The members of Grambling State University National Pan Hellenic Council started Greek Week with a seminar on Monday in the Favrot Student Union Room 242. The session was aimed to educate students about the different Black Greek-letter organizations on campus.
The organizations that participated were Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Not in attendance were Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Each organization gave a brief synopsis of what their organizations consist of, which led to an open discussion that allowed students to ask questions.
One question was what the different is between a Black Greek organizations compared to White Greek organizations.
The panel explained that there are several different ethnic Greek organizations outside of the Divine Nine, including Latino and Asian. They also pointed out there are fraternities and sororities based on academic majors and other interests.
Nobel Michael, a member of Iota Phi Theta, said that the main difference for Black Greek organizations is that they were founded by African Americans around the Civil Rights movement and focused on uplifting the African American community.
Another topic they talked about was if it was appropriate for a student to attend multiple interest meetings for different organizations.
Most of the representatives did not recommend it because the Divine Nine share a close umbrella. They said if you are interested in one organization to stick with that one.
In fact, the brothers and sisters of these organizations advised that anyone interested in an organization to do their research. All of the organizations have websites that has information on their purpose and past achievements.
"You have to look at their history," said Michael. "When you learn their history, now that history (could be) a part of you."
Most of the representatives of the organizations agreed that people interested in one organization should research all organizations then relate it to themselves.
Shelby Prout, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, added another important factor to pledging: having good grades and finishing school.
Miranda Coleman, the president of the Alpha Theta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, said that "being apart of a Greek organization is not a requirement for graduation. It is not the center of everything."
Greek Week also include a car wash fundraiser on Sunday, pajamas jam party tonight, a step show at the University of Louisiana at Monroe on Friday and plot beautification on Saturday