@Roland Did you hear that the local CBS affiliate, here in OKC, donated their ENTIRE former studio and equipment to Langston University for their Journalism program? That's major!
You said a word in this segment👏🏾 fearlessly, at that. this is what the organizations are supposed to stand for. Black excellence.They've adopted a gang/street mentality and it seemed like they even had it back then.
Man..unfortunately this was the reason I never wanted to pledge as a junior transfer. I saw people getting hazed around campus and one person ended up dying as a result. I’m all for brotherhood and the unity but he’s right, hazing doesn’t “make the man into a brother”
ARE BLACK MEN FORCED TO TALK TO THIS GUY WHOS A PROVEN RACIST AND A SPY PLANT.. ONLY BLACK PEOPLE TALKING THERE CRAP TO NON BLACKS.. THIS IS CRAZY.. NO ONE ELSE DOES THIS..
Hazing is idiotic. A lot of Frats like to say that the process protects the integrity of the frat by weeding out people who can’t “handle” the process. We’ll in my opinion it does the opposite, the reputation of BS keeps a lot of good brothers out, especially at the grad chapter level. I’m a doctor, my pops is an omega, id love to join and work with the frat on initiatives in the community. At the same time though I’m too old and have accomplished too much to let another man out hands on me.
Great points but usually the pledge process @ graduate level or post graduate is based on community service projects. At least, that was my experience when I pledged the graduate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. It was a beautiful, loving, and respectful process.
@@Lolo-vy5tk I think the ladies grow out of the BS faster than the men. I’m closely affiliated with some Omegas at the grad level and there’s still a ton of BS that goes on.
I'm with you on that. Black male software engineer here and I would have pledged Omega had it not been for their history of violence. In no dimension, including this one, is another man beating me and not getting it back immediately.
@@afrothundar it's not even about uplifting black folks anymore. Sure community work is done, but it really just seems about exclusivity and gives one group of black people the ability to say "we're better" than the rest of black folks. It's one thing to have a rigorous process, in fact, I support that in order to keep the process challenging as not to invite laziness and mediocrity...but as black folks, we've been getting beat up and beat on our entire history in this country and to have groups doing the same thing under the guise of "helping our community" is hypocritical and disgusting.
I respect your position Mr. Martin. For those who don't know, the reason Shawn kept repeating Roland's pledge date is because throughout the 80's and early 90s, physical violence as a rite of passage was rampant and at a fever pitch. Deaths/permanent physical and psychological injuries were becoming far too common and chapters wore it as a badge of honor. After crossing, if you didn't have the horror stories about your process, then you, your line, and your chapter were suspect.
If you don't have horror stories "now" your chapter and line are still considered sus! I see you on the other side of 1911 my D9 fam...Diggs and Coleman rocked with one another tho IYKYK! Yo to the good NUPES!👌🏾♦️
ARE BLACK MEN FORCED TO TALK TO THIS GUY WHOS A PROVEN RACIST AND A SPY PLANT.. ONLY BLACK PEOPLE TALKING THERE CRAP TO NON BLACKS.. THIS IS CRAZY.. NO ONE ELSE DOES THIS..
I desperately wanted to pledge but was warned about it. I am currently teaching at an HBCU, and two of my students were hospitalized in the spring of 2019. This is terribly sad.
As a member of the D9, I was initiated Spring 99 into Delta and my big sisters brought us in with love. One of my big sisters said, “how can I call you my sister and I beat you,” and that stuck with me. I never understood hazing. I know many Sorors who did participate in hazing and are on apology tours with Sorors they abused. Being called cat or paper never mattered to me. I am a life member as well and many of these “real” Greeks haven’t been active since they were initiated.
Because you adopted a culture based on Ponzi scheme secrecy and it modeled after the yt fraternities & sorority. Hazing in its simplistic form is a loyalty game
I believe in Pledging not hazing. Roland attempts to justify his membership into Alpha because he choose not to pledge. Like I said there is a difference between Pledging and hazing.
That was one of the best talks about what the pledging process should be. I pledged K A Psi in 1986 and went through a couple of things to say the least. Bonding and becoming ONE was the result of a tough process. Getting hit did nothing for me. Thanks Roland for having the courage to talk candidly about Hazing.👌👌👌
ARE BLACK MEN FORCED TO TALK TO THIS GUY WHOS A PROVEN RACIST AND A SPY PLANT.. ONLY BLACK PEOPLE TALKING THERE CRAP TO NON BLACKS.. THIS IS CRAZY.. NO ONE ELSE DOES THIS..
I totally understand his follow the money statement. My grandson is graduating in May from one of Houston’s most prestigious private high schools. The HBCU’s that he has applied to in Houston and around the country are offering a minuscule amount on financial assistance. But the PWI’s that he applied to are kicking the bank vaults wide open to get that young black student onto their campus. As a family we would be total fools to disregard that financial assistance and saddle us and that young man with a massive amount of college student loans. We’re all unapologetically BLACK folks…and dammit we always will be.
I went to a PWI and that definitely doesn’t make me any less black! My son is only considering HBCUs and I’ve told him public schools or at least with equal expenses as state schools since we have some financial say with the money that will be used for his education plus scholarships. I support him and hope he gets what he is looking for at an HBCU. School is school to me, but then again my school had 26% minorities VCU in Richmond, VA.
I agree, my brother went to community college and transferred with a 4.1 GPA. His dream was to go to FAMU. Long story short, they were a bit shady with their scholarships and reneged on what they offered him. Meanwhile Brown University (An ivy league school) offered him a full ride...He's getting ready to graduate this year and doesn't have to pay a dime while his friends he went to high school with have racked up 80k-100k in student loan debt.
Facts!!!! I don’t understand how beating a person down is a sisterhood/brotherhood. Ain’t no way! We’ve been beat for decades and I refuse to allow anybody to talk down or put they hands on me.
My uncle went to Fayetteville State (HBCU) he said the only reason why he didn't pledge Que.. because he wasn't raised to get his ass whipped. Rest well Uncle Robert
He is speaking the truth….I pledged Kappa at Prairie View in 1999…not speaking on anything that we experienced but I can honestly say that now that I am in my 40’s and see things from a different perspective……I get it now👊🏾👊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✌🏾✌🏾
@@TSwann “MY” journey and growth has nothing to do with you. No one even asked you your opinion on “MY” comment. “MY” pledging experiences are just that…….”MY” experiences! Me seeing things differently as I have gotten older, has absolutely nothing to do with me sharing “MY” experiences on a social media outlet for the world to see just to prove my point to satisfy anybody fam.✊🏾👊🏾✌🏾
I didn't pledge at my HBCU, because I was not going to let some guy beat me for 6 months until they felt I was ready to become their brother. All of the men and women in my family are in a Fraternity or a Sorority, so I understand what they do and what they are about. I couldn't let somebody treat me like trash.
You dont understand. Having family members tell you a few stories is not like going through the process yourself. Its only one way to understand and thats to go through the process.
You not hard in da paint. I pledged bloody BT alpha phi alpha at Xavier University Louisiana. 6 months online and I was made right. Man up, you need to recognize…
Pledged and let me tell you it’s so unnecessary. On the plus side it gives a common experience and sense of accomplishment but on the other side brutality is outdated. Have we not been beaten and brutalized enough in this country? If you have to whip someone’s ass to get them to produce then what good will they ultimately be once they get in? Once those letters go on you can’t beat on someone to get results! And if you are a Christian the Bible expressly forbids the taken of oaths amongst other heretical things. For instance in the Alpha ritual, alpha is presented as the “light of the world”? There is only one true Light of the world and that is Jesus Christ!
I pledged fall 1986. No physical hazing on my campus. I attended a PWI. This message needs to start from the top. It's still wink, wink with fraternities. They say no hazing, but still hazing these boys. Stupid to call people paper because they didn't get beaten. It sickens me.
