Last Friday I attended Florida A & M's annual homecoming step show where all of the Divine Nine would be performing; Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Iota Phi Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Zeta Phi Beta. Each group took the stage interfusing a robust, yet creative balance of rhythmic steps and chants. Some groups of course were better and more energetic than others, but by the end of the show their mission to represent their fraternity or sorority through systematic steps, chants, and strolls had been accomplished.
I sat there watching the crowd stream into the arena with immeasurable energy and excitement. Each former alum of their organization was dressed to the nines in their flyest (if you're unfamiliar with this term see Urban Dictionary.com) outfit as they marched to their seat. The bass thudded throughout the arena, transporting us to another time and place...and the music, a mix of hip/hop and Classic R&B hung in the air as pleasant memories of the past resurfaced while new ones were etched into our minds.
It was at that moment that I wondered if these organizations were still representing the core values and principles they were founded upon, or were they now setting out to fulfill another more inferior purpose? This new purpose, one being designed by the world and defined by the current culture to maintain relevance, not loose cool points, and glorify one's self doesn't align with the intent of their original mission.
Many African American Greek Organizations were formed with an emphasis on public service and civil rights. Each promoting community awareness and action through educational, economic, and cultural service activities. The birth of each black fraternity or sorority (the Divine Nine) bore witness to the fact that despite hardships African Americans refused to succeed to a status of inferiority. Servanthood, justice, and empowerment of the outcast were their catalyst; their ability to identify with the felt needs of their communities, as well as their fellow man were their fuel. These organizations represented a turning point in a time of struggle...love in a time of hate, and selflessness in a time of selfishness. Each step, chant, or stroll was meant to encourage and empower the downtrodden and the outcast.
So are those core values still being lived out today? I hope so! It's my desire that we would all be agents of change, choosing to stand for something greater than ourselves; not letting the high tides of the current culture change us, but being the under current that changes the culture. After all, we were created for a purpose far greater than being cool, cute, relevant, or fashionable.
As for you always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5
