a different story at PWI’s. In contrast the NPHC at PWI’s is a very isolated part of the community especially among upperclassmen. Compared to HBCU’s where the whole community embraces these organizations. At PWI’s the majority of campus don’t even understand or recognize these groups. The NPHC hasn’t been able to integrate itself into the community at large and that is where it has failed. In order to be associated with this organization you have to essentially isolate yourself from campus, where at an HBCU the campus embraces these organizations as leaders and cornerstones of the community.

 As African Americans have expanded their presence on these major campuses they have decided to bring traditions from HBCU’s with them. Was this really necessary? I agree that we should make sure we have a presence on campus and our culture should be represented, but why would we segregate ourselves. Why not use some of these students to try to diversify some of the more notable campus wide organizations. Where we are truly being seen, heard, and respected by the campus at large. If you want to be a part of an exclusive group why limit yourself to the confines of just the African American campus. Can an organization where only an eighth of the campus would be interested in applying truly be considered “exclusive”? Why not use this opportunity to prove yourself exclusive to the community at large. The neighborhood HBCU down the street is not who you’re competing with. It seems like that’s who we are trying to impress.

When you are accepted into one the top schools in your given state you have already proven your elite status. If you are a student at one these schools you are an elite student, if you are an athlete at one of these schools you are an elite athlete, etc. Being a black student at these Universities already proves that you are elite, you don’t have to separate yourself from the general population to prove that. It’s now time to prove yourself against a larger pond. Being at a PWI gives you a four year head start in assimilating into American culture. This opportunity gives you the chance to understand and succeed at being a minority in a competitive atmosphere. Why waste that chance by joining a segregated group.

NPHC Greeks at PWI’s are not considered elite by their peers. Yes there is a selection process, but when the best of the best don’t apply can the organization really be considered elite. It may be the best of a small clique but not the best of the whole.

@TCOOP32

At the end of the day it comes down to what we value.  My people, value the wrong things.  We value things that in the grand scheme of things mean absolutely nothing in the real world, while our Caucasian counterparts value things that will help them get ahead.  This is why white fraternities and sororities leave their Greek life in college. You will NEVER see a white person with a Greek license plate unless it is Phi Theta Kappa which is the honor society.  We all know that my people throw their respected organization on their license plates cover, while white people put their respected alma maters on theirs.

My problem with NPHC is the same problem I have with HBCUs…they are systematically creating this fantasy world of what the real world looks like.  As an outsider (and correct me if I’m misinformed), it seems that NPHC and HBCUs foster this idea of black independence and isolation from “the man”, but we all know this is untrue in the real world.  The real world is a mirror image of what HBCUs and NPHC promotes. Frankly, I feel that NPHC at PWI’s have an antiquated purpose.  During the 60s and 70s, they played an integral role in inclusion.  In 2011, it’s a means to separate us once again.  Furthermore, if you plan to participate, leave it in college, don’t be strolling in grown folks events!!

Just a Thought