The point if joining the organizations is to provide service to the community. I am now a life member and have been serving my community for over 30 years. Call me what you want, but I understood the assignment and the mission. My process wasn't easy, mentally (I was initiated in the 80's) but no one hit me and I can look them in the eyes and call them my sorors without any malice in my heart.
@@terrelldinkins273 Speak on it. The only badge of honor that these people can wear are the lumps and bruises that they’ve carried since they were in their young teens and early 20s. Probably hobbling along recounting their war stories and trauma bonding with their line brothers and sisters.
I’m a member of a D9 crossed summer 08 and I felt the same way like Roland, he dropping a lot of facts and it’s crazy because prophytes and old bruhs who have kids careers and all that fall in the mindset of hazing because they got hazed
Finally somebody has said it. My HS teacher worried if I pleaged her sorority because she new if somebody hazed my ass she knew it was up and I was fighting everybody. She always was scared for me to pledge because of that. She knew I didn't play.
When I pledged greek, it was instilled in me the reason for the “physical training” (never to be called "hazing" because we are a non hazing fraternity) that took place and I didn’t understand why then. Now, even as a 32 year old, I’m still waiting on the “why” for it being 100% necessary…..
That's bullsh*t...b/c if his decision was truly based on "following the money" then he would have went to a community college to complete his prerequisites (at minimum).
I was on line for a D9 org in college. The guy had me in the car and said we’re gonna teach you about Fall 18, I told him we’re gonna see about that. Everybody in the car went quiet. A lot of these dudes really soft, be a leader stand on your own two.
Can’t front, even though I went through the ‘underground’ pledge process almost 20yrs ago, if my son decided to pledge in 15yrs, I wouldn’t want him to be hazed. That shit was crazy back in the day and I hear it’s even worse nowadays. Lol! These new cats are out of control with hazing. Some of the non-physical/mental aspects of hazing are rough as the physical aspects. As a 39yr old, I definitely see things differently. Because a lot of cats that get or got beat, aren’t as active as ‘Paper’ bruhs.
@@joeblack2809 you definitely gotta be some type of hoe to go thru the shit as a man all y’all weird as hell ah lil sick in head for letting another man whip yo ass hundreds of times with a paddle
My pops pledged Omega Psi Phi in "88 he told me how bad the hazing was he said he had his ribs broken from being kicked while doing push ups and how him and his line had to eat dog food out of a dog pan and how they had to strip down naked and get paddled for being late he also mentioned how one of his LB's committed suicide right after they crossed over cause he was so damaged from what happened my pops told he still has ptsd to this day from what happened.
I heard the Kappas was beating folks. I'm from Englewood in Chicago. I told my boy I ain't let niggas in the hood put they hands on me I'm not about to pay a light skin-pretty boy nigga put his hands on me. We were summoned to the house one night, I didn't go, he came back to my dorm all fucked up. He said they all got jumped and robbed by the Kappas. And four of the Kappas ended up coming out a couple years later. I'm glad I dodged those butt games I heard they played.
As a member of a black fraternity, I can attest to everything Mr. Martin is saying. A lot people were beat to members of their organization and it did not make them a better brother. Just because you were hazed does not mean you pledged.
Yes it does. If U pledge the army for the US...or any military (because basically thats what pledging is most similar too). Do u think they jus memorize a few things and walk on
@@jordy3701that’s a fact. I’m in the army my basic training was harsh. They did demean you a lil to throw you off your high horse. For them everyone was equal. Everyone had their role to play.
Roland is 💯 correct!!! As a member of DST initiated in the Spring 1998-Omicron Delta Chapter through a very dignified and proper way. I’m glad he made this statement. Hazing destroys our organizations on so many levels.
@@dontem.8369 I am a Diamond Life member with 25 years of uninterrupted service. I serve on the Southern Region Leadership team and my chapter. The whole “paper” vs “made” philosophy has no merit on what our Founders or organizations stand for. It has been my experience that most people who were brutally beaten or “made” rarely remain active in their organizations. We were initiated into organizations for service, not into violent gangs. Hazing has caused many of our organizations to lose out on corporate sponsorships, etc. because businesses do not want to be associated with organizations that participate in violent illegal behavior. Hazing is a replica of slavery and should not be tolerated in our organizations. So if being “paper” means being dignified and proper then I’m paper all day and proud.
@@LadycookieK0304 lol, you can’t be proud of yourself. You feel proud not knowing particular rituals those who are made right know. You sound crazy asf being proud about being paper. I was made right… I will die proud of this…
@@dontem.8369 Most “old school” D9 men like my husband who has been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha for 31 years, are very respectful and do not speak to women this way. It’s relatively interesting and shocking to say the least. Most people would say that you sound stupid and not me. What grown, educated, professional man brags about being beaten , sounds like Stockholm syndrome to me. Your argument or insults have no merit. Go and engage with some weak minded undergrads who would be impressed with your argument.
@@tyronedavidson4372They’re just a bunch of letters. As someone who was also in a sorority, don’t be brainwashed. Greek life isn’t even in different countries so if you were born somewhere else it wouldn’t have mattered to you.
I do not believe physical, emotional or mental damage must be inflicted to bring unity on a line But I do believe accountability is necessary. I pledged a Business fraternity and we had public speaking requirements, business attire we had to wear etc What we learned prepared us for the corporate world & forced my pledge class to work together on group projects for weeks at a time No harm was done & I had pledge brothers I will jump & help to this day. Divine 9 has the influence to make the pledge process 100% constructive I’m also an AKA & was initiated at a PWI. Been financially active since I joined in 2015
I attended Texas Southern University in Houston, Tx, in the early to late 90s.... it was known if you're going to pledge as a male... it's possible your life would be on the line or you will be taken to Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, Tx, for trauma. I did not pledge for that reason... my father sat me down after i spoke with him, and said "son its not worth it". I finished from TSU and earned my degree in 99.
I pledged Alpha across the street at the University of Houston (spring 1992). Went to graduate school in Connecticut. Now I make 6 figures. Pledging prepared me for the mental hazing I experienced in grad school. One of the best things I did in my life. My process was organized and well structured. It was a good experience. None of us went to the hospital.
@MarQos MarQos You were blessed, brother. i have a close friend who lost his hearing in his left ear behind Kappa. Im glad you were able to have a better experience brother. Not against the brotherhood... just the other stuff... young men hv lost their lives behind those letters
@@jimkent1480 I feel what you are saying brother but the acts of extreme brutality and death are not the norm. I've initiated brothers in the south as well as the east coast when I was in grad school. I've never witnessed anyone hurt to the degree that they had to seek medical attention. I've always witnessed pledging in controlled, safe environments and if I saw a brother about to crack I would take the brother to the side and let him refocus. The pledge process is a rites of passage that stays with you your entire life and prepares you for the real world which is not very kind. You have to learn to face your fears and adversity head on and deal with it as a man. I dont condone brutailty but a challenging rites of passage is necessary for young black men. I experienced a rites of passage in the military as well as in college when I joined a fraternity. They were both essential to my development as the successful family man I am today.
I went to an hbcu and enjoyed the experience for the two years I went but dropped out because of the financial stress in put on me and my family, as well as not being certain about what I wanted to do, if I could have a second chance I'd definitely go to a pwi, and hazing is stupid what sense does it make to beat "loyalty" into someone, lowkey sounds like some slavery mindset ish
If you would have pledged, your line brothers would have pulled together and made sure you had what you needed to stay in school and graduate! That's the part non-greeks don't have the luxury of experiencing in life! Just like when I'm hiring....it doesn't matter which organization, Devine 9 is going to get the job!
@J. Davis ΩΨΦ if the cost is a ass whipping I'm good, currently doing just as good if not better than some of my classmates, a home owner as well, college isn't the only way trades and skills deserve to be pushed just as hard as a degree but our people are to bouije to hear that
@@spoolyboi9434 "College isn't the only way," that's a bullshit cop out for those who fail to apply themselves in school! The odds of becoming successful are far greater with a college degree! Numbers don't lie!
