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Wednesday, February 28, 2007
By now I'm sure we've all seen the pictures of the new AKA's from Texas Southern University in Houston. I blogged about this group last week out of pure curiousity and with hopes that I would acquire more information about their controversial image.
These men have caused quite a negative reaction on college campuses, within the GLBT community, and more famously on the message boards of BET.COM , the homophobic sister site to blackplanet.com .
For the record I do applaud these men and any man who is bold enough to live their life openly and without shame, but I do not condone their lack of creativity and the outright rip off of the real women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc.
Their actions have re-enforced so many awful stereotypes about our community that heterosexuals believe to be true. If they were worried about inclusiveness in traditional fraternities, there's many gay fraternities on campuses all over this country that they could have pledged. So I don't understand why they would choose to disrespect the legacy and image of the women who are rightful members of the real AKA Inc.
I regret that so many people have turned this into a gay issue because it's not. I really think that it's more of a theft issue, if these men were straight and adopted the colors and symbols of AKA they would simply be thieves and out of line.
I actually made an attempt to contact this member of MIAKA in order to get his side of the story but was unsuccessful.
I came across a comment on bet.com left by a real member of AKA that I felt compelled to share with everyone. It's very well written and I think it should be read by every member of MIAKA.
Comment from A proud member of AKA:
Dear MIAKA's,
I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (who is definitely old school - over 40 years of age) and I must say that my e-mail is not filled with hate but with sincere confusion.
I understand your reverence and respect for my organization as it is well founded. Similarly I also understand the need on your part, and others like you, to want to copy what we have created and done in your quest to re-create an established and leading organization where you (as a Gay man) will be able to find acceptance.
My confusion lies with the following....1. In an age where our black men (and race) face many challenges regarding a historical lack of identity (it's been stolen from us from the time our ancestor's feet touched the US shores) this action (creating the MIAKA's and an unofficial and unrecognized chapter/organization) has and will to further set back the "cause" as now some of our males are consciously choosing to identify with a women's organization? Why would you, and others who think like you choose to do this?2. If you are pursuing the further establishment of gay rights why not start a gay male fraternity and/or trans-sexual sorority?3. If you truly respect and think you understand the foundation and principles on which Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded you will remember and honor that it is for women (in addition to other principles) only.
Why are the MIAKA's or these men choosing to disrespect the integrity of what AKA's founders intended by your actions? Our founders would not and their descendants (who are my Sorors) do not approve.4. Historically, in this country, we as a race continue to take a back seat in every area and I am concerned that your group has not considered the far reaching impact that this has to our race and the message that it sends to the establishment. Not to consider the heretofore is irresponsible. Didn't any one think of this? You DO have a responsibility to our race and to other black men.
Now those (in the majority) that are already "confused" and believe what they see and read in the media are REALLY going to think that our black men are confused and in trouble. Whether we chose to admit it or not, our actions to have far reaching implications.5. AKA's have long supported and will continue to support the rights of "all" and remain in service to all mankind, but there is a way to approach inclusion. Was this not considered before hand? What was the thought process that was used?
Alpha Kappa Alpha was and is the first African-American sorority; there is no other like us. Please strongly consider the impact to AKA (nationally), to yourselves and to our race. You do have a responsibility to be responsible. Alpha Kappa Alpha is not to be used as the vehicle for gay social change. Your time, talents and efforts may be better served by the establishment of your own "unique and different" organization that can and would/will be supported by ours (and the rest of the national black pan-hellenic council).
As you strive to create a reputable name for your group please remember your audience, your mission and that all successful organizations were and are "original." If your mission and intentions are sound and intend to "honor" AKA, please cease and desist your activities.
Sincerely,
A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Labels: People
12 Comments:
yess for that letter...
March 01, 2007 11:02 AM
SICK!
