African American Women Groups: the Few, the Proud & the Prominent

You may have know a few African American women in your own family belonging to a prominent social group.  These women who belong to such groups are usually considered the educated and wealthy of our society.   You don't see these women making news headlines for rump shaking.  Nor, would you witness them eye-rolling or fighting a member on a television reality show.   For the sake of Black History month, I have to mention these prominent groups and if you are interested in learning more, take the time to visit their websites.

1.  Continental Societies, Inc.

2.  The Drifters, Inc.

3.  The Carats Inc.

4.  The Moles, Inc.

5.  The Pierians

6.  The Carousels

7.  Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD)

8.  The National Smart Set

9.  The National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women's Club

10.  The Northeasterners

11.  The Order of the Eastern Star (both men and women join this)

Now I must add that I do not subscribe nor do I belong to any of these groups, so I don't get paid for mentioning any of them.  I only provide information about topics like this and others to inform the public about what is out there that have "African American" attached to it.  I question all groups irregardless of how nice, great, wonderful or uplifting they claim to be.  I have learned over the years that many people create groups for one thing only and that is the money.  With that said, you have to view all organizations with some degree of skepticism.  Not only that, conduct further study on the origins of the group.  There are those that are connected with witchcraft, divination, and idols.  Given the long history of war, abuse, and death surrounding certain philosophies, you have to think about protecting one's mind, soul and family when connecting yourself to people, places and things.

Nicholl McGuire

Black Greek Organizations

I had my share of fun times stomping with the greeks at various social events.  I was a reporter at one of the colleges that I attended and then an editor back in the 90s, so I got my share of personal invites to come to events.  The greeks knew that they would be guaranteed some media coverage, so I was often welcome. 

I can tell you that some of the greeks I met over the years are some of the hardest working people.  Sure, they know how to have a good time, but they also know how to network, event plan, and influence a community to get some things done.  This is why it is no surprise when I find out that some blacks can't be trusted with information about us, because behind them are usually non-blacks looking to make a dollar!  They don't mind using blacks from all sorts of organizations, including greek ones, to get in touch with the black community.  Rather than, take one's findings and try to uplift a community, blacks will take ideas out of the community then run them to someone or a group with money for them to make money.  The runner gets his cut and the man gets everything else!

I wanted to take this time to list those greek organizations that some of you may or may not be familiar with because chances are one day someone you might know will want to join.  Many of these groups have been around since the 1900s!  That's right, they are just that old!  I can understand why they would exist at that time considering all of the racial prejudice toward blacks back then.  What makes these groups considered popular and noteworthy is their association with other elite groups, their many circles of influence, and their social and political activism.  Non-blacks who seek "to get in touch" with the black community go to groups like this while never setting foot in a black ghetto and interviewing the people.

1.  Sigma Pi Phi Boule -- is the first black Greek-letter society and is also considered "the head" over the rest of the greek organizations, according to researchers.

2.  Alpha Phi Alpha

3.  Alpha Kappa Alpha

4.  Kappa Alpha Psi

5. Omega Psi Phi

6.  Delta Sigma Theta

7.  Phi Beta Sigma

8.  Zeta Phi Beta

9.  Sigma Gamma Rho

10.  Iota Phi Theta

A wise counselor will tell the truth about his or her experiences with a social organization.  He or she would remain un-bias and attempt to educate someone who may want to belong to a group.  There is more than meets the eye when it comes to any social group especially a black Greek one on the college level.  What I have noticed in the past, were the insults hurled at a Greek brother or sister belonging to another group usually made by someone who thought his or her group was "the best."  I saw certain skin tones hang together.  I saw certain weight classes hang together.  I heard about promiscuous men and women "being passed around" within certain groups.   I also noticed many folks badly hurt, drunk and more behind questionable pledging practices.  One chapter was closed down at a college I attended for their outrageous pledging. 

Sometimes members will sway someone (who may not be interested in a fraternal group) toward their direction just because they don't like someone or heard something bad about another group that isn't fraternal.  I personally never got involved with such groups, because I learned young that some groups are nothing more than a name, without the right connections and/or background, you simply will not go far in certain circles. 

You have to be willing to give your soul to some of these groups to really make a name for yourself.  If one should call his or herself a Christian, then he or she should know better to avoid any organization that has any occult ties, negative influences, or compromises biblical precepts.  But many, pastors, deacons and church members are tied to many of these groups and unfortunately choose to overlook the things that are not of God when attending meetings, taking oaths, viewing photos, and researching the history of these groups.  I put them all in God's hands.

Researcher Lenon Honor did an eye-opening presentation about Greek organizations.  You can view some of his material on YouTube.  You can also purchase some of his material at his website.  I was personally blown away by the history of how "gay," if you will, some of the ties to these fraternal groups are.

