Reflecting on Black Greek Experience

Story by: Heaven Taylor-Wynn

This story includes interviews from two presidents of National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek-lettered organizations at the University of Florida:

Christyna Conway is a third year architecture student at the University of Florida. She is the president of the Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Keith McIntosh is a fourth year health science student on the pre-dental track. He is the president of the Zeta Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Howard University was the birthplace of this governing body on May 10, 1930. Its stated mission and purpose is “Unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of Greek letter collegiate fraternities and sororities, and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organizations.” Since its inception the National Pan-Hellenic Council has strived to unite historically black Greek-lettered organizations. It’s the governing body that was designed to foster brotherhood and sisterhood and serve as conduits by which action plans could be formulated to influence social action and change in the black community.

At the University of Florida, eight of the nine organizations are represented through the NPHC. They are the following: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

On the campus of a predominantly white institution, black Greek life can sometimes go overlooked in the grand scheme of things. However, when speaking to any member of these organizations you’ll learn there’s an undying love, loyalty, and pride in their hearts for the organizations to which they’ve dedicated their lives.

Christyna Conway joined Alpha Kappa Alpha as a college sophomore. Shortly thereafter she took advantage of the opportunity to grow her leadership skills.

“I immediately was driven to be on the executive board,” she said.

She explains she was encouraged by older members in her chapter to pursue their public relations committee. Although it’s not the path she saw for herself, she ultimately unlocked her creativity as a result. The architecture major said she learned she cares deeply about the brand of her sorority, and with that she applied her skills to enhance it to the best of her ability.

She said “I am a creative, with much more range than I ever knew I had.” Similarly, Keith McIntosh uncovered new things about himself

through leadership as well. He shared he was challenged to “learn how to communicate with other organizations on a business level to develop comprehensive plans for the betterment of my local community.” At UF leadership is essential wherever you turn. These young black leaders are charged with not only uniting their various organizations with one another, but managing their chapter. Rooted in sisterhood and brotherhood, things aren’t always that easy.

Conway said leading a group of more than 30 women has been interesting for her.

“You have to learn how to lead with grace but how to also separate business and relationships,” he said. And relationships are key in this entire experience. It can be difficult to relate to students on a campus like UF where most don’t look like those who are members of these organizations. According to McIntosh, he finds the most value in the interconnected community that supports and uplifts one another.

He said “[the] Black Greek student [experience] enables me to have a home away from home.”

Despite their different colors, calls, letters, and signs, each Greek organization is striving for the same goal. These groups are founded on the bases of scholastic achievement, sisterhood or brotherhood, service, and community and continue to strive to fulfill their founders’ missions.