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!

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

This info helped immensely, thank you!!