As you do more study about black Greek organizations, you can't help but ask yourself, "Now what is the purpose again, I'm lost?  Sure, I know that many help people, but couldn't I just do that on my own or create my own group free of the foolishness and cliques?"

Nicholl McGuire

Brainwashing for War...

Don't you just feel it?  Something strange happening in the near future.  With the recent movies of war surfacing our television screen and movie theaters again, it feels like a white, republican president and a major war ahead.  "Let's start recruiting young African American soldiers," I can hear someone say.  While we're at it, "How about destroying a black president's image to usher in a white president?"  Yeah, sounds like and looks like war and rumors of war ahead.  We have seen this movie play out for years now, right? 

If you lived long enough, you know that whenever the media wants us to think one way or another, they start with all their brainwashing.  They create a buzz around certain movies.  They start playing certain music.  Then they get a lot of so-called "experts" to talk about the "what ifs."

I don't know about you, but I really don't want to see any more wars especially at the expense of more bloodshed.  Does the military have those robots ready yet?  You know the kind that will replace humans in future wars?  There have been many years of programming about robots being capable to do human things, so why not send them?

I seriously wish that black folks from everywhere who have a long history of being broke and disgusted would just come up higher, if they would, maybe someone or some group would consider us equal.  Young black folks seriously need to stop with all the TV watching, video game playing, Internet surfing, eating poorly and calling it "soul food," and bumping and grinding and get real!  I can't tell you how many conversations I  have had with an older as well as younger generation of fools!  They just don't see anything beyond getting a paycheck or getting sexed.  You start on that trip about truth seeking and they look at you like, "Huh?  What?  I didn't know that..."  then back to business as usual.  More brainwashing through the TV and radio.  Black blood in war means nothing considering that many young black men have spilled their brothers' blood on American soil then got locked up for it, but then again, in many cases didn't!

When black mamas and daddies start considering their babies important, maybe just maybe the rest of society would at least show some respect.  These days I'm not seeing that!  I am seeing black, ignorant people being exploited in just about every industry.  Whether it is for ideas and talents or body and mannerisms, the money is not coming back home, it is being spent elsewhere!

What will it take for us to stop fighting in wars that don't matter to us?  What will it take for us to start having more compassion and respect for ourselves?  What will it take for a God who has forsaken us, because our parents forsaken him to uplift his curse off a dying nation?

Nicholl McGuire

African American Elite Groups

When you think of the many abolitionists, teachers, doctors, business men and women of yesteryear, when it comes to African American heritage, you have to know that many of these people may have gone unnoticed if it hadn't been for some elite group putting their money toward an event, class, book, group, protest, or something else to educate the public.

Over the years, I have read my share of books and spoke to people familiar with the black upper class.  If you were like me many years back, you would have never thought about blacks having any "old money" per se, because in the mainstream media this isn't what makes the news.  However, there are many African American societies who are comprised of the wealthy.  You will find that some African American intellectuals (those in law, business and medicine) aren't impressed with all the glitz and glamour of star athletes, actors, and others in the entertainment industry like one might think.  It is assumed that money celebrates money irregardless of where it might come from by those not so successful.  But that kind of thinking is contrary to what really goes on behind the scenes.  A book entitled, "Our Kind of People" by Lawrence Otis Graham will open up your eyes and mind when it comes to the black upper class.   Sports athletes and entertainers are considered "unclassy" by many African American intellectuals and aren't always welcome into certain elitist circles. 

Here is a list of African American prominent social groups.  Some of these groups cater specifically to African American men or women.

1. Sigma Pi Phi Boule
2. Links
3. Jack and Jill
4. Girl Friends
5. Continental Societies Inc.
6. 100 Black Men of America

Looking for more black organizations?  Go here.

Nicholl McGuire

A Look Back on Black History Event Organizing & Money Woes

For a decade I sat in cultural diversity and minority groups, attended classes, and participated in events for Black History Month.  I recall the excitement I experienced in the past while preparing to add my two cents worth of service during a time of learning and growing when it comes to African American pride and achievement.  However, there were those moments where my celebrating was short-lived.  Back in the day, money was short so some Black History related events would either be delayed or cancelled.  Other times a few black organizers just couldn't get it together so an event could run smoothly.  People would show up late, have less than appealing attire, or tried to make-do with whatever for whenever.  I was reminded the other day when I saw a friend's profile of the marches and the town hall meetings demonstrating social injustice, and the more things change, the more things stay the same!  There are still the big photos of black men badly beaten by officers, angry eyes with signage that protest the system, the man, or whatever the latest issue maybe, and our people yelling a chant or marching where the upsetting circumstance took place.  