@@JDavis-zk6vd I have strong bonds with “Greeks (cough), and non-Greeks from my college days. And both tried to keep me from leaving school in ‘94 when things got to overwhelming. All you need to be in life is a person of high morals and character. Thanks for carrying on the slave masters’ grand design. 🤦🏾♂️
Facts even you go to a HBCU, if word gets out y'all had to cross, cause word got out about an hazing incident, and the had to rush line to cross everybody. Other chapters would consider you "Paper" no respect. Very sad
I was on line in 98. They tried to kill me. My light skinned ass was literally purple. The whole line dropped. I couldn’t even sit in a chair in class. And this is only after the first few weeks. I swear I took my mask off and wanted to fight a 300 pound football player. That was my last night
Mostly bout service based and professional oriented. This shoul dbe key reasons to instill into applicants and focusing on community service, leadership, and voting and graduating.It's all about mentoring applicants and helping them reach positive potential in the orgs on campus. The real cat narrative needs to be faded away nowadays.The true principles for joining need to be instilled in to applicants. But it take a mature/principle centerd man or woman to underscore this. Not about paddling someone to death or taking them through some barbaric process. ALso, there are many social media/tik tok vids flothing around with (undgrads) D-9 ORGS chatting degratory commennts towards our Women in society also. (Those hops/or steps they're doing nowdays) Calling them (B's and everthing else associated with chats). Rethorical questions: How can we get others to respect our women when we don't respect our women by calling them out there names in chants as black men in society. Our women are our sisters and should be respected as such. Leadership at the tops needs to address this to undergraaduates also and change these habits on campuses. . (may not be a reflection of all chapters also). Again, this is not to negate or diminish the good that the orgs do in society. Food for thought
Thanks for telling like it is Roland!!! College is College...I was in the same boat. I feel the same exact way. I went to a PWI and I'm still the same BLACK Man I was when I left home as when I came back home!!! I also feel the same way about pledging, dumb crap. You don't have to touch anyone to get your point across; what about the selection process? If you don't select the right people, then you are not getting the right people that fit your organization. I took the wood, but some of those same brothers don't speak or haven't done anything for me. You can have fun with things, but don't demean anyone.
It really amazes me that a HBCU would rather have young black people in debt just to attend college rather than have the best black intellectuals in America graduate from their institution..Sadly im coming to the conclusion that we as black people just hold each other and ourselves down in society at this point..
@gotmypearls from what he's saying it didn't matter about a person's GPA and what value they would bring to the school it only mattered about money money money..If we weren't so divisive and built together from way back then this conversation wouldn't even be happening in 2023
I pledged Omega Psi Phi grad chapter in 2003. I totally feel where Roland is coming from. And although my pledge process did include some hazing, some of what I went through was unnecessary. Because when it's all said and done, it's all about what you accomplish after you've crossed over into your organization, versus proving that you can take an ass kicking when you are going through the pledge process!
If it's all about what you after you process, why have one. Many are called but few are Chosen. Everyone does not need to be Greek. If you want the colors must earn them. Don't want anyone hurt;but Don't want to give them to anyone who wants. That is the State of Greeks today; no brotherhood!! Must earn it and yes! I am old School; the Century Club first night. Don't advocate that today; but I tough! process, yes!!
If all that matters is after you get in your organization, just let everyone in and see what they do after they get in. Brotherhood and bonding matters; You must earn it. Roland "Skated in" so that how his opinion is formed. He would not have pledged at Epsilon Pi. Again, don't want anyone to get hurt; but must earn it, Fraternities are not for everyone. "Many are called but Few are Chosen"
@@z040880 but you clearly stated the huge difference one is military the other is school. Hazing in the military is to make sure you can be trusted and follow orders you can't make a navy seal by simply asking them to do push ups or to swim you have to test them in all aspects, the goal is to build a soldier ready to die fighting to win. College hazing serves no purpose, I'm not preparing for war, I'm trying to get a job🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️. Your comment was pointless and made no sense. Cats are the same as dogs in your brain I guess😂😂😂.
I agree with Roland 100%. My whole line dropped after big brothers got drunk then wanted to haze us! Not was going to happen!! I have never returned to that Fraternity! I have always said, how are going to try beat me and then want me to call U my brother.
@urexpressionsphotography1082 You and your line made the right decision. That ain't no brotherhood. You are even more of a man for making the right decision not to join. Good for you.
Good point. More focus should focus in service based objectives seminar to current undergrads on joining for rights reasons and not hold on to pass tradition s on ignition procedures. Life after college/carrer goals and financial literacy should be topics of discussions for prospective members
I want to thank Roland for discussing matters of hazing. I also went to a PWI, with aspirations of pledging of fraternity. I was hesitant about pledging as I didn’t want to get hazed. I had enough of it just being in the Army. I was able to graduate with my degree and maintain friendships with those who did pledge. The stories of their pledging experiences were horrible. In my opinion, hazing has no place in building young people for membership in the D9.
As a member of the D9, and military veteran, Roland is spot on! What you go through in the military is a kind of hazing, a WELL REGULATED chaos if you will. It’s designed to TURN 50 TO 80 individuals into a well choreographed SINGLE organism and they do it effectively. The first thing I noticed when I was going through my D9 is that it wasn’t supervised or regulated. These people don’t know what they’re doing. Unlike the military, the process was unsafe, and no mitigation plan if things took a wrong turn. It was just violence for the sake of violence! It wasn’t meant to build shit!! I said what I said!!
Its only a hornets nest cause its thise "dudes" mad -cause thats it. You are in a brotherhood on Wednesday but Tuesday that same dude kicked you in the ribs. Now hes your "brother". After graduation....neither has done anything but hey we bruths...and "kangs"...
I graduated from a PWI. What I’ve come to learn is that most blacks stick together more at PWIs than HBCUs. Pledging has it’s life learning lessons IF the right chapter understands the process.
hoe can you make that blanket statement. if you didn't go to an hbcu, how would you know that😂😂. This why PWI Blacks stay getting crowned. yall say dumb shit like this 😂😂
Or could it be because the blacks were smaller in numbers and needed to stick together for support it gave the appearance that you were closer at your PWI? I have to tell you, in all my years dealing with college students, I have seen the complete opposite of what you have stated.
Love the story … Great interview Sounds like me in Spring 88 @ an HBCU. I wasn’t playing that shit especially from Brothers that was not financially active.
Roland Martin is always on point. I have seen many videos of people calling the Devine 9 demonic and saying they got out. Now I see the why they deem it that way. It’s because of the hazing. I’m glad that Roland spoke out on this . Maybe more chapters of the Devine 9 will utilize his idea and go back to the roots of why they were founded.
I agree with a lot. I’m an Alpha myself.Spring ‘18 Solo ace. It’s not worth someone accidentally dying, and or even afflicting pain to someone. There’s a mentality in the Greek world where you “skated” if you didn’t get hazed (most graduate chapters).
As a younger person I always wanted to belong to a fraternity, traditionally a lot of the so called "Elite" bros were part of a Frat. I finally got my change to pledge. Howevwer once i got wind of the fact ass whuppins was the norm I immediatly stepped down. I said it way back then and still say it today, NOBODY is beating my ass, and i'm going to let it happen voluntarily? Respect to all the Frats but , I progressed without them.
I agree with Roland Martin. That's why I didn't join a sorority in college. Roland get his points across in an aggressive manner sometimes because people don't listen to you when you are passive. A lot of folk is stuck on stupid.
