Ross breaks down the truth about Greek life

Lawrence C. Ross, Jr., author of the book The Divine Nine: The History of African -American Fraternities and Sororities addressed the student body Wednesday on the importance of character, discipline and community involvement.
He served as the motivational speaker for Men’s Federation Week.
Ross, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. since 1985, discussed matters affecting black Greek-lettered organizations and their power to make a meaningful impact in the community.
“Being apart of an organization is not a temporary job, it’s 24/7,” said Ross. “You must be accountable at all times.”
Lawrence noted that the most important member in an organization is the “financial one.”
“Our letters mean something to the black community,” said Ross. ” People look to us to help in ways such as providing scholarships and other endeavors.”
Citing differences between traditionally white sororities and fraternities and the nine black Greek organizations, Ross stressed the importance and seriousness of being members of organizations.
“We take our membership seriously,” said Ross. “Most white graduates will say ‘I was a member’ but most blacks will say ‘I am member’ of a particular organization.”
With the rising number of alleged hazing incidents on many college campuses associated with the membership intake of sororities and fraternities, Ross tackled the subject of hazing.
“There is no reason that someone should die to be a member of any organization,” said Ross. “Until undergrads take it serious, it will continue to leave a scar on the black Greek organizations.”
Ross’ message had a powerful effect on students Greek and non-Greek.
“He made me look differently at fraternities and sororities as a whole,” said Courtney Bowens, a junior mass communications major from West Palm Beach, Fla.
Jonathan Goins, a member of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and president of Men’s Federation said Ross’ speech made him look at other Greek organizations from a different perspective.
Educated at the University of California at Berkley, Ross has been writing on African American subjects since 1995. He began his writing career with a syndicated column for the National Newspaper Paper Publishing Association.
Since publication in January 2000, The Divine Nine has been a Blackboard bestseller for four months, a four-time Essence Magazine bestseller and a Los Angeles Times bestseller. It remains on the Amazon.com African American studies bestsellers list.
Kyra Jenkins and Philip Pratt contributed to this story.