March 02, 2007 1:14 PM
I read the letter and to Bernie, I do not believe the writer was calling these young men confused for being gay. They are confused about the mission and values of AKA. Instead of celebrating this sorority, their actions are blasphemous. Although I am not a Greek, I do understand what it means to be a part of an established group. I don't think members of the AKA organization or any other is upset with these young men for trying to have a group of their own to identify with. However, the important thing here is a group of THEIR OWN. The AKA's, over the years, have put a lot to time and effort into getting to where they are now; which is quit admirable. These men recognize that or they would not be expending their efforts in this manner. However, what their efforts, to date, are totally disrespectful of what sororities and fraternities stand for. That is why it is so important for them to make their fraternity unique to their mission and cause. I believe they need to step back and reevaluate their mission and cause and do some research on what the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority charter is and what their mission is. They will see that first and foremost, it does not include men; gay, straight or otherwise.
Gay Black Female
March 08, 2007 8:29 AM
I think that what they are doing is disrespectful to any Fraternity or Sorority. I dont belong to a Sorority and I am sure that they are far more disgusted then I am. I cant beleive that they would subject our young black males to this....I dont have the words for what I feel for this. We have to make good impressions on our young black males and females, the males especially and to show them that being Gay is right is nothing but wrong. Our boys need a chance if they are going to grow up and turn into the mature men that love their BLACK WOMEN and take care of them and his family. Flaming men, that dont like women or what we stand for but yet and still they are mocking us. Lip gloss, make up, pink, pearls. I cant stand it. I heard this on the Steve Harvey show this morning and nearly lost my breakfast. I am not supportive of this and hope that it doesnt go any further then an idea. Dont they have to be approved to start such an organization???
March 08, 2007 6:04 PM
I'm living for that letter as I feel the same way. Get into it!!
March 14, 2007 1:21 PM
I believe that it is totally disrespectful to imitate or act like you are in an organization that you are not apart of. I am pretty sure that the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. do not reconize miaka. And these men being as creative as they are, should invent something of their own. Myself, being in the band and member of an organization on my campus care about the image of the organization that I am apart of, and I am pretty sure that they do also as well as other members of the divine nine sororities. As the proud member of AKA stated in a classy way that they are simply "confused" and I agree. I believe that being an AKA is more than just "looks"which is the perception given from the photos and present to past comments and if they really new what AKA was about they would start an organization of their own, and like AKA you can change history and make a change for African Americans alike and gay-males over all. Good luck, and GOD bless.
March 28, 2007 7:06 PM
Miaka's Latest Probate video on YouTube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=S3IFhLavH0Y
January 18, 2008 1:40 PM
I am dumbfounded and could not believe it when I came across this nonesense...Where are the brothers of Alpha and how and why are they or ANY FRAT allowing this to go on. Everytime these fools show up they should be getting their asses stomped...and based on the brothers I knew in school, it baffles me that it has gone this far... to actually allow these fools to parade around any campus with the sheild and colors of AKA. Though I was approched, I never pledged anything but still held/hold the upmost respect for the tradition, and for the life of me I can not believe the bro's I came across while in school would ever allow our SISTERS to be so DISRESPECTED. Are the current group on men pledging around the country SO WEAK as to stand back and let these punks to steal and degrade AKA's sheild and colors and do NOTHING???
TRULY UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!!
PeaceLoveSuccess!
RonJ
February 13, 2008 12:22 AM
I'm seeing a lot of talk about respecting the history of the organizations involved, but there is a relevant history of exclusion operating around these organizations that isn't being discussed that really matters here.
The MiAKAs aren't a random group of people seeking to parody or humiliate AKAs. If this were true, why would they happen to be almost exclusively gay? Instead, they seek to recreate the sense of acceptance, pride, solidarity, support, safety, and understanding that AKAs enjoy together -- a welcoming space to which they cannot have access, because AKAs (or much of anybody else for that matter) will not extend it to them, just as men wouldn't let women into historically black fraternities, just as white fraternities wouldn't let these black men into their organizations, let alone their colleges, etc...