Thanks so much brother Martin for your honest yet intelligent take on the "Hazing" issue. I've always had an issue with hazing and what I've seen happen to people who were literally injured in the process. I've seen it when parents actually came to our HBCU ready to go off on the individuals that hurt their child. PERIOD. Blessings and love to you good brother. 🤙
Yes, Hazing was really bad fall98-03 years (George Bush erra) at HbCUS and before too I woud imagine. 18-21 age group are longing for respect so this is the reasonthey go through the barabaric process. It's a pattern if spring 98 wen through it then we're gonna take the 99 applicants through and so onn. Ultimately the grad advisors try to preach this to the kids but kids of today go behind ther backs and have underground lines. becasue of traditions and we wanna get resepect idealogogy. But not only Greeks, hbcu marching bands hazed in the 90s also. It's a resepct thing from what I am told by undergrads. More mature women/men need to to step up and undersore the true reasons for joining the orgs as a whole. voting and graduated is the key. I'm a former educator.
Its really not, just because we fly colors and compete with one another doesn’t mean we’re a gang. What it means is we’re organized and the most visceral examples of such are CRIMINAL organizations. There’s a far greater likelihood that you WON’T end up in jail and with a decent career.
as someone who did pledge underground & "CROSSED THOSE BURNING SANDS"... I can say it did cause resentment . He made some valid points. I wouldnt advise my kids to go the route I went unless I could be at every set lol.
If pledging caused resentnent, you should not done it; no resentment with me or the brothers of Epsilon Pi back in the day. We are close today and will do anthing for each other. Again do not want anyone to get hurt but you must earn it; Roland opinion is based on the way he pledged or not pledged. I pledged as many others pledged hard and we are doctors, lawyers, CEO, General in the military and great citizens. We are no different than Roland except we earned our colors and proud of the I we were made.
@J F You can reframe it all you want all i see if someone with no self worth on their own merit so they have to be disrespected to join a group. Maybe if the hazing consists of doing physical straining activities like a navy seal, but to be disrespected? Hell even joining street gangs it's shorter process and you allowed to fight back. Yall just punching bags.
@@donmacmilly I am a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger real combat proven for 28 years. Read up what that means. Confidence and a better than the rest attitude. That me all my life. Pledging a Frat is for the Strong not the weak. Many are called few are Chosen. I went to Combat with Navy Seals. You must earn it the Fraternity colors, just like I earned my Ranger Tab.
KAPsi legacy and I endorse what Brother Roland Martin stated in this interview. This is my Silver Anniversary and I am proud of being a Nupe, but we need to understand that the real work begins after you graduate and give back to the community.
Kudos to Rolland! I said this back in 89. Why get my ass kicked for 3 letters. That's why I never pledged. I had an epiphany when I went to Africa. I'm an African but I want to be a Greek? That makes no sense to me. Rolland is correct. Pay all that money and never graduate, send your kids off to school and come back in a body bag. I love his concept. Much respect.
Alpha checking in… heard about A&M’s “process” but it was NOT how I crossed, at a PWI. Let’s just say you earned ‘em and there was no HATE afterwards, only respect. Active Life Member… ‘06 all day, er day! 🤙🏾
all i can say is do your historical research on these "greek" fraternities. Know what you getting into before you take that oath. You aint even supposed to take oaths thats if your a bible believing person.
@@jandevery exactly why do you think they put frat brothers over the black Christian church and call them "preachers" They mislead the people just like Roland does. Todays black Christian church ain't real Christianity. That's catholicism. It's evil. It's prosperity preaching.
Roland does not speak for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. I 100% disagree with him. Fraternities and Sororities have no brotherhood or sisterhood anymore because anyone can join. Can't take it , don't do it. 06 Epsilon Pi Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
I’m going to share my story and the story of a good friend. I had a friend that wanted to pledge an organization more than anything but was not willing to go through the physical abuse he would have had to take. He was not a weak man by any means. He was a child of abuse and felt that being beat for weeks on end would be triggering. It’s messed up because he was a stellar student and became a successful entrepreneur. He still feels like he was cheated out of that experience and the network it provides because he was worried about what the beatings would do to his physical and mental health. I think the D9 really needs to consider the level of talent that they are leaving on the table because there are individuals who are legitimately concerned about their safety… I was an individual who attempted to pledge in college. During the early stages of the process my parents drove up to surprise me. When i met them in my room they saw the physical damage that had been done to me and immediately told me to quit or I couldn’t come back to school. No one in our family went to college so this was completely foreign to them. To this day I look back on what could have been if only there wasn’t this extreme process.
This is what you call 🗣️SENSE 👏🏾 Greek life definitely adopted a bit of a gang/street mentality; this is evident by how the dude in the neighboring chapter said he'll whoop their ass. So ignorant. What Roland is speaking on is what ALL the organization founders had in mind.
Thanks Roland. Your commentary has never been more accurate. I am a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta, initiated into the Mu Upsilon Chapter, College of William and Mary, Fall 1982. Also served as an Alpha Sweetheart, Kappy Pi Chapter, 1981-1985.
I agree Roland many times the black community pass on greatness because of our silly oppression! Glad you followed the best choice for your education the community is truly blessed for you! No one can take away your gift of intellect except God. It is obvious that you were blessed with intelligent you would strive in any academic environment! Thank you for your voice!
'...So why am I going to sit here and physically, mentally and emotionally harm somebody and break them to the point where they HATE what they wanted to join?" hmmmm that's the tweet/quote to be heard around the world. Please....say it again Brother Martin. Thank you!!!!!!!!!
I am 23 years old and I am so glad that I never chose to join any stupid sorority. All of the ridiculous acts and deplorable activities that they do just to say you are a part of a group now is the weakest thing I've ever heard of in my life. I'd never allow myself to be disrespected, talked down to, belittled, nor treated like a clown just to have a meaningless association to a bunch of mules. I don't get why people who join these organizations choose to put themselves through so much foolishness and purposelessness for no reason! You're not gaining anything from it so what's the point? It's just not worth it.
wELL, SAID, 98-03 WAS TUFF YEARFS AT HBCUS BECAUSE OF HAZE/PLEDGE CUTLURE. MARCHING BANDS GET DOWN TOO. IT'S KIND OF LIKE IF SPRING 98 WENT THROUGH IT THEN WE TAKING SPRING 99 THROUGH IT ETC..... iTS A PATTERN FROM LINE TO LINE THAT THEY WON'T APPLICANTS TO GO THROUGH. YES, THAT 18-23 AGE GROUP CRAVES RESEPCT BY GOING THROUGH THE PLEDGE/HAZINGPROCESS. THE REAL REASONS IF YOU JOIN IS COMMUNITY SERVICE/ VOTING, AND PROMOTING POSITIVE GOALS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY/SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. IT TAKEA MATUURE WOMEAN/MAN TO UNDERSCORE THESE GOALS FOR THE FRATS/SORORS.
I DESPISE hazing!
You despise a treadmill
@Roland Did you hear that the local CBS affiliate, here in OKC, donated their ENTIRE former studio and equipment to Langston University for their Journalism program? That's major!
You said a word in this segment👏🏾 fearlessly, at that. this is what the organizations are supposed to stand for. Black excellence.They've adopted a gang/street mentality and it seemed like they even had it back then.
@@thenovelist7472 lmao truth
Many are called few are chosen
No parent sent their child to school to come home in a box!!!! Talk that shit Roland…. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Man..unfortunately this was the reason I never wanted to pledge as a junior transfer. I saw people getting hazed around campus and one person ended up dying as a result. I’m all for brotherhood and the unity but he’s right, hazing doesn’t “make the man into a brother”
Exactly, my frat ended up being the football team.
Pledging as a Junior Transfer is only a PWI thing I mean it’s possible if you wanna go Sigma…but it’s not really heard of often at HBCU’s.
ARE BLACK MEN FORCED TO TALK TO THIS GUY WHOS A PROVEN RACIST AND A SPY PLANT.. ONLY BLACK PEOPLE TALKING THERE CRAP TO NON BLACKS.. THIS IS CRAZY.. NO ONE ELSE DOES THIS..
It's wicked and not of Christ. You made the right decision.
Facts
Hazing is idiotic. A lot of Frats like to say that the process protects the integrity of the frat by weeding out people who can’t “handle” the process. We’ll in my opinion it does the opposite, the reputation of BS keeps a lot of good brothers out, especially at the grad chapter level. I’m a doctor, my pops is an omega, id love to join and work with the frat on initiatives in the community. At the same time though I’m too old and have accomplished too much to let another man out hands on me.