So here we are in 2012, I have a birdseye view of the African American events in my old hometown and other places I have lived.  The purpose of Black History month will always be about educating the public first and then any organizer who stands to gain a little "sumethin, sumethin" will have an agenda of some sort as a close second.  The last event I attended, I saw many small black businesses tempting me with things like African art, costume jewelry, clothing, DVDs, CDs, and literature.  The first time in history, I walked away without buying something this time.  I just wanted to observe for once.  There was plenty of music, of course.  Theatrical plays were also ongoing.  I also got an opportunity to network with black women as well without being interrupted by people bumping one another and acting loud and obnoxious (you know there are always a few.)  I had a good time.

I think one of the problems about Black History Month events, besides the lack of money for some, is the lack of planning.  Some organizers feel they can just throw something together and as long as the people come, "We got something."  Now if you want a cheap looking, unorganized, subpar event, then sure throw it together.  But, if you want something that will make a lasting memory, then plan that thing at least a year in advance.  I remember attending one event that had all the following and I walked away with some nice things too--I mean nice things not some dollar store looking stuff either!

Here's what I noticed about one successful Black History Event:

1.  It was held at a venue that was near a major mall and close to highway entrances.
2.  It was well-advertised for many weeks on radio, billboards, newspaper ads, and even commercials!
3.  The news media reported about it via press releases that were sent to the major news stations in the area.
4.  The Internet was also used to help spread news about the event.
5.  Donations to help fund the event came from everywhere!  Any individual or group who wanted to be seen didn' mind paying top dollar for a booth.
6.  People had to pay a small fee to get in.
7.  Local personalities were in attendance. 
8.  There were also a couple of A-List actors expected to come. (However, they were no shows.  You found out once you were already at the event.  I had to wonder if they ever really planned on coming to begin with, hmm.  But their names did draw people!)
9.  Church support was in abundance, because they too got an opportunity to pass out information about their churches.
10.  Local schools, colleges and military besides black businesses were also in attendance.  A big draw of young people with extra money attended.
11.  Musical performances and speaking engagements were held throughout the day which kept people coming.
12.  Activities for the children were plentiful. 

Being a black person attending a black event, there is so much pressure to support your own especially when you know that there are so many small black groups and businesses that just don't have enough money.  You honestly want to help everyone, that is if you are the caring and generous type, but seriously your money is most likely already stretched.  From children's school events that require a donation just about every month to churches that often remind you about giving your tithes and offerings, it isn't any wonder that there is any money left over to "bling" as they say on the street.

Nicholl McGuire

Naive Black Folks Thinking Everybody is their Friend

It seems all innocent.  You are told about a certain black movie depicting blacks in a negative light.  You finally get to watch the movie and it's all too funny, that is between you and those who look like you.  However, there will be those one or two non-blacks in your circle who feel they know you well enough to talk to you in that "black" tone or voice.  They say the slang and might even dance a jig.  At first, you might laugh and even play along until they overdo it!  Can I just say, why allow them to entertain you in the first place?  Besides, can you trust them?

I'm guilty as charged laughing with the pretenders.  Let me explain.  Back in the day, when I didn't know any better, I would laugh along with the non-blacks when they would move their lips in a certain way, emulate ghetto language while putting their hands on their hips and rolling their necks.  But in time, I noticed a pattern that started to develop.  Every time they got around me, they felt like they had to go into character.  I was reminded of this when I sat next to a non-black twenty-something year old at my old workplace last year.  Whenever I said anything to her, she felt she had to answer with a, "Yo...cool...what up?"  One day in my best white voice I answered her back.  She looked at me, then shut up.  She didn't have much to say to me after that.

Recently, I was reminded of a past invite to go out to dinner with a friend.  During dinner, it wasn't long before I detected he was one of those know-it-all non-blacks who thought he was in touch with the black populace because he ate some soul food, had that one black friend, supervised a few blacks, and watched black movies.  Mind you, we were dining in a group which really made him want to put on a good front.  I knew he was trying extra hard to "be down" being that he knew I was offended by one of his relatives making a racial epithet about a black who had visited his home.  So he started with how his ethnicity was like ours.  Then he went on about his personal experiences with blacks.  He even joked periodically with one of his few black workers.  I just listened.  I feed people like this out of a long-handled spoon, as my grandma once told me.  "Just smile, laugh along.  They ain't your friends.  As soon as you make them mad enough," she said.  "They will call you a n*gga!"  I had that experience online already.  But in person it had been years since I was called the "n" word, rather than call me that, non-blacks will act like one in an attempt to insult your intelligence.  Meanwhile, naive blacks just excuse the behavior as, "Oh he's just joking...I don't care.  I do it back."  Evidently, it must bother you sometimes, otherwise you wouldn't act like a fool right along with him, right?  I realized this in my own personal experience.  From the non-black who thinks she is better than you to the ignoramus, someone will always use stereotypes to put you in check or think they are being friendly, so they think.

