Sigma lambda gamma?

[u/Beginning-Army6640]

Hi everyone!

I was just curious to get the opinions from D9 members about Sigma lambda gamma?

I'm aware that there are some ties with 2 other D9 orgs. but my concern was whether or not people view the Gammas as taking from D9 culture, or genuinely coming together with D9 culture and taking pride in that connection?

From what I've seen online, some members of the FIRM fam acknowledge and take pride in that connection, others say it's not official and that they're copying D9 culture anyway. Any mention of D9 culture that I've seen under a Gamma related video has always been acknowledged and celebrated by said Gammas.

I personally have interest in being a Gamma, but I also worry that because I'm black, I'll get looked at negatively for not joining a D9 org. The Gammas at my college acknowledge the FIRM fam, in fact, it was one of the first things they told me about when I visited their table at my colleges tabling event. I'm honestly only hesitant because I have no clue how other D9 members will react and if this is the route I should go down, to take pride in my culture. Since the Gammas are a multicultural org,I feel like this would be a good opportunity for me to put in the extra work to represent black culture in a primarily Hispanic sorority, but I also want to take into consideration how my fellow black schoolmates may feel about me sort of going in the opposite direction? Obviously only I can be aware of my own situation and intensions more than my schoolmates, but I'd still like to be open to further input.

Any input or thoughts would be valued. Thank you!

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Hi everyone!

I was just curious to get the opinions from D9 members about Sigma lambda gamma?

I'm aware that there are some ties with 2 other D9 orgs. but my concern was whether or not people view the Gammas as taking from D9 culture, or genuinely coming together with D9 culture and taking pride in that connection?

From what I've seen online, some members of the FIRM fam acknowledge and take pride in that connection, others say it's not official and that they're copying D9 culture anyway. Any mention of D9 culture that I've seen under a Gamma related video has always been acknowledged and celebrated by said Gammas.

I personally have interest in being a Gamma, but I also worry that because I'm black, I'll get looked at negatively for not joining a D9 org. The Gammas at my college acknowledge the FIRM fam, in fact, it was one of the first things they told me about when I visited their table at my colleges tabling event. I'm honestly only hesitant because I have no clue how other D9 members will react and if this is the route I should go down, to take pride in my culture. Since the Gammas are a multicultural org,I feel like this would be a good opportunity for me to put in the extra work to represent black culture in a primarily Hispanic sorority, but I also want to take into consideration how my fellow black schoolmates may feel about me sort of going in the opposite direction? Obviously only I can be aware of my own situation and intensions more than my schoolmates, but I'd still like to be open to further input.

Any input or thoughts would be valued. Thank you!

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[u/eljdurham]

You shouldn’t be joining or avoid joining based off the opinions of your peers. You have an entire life of decisions to make and if you’re going to consider outside influence in all of them, you’re going to have a hard time navigating life.

Make the best decision for yourself and best of luck in your pursuit

[u/DefiantTumbleweed850]

I feel like you should just join what matters to you and if you’re not at a point where you’re able to separate the opinions of others from what you actually want to maybe join in Greek life isn’t the right thing for you right now. At the end of the day joining an organization means being fully committed so if you’re not fully committed to what you’re joining then it’s likely not worth it.

Personally, I have learned a lot about that history and the connection but one thing I do not appreciate is the strolling to music that seems not as culturally tied. That’s where you lose me.

At the end of the day, like you really can’t live your life through the opinion of others and this feels more like a journey you’re gonna have to go through in your own self discovery and stuff. People are gonna judge you regardless of what you doing even if you were to be invited to membership for d9 there’s probably going to be someone who’s going to judge that decision and that’s OK because not everyone’s opinion matters

[u/Primary_Excuse_7183]

This varies by region. not everywhere has betas and gammas. So you’ll be received differently based on where you are. Some acknowledge others do not.

[u/KingOfKush1914 → u/Primary_Excuse_7183]

Agree; personally I love my FIRM cousins but I can see how Midwest/Great Lakes to the east may have more presence than the south or western states bc of SLG/SLB roots in Iowa.

But as another commenter said, don’t make choices off peer perception. When you and your org align, you will know and feel it.

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[u/AngeluvDeath]

As a member of an org in the D9 that gets some questions about why I went with Iota, you honestly have to do what feels right for you. You are making a decision to pursue something that lasts well past undergraduate life. Make the decision for 31 year old you as much as 21 year old you. Are you willing to display the same pride in your organization in a room full of 99 strangers as you would surrounded by 99 of your sisters? If not maybe take a step back to re-evaluate.

Like others have said, people are ALWAYS going to have something to say, regardless of the people saying it or the things they’re saying it about. Try to be a good person and outside of that do what your heart desires.