Great points but usually the pledge process @ graduate level or post graduate is based on community service projects. At least, that was my experience when I pledged the graduate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. It was a beautiful, loving, and respectful process.
@@Lolo-vy5tk I think the ladies grow out of the BS faster than the men. I’m closely affiliated with some Omegas at the grad level and there’s still a ton of BS that goes on.
I'm with you on that. Black male software engineer here and I would have pledged Omega had it not been for their history of violence. In no dimension, including this one, is another man beating me and not getting it back immediately.
@@afrothundar it's not even about uplifting black folks anymore. Sure community work is done, but it really just seems about exclusivity and gives one group of black people the ability to say "we're better" than the rest of black folks.
It's one thing to have a rigorous process, in fact, I support that in order to keep the process challenging as not to invite laziness and mediocrity...but as black folks, we've been getting beat up and beat on our entire history in this country and to have groups doing the same thing under the guise of "helping our community" is hypocritical and disgusting.
@@dbdb32it’s absolutely disgusting and ridiculous. It just doesn’t compute.
I respect your position Mr. Martin. For those who don't know, the reason Shawn kept repeating Roland's pledge date is because throughout the 80's and early 90s, physical violence as a rite of passage was rampant and at a fever pitch. Deaths/permanent physical and psychological injuries were becoming far too common and chapters wore it as a badge of honor. After crossing, if you didn't have the horror stories about your process, then you, your line, and your chapter were suspect.
If you don't have horror stories "now" your chapter and line are still considered sus! I see you on the other side of 1911 my D9 fam...Diggs and Coleman rocked with one another tho IYKYK! Yo to the good NUPES!👌🏾♦️
You got branded like a cow to be accepted. Lmaooo you corny
ARE BLACK MEN FORCED TO TALK TO THIS GUY WHOS A PROVEN RACIST AND A SPY PLANT.. ONLY BLACK PEOPLE TALKING THERE CRAP TO NON BLACKS.. THIS IS CRAZY.. NO ONE ELSE DOES THIS..
@@satisfiedcustomer Definitely still true! Be easy 1911 D9 Fam!
Yeah...those of us who went to college in the 1980's. We remember it all very well. sad.
I desperately wanted to pledge but was warned about it. I am currently teaching at an HBCU, and two of my students were hospitalized in the spring of 2019. This is terribly sad.
Yeah… it’s still going on today..
@@TWN321 Yes, it was ruffer ihe 80s, 90s, early 2000s on lines at hbcus. kids say man i can't even sit down in class/paddling
As a member of the D9, I was initiated Spring 99 into Delta and my big sisters brought us in with love. One of my big sisters said, “how can I call you my sister and I beat you,” and that stuck with me. I never understood hazing. I know many Sorors who did participate in hazing and are on apology tours with Sorors they abused. Being called cat or paper never mattered to me. I am a life member as well and many of these “real” Greeks haven’t been active since they were initiated.
Because you adopted a culture based on Ponzi scheme secrecy and it modeled after the yt fraternities & sorority. Hazing in its simplistic form is a loyalty game
Let em know Soror!!!! Oooooo-Ooop!
U cat
I believe in Pledging not hazing. Roland attempts to justify his membership into Alpha because he choose not to pledge. Like I said there is a difference between Pledging and hazing.
11
That was one of the best talks about what the pledging process should be. I pledged K A Psi in 1986 and went through a couple of things to say the least. Bonding and becoming ONE was the result of a tough process. Getting hit did nothing for me. Thanks Roland for having the courage to talk candidly about Hazing.👌👌👌
👌🏾
ARE BLACK MEN FORCED TO TALK TO THIS GUY WHOS A PROVEN RACIST AND A SPY PLANT.. ONLY BLACK PEOPLE TALKING THERE CRAP TO NON BLACKS.. THIS IS CRAZY.. NO ONE ELSE DOES THIS..
♦️👌🏿♦️👌🏿♦️👌🏿
Why y’all never say wat u went through
@@504Chosenonebecause they did some homosexual shit too lol
I am glad he spoke about this. I am not in any fraternity, but it is sad to hear about people dying from hazing.
Given our ancestral history with slavery, paddle hazing in Black frats just seems like a sadistic fetishism and a symbolism of buck breaking.
You sound stupid AF 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@EnergyBrooks That is exactly what it sounds like.
💯
It’s homosexual.
I totally understand his follow the money statement. My grandson is graduating in May from one of Houston’s most prestigious private high schools. The HBCU’s that he has applied to in Houston and around the country are offering a minuscule amount on financial assistance. But the PWI’s that he applied to are kicking the bank vaults wide open to get that young black student onto their campus. As a family we would be total fools to disregard that financial assistance and saddle us and that young man with a massive amount of college student loans. We’re all unapologetically BLACK folks…and dammit we always will be.
Tell it
I went to a PWI and that definitely doesn’t make me any less black! My son is only considering HBCUs and I’ve told him public schools or at least with equal expenses as state schools since we have some financial say with the money that will be used for his education plus scholarships. I support him and hope he gets what he is looking for at an HBCU. School is school to me, but then again my school had 26% minorities VCU in Richmond, VA.
I agree, my brother went to community college and transferred with a 4.1 GPA. His dream was to go to FAMU. Long story short, they were a bit shady with their scholarships and reneged on what they offered him. Meanwhile Brown University (An ivy league school) offered him a full ride...He's getting ready to graduate this year and doesn't have to pay a dime while his friends he went to high school with have racked up 80k-100k in student loan debt.
Facts!!!! I don’t understand how beating a person down is a sisterhood/brotherhood. Ain’t no way! We’ve been beat for decades and I refuse to allow anybody to talk down or put they hands on me.
@BMonroe Exactly, some people get off on abusing people.
Period !
My uncle went to Fayetteville State (HBCU) he said the only reason why he didn't pledge Que.. because he wasn't raised to get his ass whipped.
Rest well Uncle Robert
Now that's gangsta factz
@@bestvids9399 that's pure ignorance
Good for your uncle 👍. Smart
sounds like he had heart rest up to him
Facts
He is speaking the truth….I pledged Kappa at Prairie View in 1999…not speaking on anything that we experienced but I can honestly say that now that I am in my 40’s and see things from a different perspective……I get it now👊🏾👊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✌🏾✌🏾
Facts
By you saying you’re not going to speak on it invalidates the rest of your statement.
@@TSwann “MY” journey and growth has nothing to do with you. No one even asked you your opinion on “MY” comment. “MY” pledging experiences are just that…….”MY” experiences! Me seeing things differently as I have gotten older, has absolutely nothing to do with me sharing “MY” experiences on a social media outlet for the world to see just to prove my point to satisfy anybody fam.✊🏾👊🏾✌🏾
@kingbyron3871
Aight don't share then.
But hurry up and come up out of that agreement with some greek gods. Hurry!!
Jesus Christ is waiting for you.
Good, but Roland Martin is lying.
I didn't pledge at my HBCU, because I was not going to let some guy beat me for 6 months until they felt I was ready to become their brother. All of the men and women in my family are in a Fraternity or a Sorority, so I understand what they do and what they are about. I couldn't let somebody treat me like trash.
You dont understand. Having family members tell you a few stories is not like going through the process yourself. Its only one way to understand and thats to go through the process.
You not hard in da paint. I pledged bloody BT alpha phi alpha at Xavier University Louisiana. 6 months online and I was made right. Man up, you need to recognize…
Pledged and let me tell you it’s so unnecessary. On the plus side it gives a common experience and sense of accomplishment but on the other side brutality is outdated. Have we not been beaten and brutalized enough in this country? If you have to whip someone’s ass to get them to produce then what good will they ultimately be once they get in? Once those letters go on you can’t beat on someone to get results! And if you are a Christian the Bible expressly forbids the taken of oaths amongst other heretical things. For instance in the Alpha ritual, alpha is presented as the “light of the world”? There is only one true Light of the world and that is Jesus Christ!
