Let us respect ones right to seek affiliations outside of college

I just want my point to be clear to dispel any confusion. I am a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, incorporated. We are an internationally renowned public service organization founded in 1914 on the campus of Howard University and are primarily comprised of African-American professional men. As an Oberlin College Sophomore, I joined this organization via a chapter which has no affiliation with Oberlin College. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, inc. is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC, founded May 1930, Howard University) as is Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, inc., the recently inducted Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, inc., and of course my constitutionally bound sisters of the Dove, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, inc., stressing "Finer Womanhood."

• As a member of a Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO), I speak unpretentiously of the matter with great pride and some authority. I won't pull a "Manthe" and mis-quote anyone then build an entire ill-informed argument around it, but I get the sense that not all of us are on the same page. So let us be clear.

• All members of the NPHC are nationally recognized public service organizations, whose existence is quite vast, spanning the country and most college/university campuses where there is a Black population.

• The NPHC does not encompass historically and predominantly white fraternities and sororities because A) Colored peoples were historically excluded from these organizations and B) Fundamentally, our goals, tactics, and approaches to community service and membership intake tend to be drastically different. Yes, there are social aspects to our organizations yet we regard scholastic achievement and community service as primary.

• My perception is that Black students tend to more clearly understand the context in which the NPHC organizations exist and thrive throughout Black communities, whereas white students, understandably so, tend to approach Greek life within the context of white Greek organizations, of which we obviously are not. Hence when approached by someone whose base for understanding Greek life has little to do with the NPHC, their criticisms are disregarded as uninformed.

• Lastly, does any of this sound secret to you? I mean, it's published in the Oberlin Review!

Diepirye S. Kuku is a College senior and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, inc.