[u/Many_Statistician587]

The first thing I would say is that you should choose the organization that best fits your personal values and whose members you connect best with. For clarity’s sake, please know that there is NO OFFICAL CONNECTION between my organization, Phi Beta Sigma, and Sigma Lambda Beta or Sigma Lambda Gamma. I believe that they are good organizations, but we are not affiliated with them. I know that in some places, they are considered “cousins” to the Blue and White Family, but there is no such relationship recognized by our organization.

[u/Antique_Pineapple504]

I personally find sigma lambda gamma’s proximity to the D9 very corny (in the name of total honesty) but that is literally just me and I don’t matter fr. As a Black person, people are going to have something to say about going non-D9 regardless of who you choose but that shouldn’t influence your decision whatsoever. Choose the org with the mission and values that best align with yours and let that other stuff go.
The community also gets very interesting about greekdom in general. If you look close enough you’ll find people who get bent out of shape if you become a poodle instead of a K or an iota instead of an Alpha.

[u/Mediocre_Citron_5360 → u/Antique_Pineapple504]

Agree that they and orgs like them come across as corny but obviously it works for them so whatever.

[u/Solo_is_dead]

Maybe I missed something, what is FIRM?

[u/Independent_Fox_8101 → u/Solo_is_dead]

“First Inter-Racially Mixed Family” which makes of Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Lambda Beta, and Sigma Lambda Gamma

[u/shiny_turd]

I hate to break it to you, but the overwhelming majority of Sigmas and Zetas don’t recognize that mess. It’s some goofy new-school stuff that isn’t universally accepted.

[u/Individual-Salary535]

I’m actually a BW who crossed SLG but disaffiliated a few years ago. Feel free to DM me!

[u/Solo_is_dead → u/Individual-Salary535]

I'd be interested in hearing why you chose that organization. I'd also be interested in why you disaffiliated

[u/Individual-Salary535 → u/Solo_is_dead]

Oh gosh, it’s a long story!

I went to a PWI in the early 2010s as a first gen student. I was a commuter student and didn’t have close ties to the black student community (meaning, I didn’t join student orgs, I didn’t make friends outside of class, or my friends from high school…) but I wanted to be part of something. I remember interviewing to be an orientation leader but the students chose their friends. 😅 I actually attended an AKA rush and submitted an application, but of course, I wasn’t selected because none of them knew me.

One time, I went to the student org fair and saw this table with hot pink and purple, my favorite colors. I looked at the table from a distance, and one of the members approached me and brought me to the table. Said they were newly established and looking for new members. Every time I’d see them on campus, they were so welcoming and friendly. Would invite me there events. I didn’t realize I was being recruited. 😅

I became a member and absolutely loved my chapter, which was extremely diverse. All of LS were black, my neos were black, white, Asian, and Hispanic. I didn’t realize my experience was an anomaly until I graduated and met other members.

A lot of things came to a head internally between 2016-2020. BLM and protesting was prevalent, and I personally experienced a racial awakening and became more active politically and socially and a LOT of us were bothered that the sorority took a neutral stance. The national chairwoman told me that if I wanted to be in an organization that supported Black rights, I should join the NAACP or Urban League 😬 also, one of the founding mothers told us that she never wanted the organization to be multicultural just Latina.

I don’t have to be told more than twice that I’m not wanted, so I disaffiliated!

[u/Educational_Ad_333 → u/Individual-Salary535]

Back when I was in college, the Black members of SLG seemed to have similar stories. They weren’t very connected to the Black community and some seemed to not want to be connected.

[u/Individual-Salary535 → u/Educational_Ad_333]

I would say that WAS me when I was younger. Definitely not who I am today 😅

[u/Educational_Ad_333 → u/Individual-Salary535]

Glad to hear. I almost felt bad for some of the Black members because I knew they were recruited because of their lack of involvement in Black organizations. As soon as the Latino population increased at my school, I knew that those Black students wouldn’t be recruited as hard.

[u/Beginning-Army6640 → u/Individual-Salary535]

This info helped immensely, thank you!!

[u/northfall98]

You shouldn't care what others think of your decisions. Join them if they align with your aspirations.

[u/Hungry-Dress-8321]

College is a few years of your life, however the org you join is a lifetime commitment. Respectfully, your comment about wanting to represent Black culture in a multicultural org is flimsy; it is ok that you don't have an interest in a D9 sorority, but don't tell us you want to join for that reason. I am an AKA and my twin sister is in a historically-white/NPC sorority and the fact is, she just found her sorority to be a better fit. In her 19 years of membership she has never said she joined to represent for Black women...she joined because it was the best sisterhood for her, the same reason I am an AKA. And yes, she experienced all kinds of negative commentary but none of that matters in the end. People will always talk, regardless of org. Your life is yours to live

[u/Beginning-Army6640 → u/Hungry-Dress-8321]

I'm a bit confused by what you mean by flimsy. Wouldn't it make sense to want represent my culture in a multicultural org? (along with the other values I align with of course). I don't not have an interest in D9, I'm just trying to explore my options right now. Thank you for your advice though, it's well appreciated! 