AMEN! 🙏 GOD BLESS YOU!
Same here
Me and my LS just had this conversation the other day. So much to unpack here.
I pledged fall 1986. No physical hazing on my campus. I attended a PWI. This message needs to start from the top. It's still wink, wink with fraternities. They say no hazing, but still hazing these boys. Stupid to call people paper because they didn't get beaten. It sickens me.
You're paper and PWI...pick one....your opinion doesn't count
How about we call ya'll cat lol
The point if joining the organizations is to provide service to the community. I am now a life member and have been serving my community for over 30 years. Call me what you want, but I understood the assignment and the mission. My process wasn't easy, mentally (I was initiated in the 80's) but no one hit me and I can look them in the eyes and call them my sorors without any malice in my heart.
@@SethChillis lol
@@terrelldinkins273 Speak on it. The only badge of honor that these people can wear are the lumps and bruises that they’ve carried since they were in their young teens and early 20s. Probably hobbling along recounting their war stories and trauma bonding with their line brothers and sisters.
I’m a member of a D9 crossed summer 08 and I felt the same way like Roland, he dropping a lot of facts and it’s crazy because prophytes and old bruhs who have kids careers and all that fall in the mindset of hazing because they got hazed
Finally somebody has said it. My HS teacher worried if I pleaged her sorority because she new if somebody hazed my ass she knew it was up and I was fighting everybody. She always was scared for me to pledge because of that. She knew I didn't play.
Spring '92 here- brother Martin tells it exactly like it is here. Well done bruh.
When I pledged greek, it was instilled in me the reason for the “physical training” (never to be called "hazing" because we are a non hazing fraternity) that took place and I didn’t understand why then.
Now, even as a 32 year old, I’m still waiting on the “why” for it being 100% necessary…..
Speak Facts Brother & depending on your line # another Brother with that number would haze the Shhhit out of you. Never understood hazing.
It’s all spritual
I went to school with Roland. I can attest to everything he said. The Deltas had the same philosophy. We were very close to the Alphas at TAMU.
Then they all skated
"Why would I voluntarily incur debt?" Exactly.
That's bullsh*t...b/c if his decision was truly based on "following the money" then he would have went to a community college to complete his prerequisites (at minimum).
One of my brothers said that during his process he literally hated his big brothers because of what what done to him.
That's what I always thought.
I was on line for a D9 org in college. The guy had me in the car and said we’re gonna teach you about Fall 18, I told him we’re gonna see about that. Everybody in the car went quiet. A lot of these dudes really soft, be a leader stand on your own two.
Stop stop. No you didn’t.
@@SuperKshepherd I did, but I’m guessing you let them bend your dumb ass over and spank you and your ass swelled up
🧢 🧢 🧢
@@Mytamponisdirty why are you so triggered? Every one of you who comments I just know you got beat up and you took it 😂😂😂😂😂 You mad af 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@machiavelllli No. Its just the process. Enjoy your day.
Can’t front, even though I went through the ‘underground’ pledge process almost 20yrs ago, if my son decided to pledge in 15yrs, I wouldn’t want him to be hazed. That shit was crazy back in the day and I hear it’s even worse nowadays. Lol!
These new cats are out of control with hazing.
Some of the non-physical/mental aspects of hazing are rough as the physical aspects.
As a 39yr old, I definitely see things differently.
Because a lot of cats that get or got beat, aren’t as active as ‘Paper’ bruhs.
Bruh as someone who also pledged you shouldn’t be talking about it. You must not have pledged or maybe you did and dropped like a heaux 😂🤣😂
You guys are all losers LOL
@@joeblack2809 you definitely gotta be some type of hoe to go thru the shit as a man all y’all weird as hell ah lil sick in head for letting another man whip yo ass hundreds of times with a paddle
Even ppl that didn't pledge, like myself, are well aware of hazing. It's an open secret at this point, although organizations try to lie about it lol.
@@joeblack2809 Discretion is key 🤫
My pops pledged Omega Psi Phi in "88 he told me how bad the hazing was he said he had his ribs broken from being kicked while doing push ups and how him and his line had to eat dog food out of a dog pan and how they had to strip down naked and get paddled for being late he also mentioned how one of his LB's committed suicide right after they crossed over cause he was so damaged from what happened my pops told he still has ptsd to this day from what happened.
Sounds like yo pops is a hoe ass n*gga cause aint no way another man about to make me strip naked to paddle me FOH.
That’s tragic I’m glad I didn’t join a D9 organization
I'm a Alpha. We was hazed. But the omega's version of hazing was way more brutal. They was straight abused.
I heard the Kappas was beating folks. I'm from Englewood in Chicago. I told my boy I ain't let niggas in the hood put they hands on me I'm not about to pay a light skin-pretty boy nigga put his hands on me. We were summoned to the house one night, I didn't go, he came back to my dorm all fucked up. He said they all got jumped and robbed by the Kappas. And four of the Kappas ended up coming out a couple years later. I'm glad I dodged those butt games I heard they played.
what school, what chapter. i don't believe you
Roland Martin is a treasure for black folks. So what he didn’t go to an HBCU. He’s still speaking truth about our plight in this country.
As a member of a black fraternity, I can attest to everything Mr. Martin is saying. A lot people were beat to members of their organization and it did not make them a better brother. Just because you were hazed does not mean you pledged.
Yes it does. If U pledge the army for the US...or any military (because basically thats what pledging is most similar too). Do u think they jus memorize a few things and walk on
@@negrodamus323u get some trainings but they don’t beat you , demean you, and give you permanent physical damage before you even get on the field ??
Facts
@@jordy3701that’s a fact. I’m in the army my basic training was harsh. They did demean you a lil to throw you off your high horse. For them everyone was equal. Everyone had their role to play.
I'm glad you spoke up Roland.
My respect to Martin he keep it too real everytime 💯 💯💯 H-Town tx 🤘🏾God Blessed that brother
Roland is 💯 correct!!! As a member of DST initiated in the Spring 1998-Omicron Delta Chapter through a very dignified and proper way. I’m glad he made this statement. Hazing destroys our organizations on so many levels.
Oooo-oop 🐘
Sis you paper tho…
@@dontem.8369 I am a Diamond Life member with 25 years of uninterrupted service. I serve on the Southern Region Leadership team and my chapter. The whole “paper” vs “made” philosophy has no merit on what our Founders or organizations stand for. It has been my experience that most people who were brutally beaten or “made” rarely remain active in their organizations. We were initiated into organizations for service, not into violent gangs. Hazing has caused many of our organizations to lose out on corporate sponsorships, etc. because businesses do not want to be associated with organizations that participate in violent illegal behavior. Hazing is a replica of slavery and should not be tolerated in our organizations. So if being “paper” means being dignified and proper then I’m paper all day and proud.
@@LadycookieK0304 lol, you can’t be proud of yourself. You feel proud not knowing particular rituals those who are made right know. You sound crazy asf being proud about being paper. I was made right… I will die proud of this…
@@dontem.8369 Most “old school” D9 men like my husband who has been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha for 31 years, are very respectful and do not speak to women this way. It’s relatively interesting and shocking to say the least. Most people would say that you sound stupid and not me. What grown, educated, professional man brags about being beaten , sounds like Stockholm syndrome to me. Your argument or insults have no merit. Go and engage with some weak minded undergrads who would be impressed with your argument.
Much respect to this one. Makes me rethink some choices I’ve made.
I pledged, earned my letters. You can pledge without being hated.
@@tyronedavidson4372They’re just a bunch of letters. As someone who was also in a sorority, don’t be brainwashed. Greek life isn’t even in different countries so if you were born somewhere else it wouldn’t have mattered to you.