Blacks that think they are "in" with certain groups don't like this kind of talk.  They accuse other blacks insulted by the stereotypical jokes of non-blacks as being "so sensitive." These naïve, ignorant black folks want to believe that all is "great, wonderful...she is such a good friend...I would give my right arm for him..." Funny, how blind they are when some non-blacks don't want to be bothered with them anymore. 

Oh yeah, black man and black woman, you both are good friends when you don't have to compete, eat, drink, work, or do anything else together on a regular basis with some pretenders.  They just "love" you!  But try dating their cousin, moving in with their family, or doing something else that requires more than enough time studying you, then what?  Some will embrace you, might even go so far as to forget you are black.  These are the type that sincerely do love blacks.  I have encountered a few.  Notice I said, a few.  These non-blacks went through hell with family and friends to love others outside their ethnicity.  They made sacrifices.  They cried, fought, and hurt someone about ridiculing blacks.  They didn't say one thing, then do another thing behind a black person's back--they truly showed love.  These people were "the real."  But pretenders?  They won't do much for you, unless they can monetarily benefit in some way.  Notice I said, get money from you, nothing else.  If they can't make money on you, you don't rank high on the friendship list.  You will know this, because you are the last person they will share their personal business with and you might be overlooked when it comes to those important events in their lives.

Blacks who defend the pretenders, I have to laugh at.  So deceived, because they got a few handouts from them.  The non-black may have also covered or lied for them about one thing or another.  "That's my buddy!  I just love her, she looks out for me."  Sure, but did you ever ask what did he or she stand to benefit from helping you out?  Hmmm.  You better not act like you want to bite the hand that feeds you even if he or she is in the wrong.  What might happen, you ask?  They will rat you out.  "He took that...I didn't give him that...while he worked for us, he was often leaving the job on personal business...He stole from us, he took office supplies home...I actually had to work long hours while he talked on the phone to his many women friends...She was always going out with some guy on the job...I tried to counsel her..."

One must know the difference between the pretender and "the real."

Nicholl McGuire

You Won't Read Much About Presidents, Politicians, Athletes & Black Leaders on This Site

Over the years, I have heard much rhetoric coming from presidents, politicians, and black leaders that I don't bother to spread their names and/or messages around if I can help myself. 

If you really want to learn more about black leaders, there is already an abundance of information out in cyberworld about them.  So in case you were wondering, this is why you don't see a long list of celebrity names, government leaders and the like on this blog. 

Like many people who saw our first black president get sworn in back in 2008, I was hyped up on "change" despite knowing full well he is a paid spokesperson for the powers that really be! 

I have long abandoned so-called black leaders in mainstream media that are supposed to represent the people.  To me, they are nothing more than false prophets created to keep us angry and upset about things that really have nothing to do with us, but everything to do about "them."  Poor people keep giving to the rich, meanwhile nothing truly gets done. 

I am not the one you will find jumping on the bandwagon these days to support anyone just because "you black like me..."  Just like we all come in many shades and sizes, so does our mentalities.  Let's just be honest,  those who are consumed by money no longer think that they are like the rest of us, black or for purposes of this blog I should say, African American.

It's unfortunate but some of us think that the only thing that we ought to care about is what a media organization deems as newsworthy for blacks.  They show us, better than they can tell us, that we should be interested in what people who have no power to do anything for us are:  saying, doing, viewing, shopping for, and listening to.  Why should I care anything about how a grown man lives who bounces a ball around?  Why is it so important to know what some politician thinks as opposed to what he has really done for my local community?  Why would I give my hard-earned money to finance an event led by so-called leaders and there is no business plan that shows me truly where my investment is going?  Banks require this, why don't we?

Subliminally we are to imitate the president--he is like the teacher's pet, teach your children to follow his lead, because rich white America is growing weary of your ghetto self!  Mainstream media also tells us in subliminal language to trust the politician, you know he means well, yeah right!  Then the most stupidest brainwashing of all, but many black folks still fall for it, support the athlete (and other entertainers), and march with the black leader.  It doesn't matter that these people have a long history of lying, cheating on partners, taking money from the poor, and living a lifestyle that is overall offensive.   Media says, "They will help you, if you help the powers that be."  The brainwashed recruiters sign up more puppets and then reports back to the puppet master with his findings.  That's the true essence of a bought and paid for black leader!  Check the history, you might be disappointed with what might find about yesteryear's sell-outs.  Watch how they position their hands in photographs--they are telling the powers that be something, see the people who look at them in the background--wonder what might be there connection, and check out symbols on clothes and things on and around them.

I guess those who come up with these emotionally hyped up events where people are crying, yelling, dancing, singing--otherwise known as shucking and jiving ie.) they got Obama to do it--think that we are still dumb Negro slaves.  The sad part is some of our people unfortunately still have that same mentality!

Nicholl McGuire

When you want to read something other than our people --lol, stop by Spiritual Poems by Nicholl and be inspired to come up higher!