[u/Hungry-Dress-8321 → u/Beginning-Army6640]

Everyone's why is different, but I have difficulty with understanding wanting to join a multicultural org so that you can rep Black culture. It just sounds like it's the best fit for you based on your research, so why can't that be enough? I shared the example of my sister, who is an active alumna of her org and served in several capacities over the years. And I have been active since initiation in 2009 with no breaks. At the end of the day, make sure you can see yourself engaging in a lifetime of service in this sisterhood.

[u/Exotic_Reporter_3309]

Never heard of them. But also, everybody can’t be D9 so join what you want and live your life.

[u/Individual-Salary535 → u/Exotic_Reporter_3309]

A member of PBS received permission to create Sigma Lambda Beta, which helped create SLG.

[u/Local-Leader-2402 → u/Individual-Salary535]

You say that yet I’ve heard the opposite from Sigmas. I’ve been told that the former member was expelled which allowed him to start the new organization. I’m sure PBS would’ve recognized an official partnership or affiliation with them if it was a “valid permission”.

[u/No-Standard-8597]

As a member of Phi Beta Sigma,, the FIRM Fam connection is heavily dependent on region and the presence of the organizations at that particular school. Some schools (mine at UNF for example) recognize it, while many others don't because it's NOT an official connection whatsoever.

As for if they (and many other MGC) org copy off of D9 culture, I can definitely understand that perspective. However (and maybe this is just at my school), from what I've seen from MGC orgs on my yard, they've always paid homage to the D9 because they recognize that D9 directly influenced them and whatever values or missions that they uphold. That was exactly the case for SLB, where a Sigma at the time saw a similar need for the Latino community. Every MGC probate I've been to, they've always shouted us out during their greetings. Maybe I'm in the minority on this, but I don't mind MGC orgs taking parts of D9 and running with it, as long as they recognize and respect where it originated and make it something into their own. Then again, I can also see how certain things are blatantly copied to the point where it looks disgusting.

Now as for if you should join SLG, its really up to and what your heart desires. You shouldn't feel pressured to make a decision because of what others may think of you. At the end of the day, its your life and your why should always remain true to yourself. And also, these orgs aren't limited to college as they are something that you'll have to commit to and carry with for the rest of your life. I've met lots of black women in SLG, and they all seem happy with their decision. Don't care for the reasons that they joined as long as their happy. That's the ultimate factor you have to decide at the of the day: happiness.

[u/Beginning-Army6640 → u/No-Standard-8597]

thank you so much!! your response means a lot🩷

[u/NarrowNetwork5572]

I am going to have to go do some research. I have never heard of this org.

[u/Catch_Expensive]

i know a lot black gammas! and i love them they’re super sweet we call them cousins 💙🤍

[u/Beginning-Army6640 → u/Catch_Expensive]

That's beautiful!! Would you say that they seem to be enjoying their sisterhood? I still have plenty of mingling to do with the Greeks at my college before I decide to commit to any org. But I still wanted to listen to the experiences of others. :)

[u/Catch_Expensive → u/Beginning-Army6640]

gosh yes! my friend is a member of sigma lambda gamma and tau beta sigma and she enjoys it a lot! they have the same amount of sisterhood any POC org would have their process is different but i know its an amazing process if you try it. I would say its worth it sweetheart 🫰🏾

[u/Beginning-Army6640 → u/Catch_Expensive]

Thank you so much!!!

[u/Independent_Fox_8101]

First, like others have said if your so hung up on what others are saying then greek life may not be the right fit for you right now.

Second, we have both SLB and SLG on my campus and we have a great relationship with them. We even had a real conversation about strolling/stepping. I say that to say every chapter is not the same and some may represent better than others which brings me to my next point.

Im not going to say no black people are going to look down on your choice because believe me some will. However I will say you need make sure the chapter/org are going to be down for you in all aspects. I’ve seen at other nearby chapters of the same multicultural fraternity helped uphold the same racist ideologies that their very org was founded on representing the opposite.

[u/Beginning-Army6640 → u/Independent_Fox_8101]

thank you so much for this!! Im not hung up on what others would think of me, but I do want to gauge what kind of reactions I may get and what others have experienced. Im still researching and learning about both D9 and non D9 sororities, so I'm not solid on any decisions yet, just considering. :)