@@LoveAndSnappleyeah that’s literally everything in life
I do not believe physical, emotional or mental damage must be inflicted to bring unity on a line
But I do believe accountability is necessary. I pledged a Business fraternity and we had public speaking requirements, business attire we had to wear etc
What we learned prepared us for the corporate world & forced my pledge class to work together on group projects for weeks at a time
No harm was done & I had pledge brothers I will jump & help to this day. Divine 9 has the influence to make the pledge process 100% constructive
I’m also an AKA & was initiated at a PWI. Been financially active since I joined in 2015
Love to see another fraternity man speak out against hazing. The shit is stupid
I attended Texas Southern University in Houston, Tx, in the early to late 90s.... it was known if you're going to pledge as a male... it's possible your life would be on the line or you will be taken to Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, Tx, for trauma. I did not pledge for that reason... my father sat me down after i spoke with him, and said "son its not worth it". I finished from TSU and earned my degree in 99.
I pledged Alpha across the street at the University of Houston (spring 1992). Went to graduate school in Connecticut. Now I make 6 figures. Pledging prepared me for the mental hazing I experienced in grad school. One of the best things I did in my life. My process was organized and well structured. It was a good experience. None of us went to the hospital.
@MarQos MarQos
You were blessed, brother. i have a close friend who lost his hearing in his left ear behind Kappa. Im glad you were able to have a better experience brother. Not against the brotherhood... just the other stuff... young men hv lost their lives behind those letters
@@jimkent1480 I feel what you are saying brother but the acts of extreme brutality and death are not the norm. I've initiated brothers in the south as well as the east coast when I was in grad school. I've never witnessed anyone hurt to the degree that they had to seek medical attention. I've always witnessed pledging in controlled, safe environments and if I saw a brother about to crack I would take the brother to the side and let him refocus. The pledge process is a rites of passage that stays with you your entire life and prepares you for the real world which is not very kind. You have to learn to face your fears and adversity head on and deal with it as a man. I dont condone brutailty but a challenging rites of passage is necessary for young black men. I experienced a rites of passage in the military as well as in college when I joined a fraternity. They were both essential to my development as the successful family man I am today.
@@marqosmarqos1201There should have never been any abuse to anybody. Some of you all get off on beating on people.
@@lovelyone98 How many abortions have you had?
I went to an hbcu and enjoyed the experience for the two years I went but dropped out because of the financial stress in put on me and my family, as well as not being certain about what I wanted to do, if I could have a second chance I'd definitely go to a pwi, and hazing is stupid what sense does it make to beat "loyalty" into someone, lowkey sounds like some slavery mindset ish
If you would have pledged, your line brothers would have pulled together and made sure you had what you needed to stay in school and graduate! That's the part non-greeks don't have the luxury of experiencing in life! Just like when I'm hiring....it doesn't matter which organization, Devine 9 is going to get the job!
@J. Davis ΩΨΦ if the cost is a ass whipping I'm good, currently doing just as good if not better than some of my classmates, a home owner as well, college isn't the only way trades and skills deserve to be pushed just as hard as a degree but our people are to bouije to hear that
@@spoolyboi9434 "College isn't the only way," that's a bullshit cop out for those who fail to apply themselves in school! The odds of becoming successful are far greater with a college degree! Numbers don't lie!
@@JDavis-zk6vd I have strong bonds with “Greeks (cough), and non-Greeks from my college days. And both tried to keep me from leaving school in ‘94 when things got to overwhelming. All you need to be in life is a person of high morals and character. Thanks for carrying on the slave masters’ grand design. 🤦🏾♂️
So you hire just because of some stupid affiliation instead of who’s best for the job?
Preach Uncle Roland!!!! As a member of the D9 some chapters forget about unity and excellence.
Yes
Their is a HUGE difference between “Pledging” & “Hazing”!!!
Facts even you go to a HBCU, if word gets out y'all had to cross, cause word got out about an hazing incident, and the had to rush line to cross everybody. Other chapters would consider you "Paper" no respect. Very sad
I was on line in 98. They tried to kill me. My light skinned ass was literally purple. The whole line dropped. I couldn’t even sit in a chair in class. And this is only after the first few weeks. I swear I took my mask off and wanted to fight a 300 pound football player. That was my last night
Wow...that's crazy. I'm glad you left.
That shits out of line
Crazy. More of a gang nowadays as opposed to being a org or fraternity. An older well established lpha gentlman told me this hmself viewers.
Mostly bout service based and professional oriented. This shoul dbe key reasons to instill into applicants and focusing on community service, leadership, and voting and graduating.It's all about mentoring applicants and helping them reach positive potential in the orgs on campus. The real cat narrative needs to be faded away nowadays.The true principles for joining need to be instilled in to applicants. But it take a mature/principle centerd man or woman to underscore this. Not about paddling someone to death or taking them through some barbaric process.
ALso, there are many social media/tik tok vids flothing around with (undgrads) D-9 ORGS chatting degratory commennts towards our Women in society also. (Those hops/or steps they're doing nowdays) Calling them (B's and everthing else associated with chats). Rethorical questions: How can we get others to respect our women when we don't respect our women by calling them out there names in chants as black men in society. Our women are our sisters and should be respected as such. Leadership at the tops needs to address this to undergraaduates also and change these habits on campuses. . (may not be a reflection of all chapters also). Again, this is not to negate or diminish the good that the orgs do in society. Food for thought
That’s why I never pledge such as joined any of that bc I’m afraid of what I would of done to them if they did me like that 🤦🏾♂️
All Facts! I'm in D9 and said this throughout my involvement in a sorority
Thanks for telling like it is Roland!!! College is College...I was in the same boat. I feel the same exact way. I went to a PWI and I'm still the same BLACK Man I was when I left home as when I came back home!!! I also feel the same way about pledging, dumb crap. You don't have to touch anyone to get your point across; what about the selection process? If you don't select the right people, then you are not getting the right people that fit your organization. I took the wood, but some of those same brothers don't speak or haven't done anything for me. You can have fun with things, but don't demean anyone.
It really amazes me that a HBCU would rather have young black people in debt just to attend college rather than have the best black intellectuals in America graduate from their institution..Sadly im coming to the conclusion that we as black people just hold each other and ourselves down in society at this point..
You believe this? College isn't free- there are employees and expenses just like everywhere else.
@gotmypearls from what he's saying it didn't matter about a person's GPA and what value they would bring to the school it only mattered about money money money..If we weren't so divisive and built together from way back then this conversation wouldn't even be happening in 2023
Every college would rather have u in debt...not jus Hbcus.. Unless your on scholarship...u we be in huge debt after college
I pledged Omega Psi Phi grad chapter in 2003. I totally feel where Roland is coming from. And although my pledge process did include some hazing, some of what I went through was unnecessary. Because when it's all said and done, it's all about what you accomplish after you've crossed over into your organization, versus proving that you can take an ass kicking when you are going through the pledge process!
If it's all about what you after you process, why have one. Many are called but few are Chosen. Everyone does not need to be Greek. If you want the colors must earn them. Don't want anyone hurt;but Don't want to give them to anyone who wants. That is the State of Greeks today; no brotherhood!! Must earn it and yes! I am old School; the Century Club first night. Don't advocate that today; but I tough! process, yes!!
What chapter?
If all that matters is after you get in your organization, just let everyone in and see what they do after they get in. Brotherhood and bonding matters; You must earn it. Roland "Skated in" so that how his opinion is formed. He would not have pledged at Epsilon Pi. Again, don't want anyone to get hurt; but must earn it, Fraternities are not for everyone. "Many are called but Few are Chosen"
@@jf704 how does getting your ass beat by other men make you smarter!!!! That’s a gang initiation my friend!!!!!
@@JDavis-zk6vd 😂 Bruhz hell!
Just love Roland Martin!!! Speak!!!
I am glad he spoke on this. That's the reason I never joined a fraternity.
I went to college after joining the military (special forces) there was no way in hell someone was gonna abuse me. Drill Sgt. did enough of that.