See a pattern here? It's ironic that an organization so obsessed with looking into the mirror can't see this staring back at not only them, but many other folks as well.
Organizations should be about people who share common goals and interests supporting each other. Often these folks will share demographic characteristics, but making this a basis for membership and excluding folks on demographic grounds alone makes no sense. It's particularly tricky with gender and sexuality, as these clearly demonstrate some degree of linkage much of the time.
Case in point -- Should a bona fide AKA have gender reassignment surgery or, less dramatically, discover that she is androgen insensitive and technically a man, would her sorors be right to exclude this person who is their close friend? Would it be right to uncross or uninitiate her, if this is even possible?
If you thought not, then why should this person be excluded in the first place? It's the some person...same 'ol G!
In this spirit, the MiAKAs just want to be accepted and celebrated for WHO they are instead of hated on yet again for WHAT they are.
It's a complicated issue to be sure, but I think that's the heart of it.
- Mark markpowell@gmail.com
August 29, 2009 1:36 AM
As A member of MiAKA Inc., which really stands for Men Interested in Alpha Kappa Alpha and not "Men Imitating AKA" and the organizastion in which i stand firm for is not all Gay Men. True MiAKA's Understand that as Men we will never be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. We are ment to be a support organization to the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha (jus the same as Alpha Angels Inc., Omega GEMS, Kappa Kourts, Sigma Rhomeos Inc., Delta BEUAX Inc. and so on) with Our Own guidelines and rules. We would never wear AKA paraphernalia or say we were and AKA. We are here not to disrespect but to respect all others. We respect all of the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., So i do want to apologize for any disrespect you ladies may have felt. Now as a member of MiAKA Inc. i do understand that our Organization has been put in a very negative light as a whole because of this other group. In addition, there are other groups of men which indeed walk around in AKA paraphernalia and will imitate AKA's wearing Pink and Green (we cant control what other people wear). so please dont just assume just beacuse the peroson is in Pink and Green there are a MiAKA because 9 times out of 10 they really are not.
October 12, 2011 5:58 PM
Hello,
To the member of MIAKA who said and I quote "We are ment to be a support organization to the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha (jus the same as Alpha Angels Inc., Omega GEMS, Kappa Kourts, Sigma Rhomeos Inc., Delta BEUAX Inc. and so on) with Our Own guidelines and rules. We would never wear AKA paraphernalia or say we were and AKA. We are here not to disrespect but to respect all others.", stop with the disrespect. How are you a support organization yet you mock our probates (which is a very sacred ceremony), steal our signature call, colors and simply make a mockery of our entire organization playing off of stereotypes. You all are nothing but disgraceful imitators that attempt to threaten a legacy of 104 years. Come off of it and own up to the wrong your "organization" has done. Now this lawsuit? how in the world is Alpha Kappa Sorority Inc discriminating against you? It's an organization for women NOT MEN! You all need to get a life and better yet find something else to do other than defile the name of our sacred organization. Go do some community service and be original!
Signed,
A Proud Woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
June 12, 2012 7:23 PM
As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. I am speechless. The thought path of the MiAKA Men is ridiculous! While I understand the desire one may have to be a member of such an illustrious sorority, one must understand that the definition of Sorority is A chiefly social organization of college trained WOMEN. Regardless of your sexual orientation, the gender of MiAKA is male. There has never been nor shall it ever be male members of AKA. Establishing your own organization, colors, mission, etc. should be your focus. Gay men have so many other battles to fight daily, why open yourselves up to further ridicule? You wish to be treated normal but you also want to break all the rules. Especially the rules that were established over 104 years ago. I'm sorry but you can and will not have it both ways. Please understand only...Pretty GIRLS wear 20 Pearls. May God bless your future endeavors that DO NOT include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Sincerely,
Florida AKA
July 12, 2012 10:44 PM
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