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PROFESSIONAL
Reflecting on Black Greek Experience through the NPHC. They are the
through leadership as well. He
following: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,
shared he was challenged to “learn
Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
how to communicate with other
Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.,
organizations on a business level to
This story includes interviews from two
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta
develop comprehensive plans for the
presidents of National Pan-Hellenic
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta
betterment of my local community.”
Council Greek-lettered organizations at
Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma
At UF leadership is essential
the University of Florida:
Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta
wherever you turn. These young black
Christyna Conway is a third year
Fraternity, Inc.
leaders are charged with not only
architecture student at the University
On the campus of a predominantly
uniting their various organizations
of Florida. She is the president of the
white institution, black Greek life can
with one another, but managing their
Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa
sometimes go overlooked in the grand
chapter. Rooted in sisterhood and
Alpha Sorority, Inc.
scheme of things. However, when
brotherhood, things aren’t always that
Keith McIntosh is a fourth year health
speaking to any member of these
easy.
science student on the pre-dental track.
organizations you’ll learn there’s an
Conway said leading a group of more
He is the president of the Zeta Phi
undying love, loyalty, and pride in their
than 30 women has been interesting
Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,
hearts for the organizations to which
for her.
Inc.
they’ve dedicated their lives.
“You have to learn how to lead
----
Christyna Conway joined Alpha
with grace but how to also separate
oward University was the
Kappa Alpha as a college sophomore.
business and relationships,” he said.
birthplace of this governing
Shortly thereafter she took advantage
And relationships are key in this
body on May 10, 1930.
of the opportunity to grow her
entire experience. It can be difficult to
Its stated mission and purpose is
leadership skills.
relate to students on a campus like UF
“Unanimity of thought and action
“I immediately was driven to be on
where most don’t look like those who
as far as possible in the conduct of
the executive board,” she said.
are members of these organizations.
Greek letter collegiate fraternities and
She explains she was encouraged
According to McIntosh, he finds the
sororities, and to consider problems
by older members in her chapter
most value in the interconnected
of mutual interest to its member
to pursue their public relations
community that supports and uplifts
organizations.” Since its inception
committee. Although it’s not the path
one another.
the National Pan-Hellenic Council
she saw for herself, she ultimately
He said “[the] Black Greek student
has strived to unite historically black
unlocked her creativity as a result.
[experience] enables me to have a
Greek-lettered organizations. It’s the
The architecture major said she
home away from home.”
governing body that was designed to
learned she cares deeply about the
Despite their different colors,
foster brotherhood and sisterhood
brand of her sorority, and with that she
calls, letters, and signs, each Greek
and serve as conduits by which action
applied her skills to enhance it to the
organization is striving for the same
plans could be formulated to influence
best of her ability.
goal. These groups are founded on
social action and change in the black
She said “I am a creative, with much
the bases of scholastic achievement,
community.
more range than I ever knew I had.”
sisterhood or brotherhood, service,
At the University of Florida, eight of
Similarly, Keith McIntosh
and community and continue to strive
the nine organizations are represented
uncovered new things about himself
to fulfill their founders’ missions.
Story by: Heaven Taylor-Wynn
H
SYNERGY MAGAZINE