Pledging/ Hazing was actually started from fraternity members returning from the military fyi..
@@z040880 FYI hazing has been around since the late 1700's
@@Rambunctious216 yep but college black fraternities picked it up from military members
@@z040880WRONG!!! You tried it tho.
@@z040880 but you clearly stated the huge difference one is military the other is school. Hazing in the military is to make sure you can be trusted and follow orders you can't make a navy seal by simply asking them to do push ups or to swim you have to test them in all aspects, the goal is to build a soldier ready to die fighting to win. College hazing serves no purpose, I'm not preparing for war, I'm trying to get a job🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️. Your comment was pointless and made no sense. Cats are the same as dogs in your brain I guess😂😂😂.
I agree with Roland 100%. My whole line dropped after big brothers got drunk then wanted to haze us! Not was going to happen!! I have never returned to that Fraternity! I have always said, how are going to try beat me and then want me to call U my brother.
@urexpressionsphotography1082 You and your line made the right decision. That ain't no brotherhood. You are even more of a man for making the right decision not to join. Good for you.
The crap we’ve done in the name of community service. 😢
Imagine it being his turn to get paddled and Roland Martin actually says “y’all want to paddle the behind when I want to pledge the mind” 🤔 😂😂😂 @ 7:07
😆
Lmaooooooo bruh I’m DYIN!! Lol why did i picture this perfectly??
Lol lol
😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂 hahaha!!!! Man…set woulda been rollin, his line name would’ve been determined that night!
Our insurance premiums are astronomical and some undergraduate chapters and small alumni chapters are struggling to pay those premiums.
Good point. More focus should focus in service based objectives seminar to current undergrads on joining for rights reasons and not hold on to pass tradition s on ignition procedures. Life after college/carrer goals and financial literacy should be topics of discussions for prospective members
Roland Martin is one man who doesn’t tolerate foolishness 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Kudos to Roland Martin on his anti-hazing stance. I hate it too. I can't believe I subjected myself to that back in the day when I was pledging.
I want to thank Roland for discussing matters of hazing. I also went to a PWI, with aspirations of pledging of fraternity. I was hesitant about pledging as I didn’t want to get hazed. I had enough of it just being in the Army. I was able to graduate with my degree and maintain friendships with those who did pledge. The stories of their pledging experiences were horrible. In my opinion, hazing has no place in building young people for membership in the D9.
As a member of the D9, and military veteran, Roland is spot on! What you go through in the military is a kind of hazing, a WELL REGULATED chaos if you will. It’s designed to TURN 50 TO 80 individuals into a well choreographed SINGLE organism and they do it effectively. The first thing I noticed when I was going through my D9 is that it wasn’t supervised or regulated. These people don’t know what they’re doing. Unlike the military, the process was unsafe, and no mitigation plan if things took a wrong turn. It was just violence for the sake of violence! It wasn’t meant to build shit!! I said what I said!!
Maaan, he stirring up the hornets nest lol but he speaking the truth!
Its only a hornets nest cause its thise "dudes" mad -cause thats it. You are in a brotherhood on Wednesday but Tuesday that same dude kicked you in the ribs. Now hes your "brother". After graduation....neither has done anything but hey we bruths...and "kangs"...
I graduated from a PWI. What I’ve come to learn is that most blacks stick together more at PWIs than HBCUs. Pledging has it’s life learning lessons IF the right chapter understands the process.
I definitely agree with this…the unity at my PWI with the blacks is unmatched!!!!
hoe can you make that blanket statement. if you didn't go to an hbcu, how would you know that😂😂. This why PWI Blacks stay getting crowned. yall say dumb shit like this 😂😂
@@myamoncrief 🤡
Or could it be because the blacks were smaller in numbers and needed to stick together for support it gave the appearance that you were closer at your PWI? I have to tell you, in all my years dealing with college students, I have seen the complete opposite of what you have stated.
Love the story … Great interview
Sounds like me in Spring 88 @ an HBCU.
I wasn’t playing that shit especially from Brothers that was not financially active.
What chapter?
Roland Martin is always on point. I have seen many videos of people calling the Devine 9 demonic and saying they got out. Now I see the why they deem it that way. It’s because of the hazing. I’m glad that Roland spoke out on this . Maybe more chapters of the Devine 9 will utilize his idea and go back to the roots of why they were founded.
Not always
Saw him on Let it Rip with Huel Perkins and he was totally off track.
Demonic because of the idolatry.
So glad he spoke up
I agree with a lot. I’m an Alpha myself.Spring ‘18 Solo ace. It’s not worth someone accidentally dying, and or even afflicting pain to someone. There’s a mentality in the Greek world where you “skated” if you didn’t get hazed (most graduate chapters).
As a younger person I always wanted to belong to a fraternity, traditionally a lot of the so called "Elite" bros were part of a Frat. I finally got my change to pledge. Howevwer once i got wind of the fact ass whuppins was the norm I immediatly stepped down. I said it way back then and still say it today, NOBODY is beating my ass, and i'm going to let it happen voluntarily? Respect to all the Frats but , I progressed without them.
Just go paper, still can accomplish what you want
I totally agree, Frat! I went through the same thing. Spring 91. A phi A
Texas Southern University alumnus, Third Ward, Texas!
The problem is some frats/corps can't separate hazing from initiations.
I agree with Roland Martin. That's why I didn't join a sorority in college. Roland get his points across in an aggressive manner sometimes because people don't listen to you when you are passive. A lot of folk is stuck on stupid.
Exactly why I didn't pledge, no one was gonna whip my ass. That's not how you build character.
I love hearing Roland Martin talk about his pledging days! Being a Divine Nine member myself (who pledged), I enjoy hearing the old head's stories.
ROLAND cussing is the funniest shit 😂🤣😂
😂😂😂😂😂 man I thought the same thing I love seeing celebrities we don’t hear curse do it lol
@@deesee2051 he a whole clown! ROLAND ain’t never punk nobody!
I never knew he cussed like that lol
@@reginaldbstewart395 he don’t! He tryna be tough & it looks hella corny!
@@ForgottenCityOnline you obviously don't watch his channel much. He curses quite a bit.
Much Respect to Brother Martin! 06!!!!🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽
Roland look like a Bebe's Kids character that stepped into real life 👀🤣🤣🤣😭😭💀
“Las Vegas in effect baaby “
@@badass9643 Pee-wee Hahahaha 😄😄😁
lmfao
Thanks so much brother Martin for your honest yet intelligent take on the "Hazing" issue. I've always had an issue with hazing and what I've seen happen to people who were literally injured in the process. I've seen it when parents actually came to our HBCU ready to go off on the individuals that hurt their child. PERIOD. Blessings and love to you good brother. 🤙
Yes, Hazing was really bad fall98-03 years (George Bush erra) at HbCUS and before too I woud imagine. 18-21 age group are longing for respect so this is the reasonthey go through the barabaric process. It's a pattern if spring 98 wen through it then we're gonna take the 99 applicants through and so onn. Ultimately the grad advisors try to preach this to the kids but kids of today go behind ther backs and have underground lines. becasue of traditions and we wanna get resepect idealogogy. But not only Greeks, hbcu marching bands hazed in the 90s also. It's a resepct thing from what I am told by undergrads. More mature women/men need to to step up and undersore the true reasons for joining the orgs as a whole. voting and graduated is the key. I'm a former educator.
I would always tell my cousin in college that pledging is just gangbanging with student loans 😂😂😂
Even worse gangbanging when your parents are paying your tuition 😂😂
Its really not, just because we fly colors and compete with one another doesn’t mean we’re a gang.
What it means is we’re organized and the most visceral examples of such are CRIMINAL organizations.
There’s a far greater likelihood that you WON’T end up in jail and with a decent career.
😂😂😂 I hollered!!!
All cap bro… I PLEDGED
Man cut it out
as someone who did pledge underground & "CROSSED THOSE BURNING SANDS"... I can say it did cause resentment . He made some valid points. I wouldnt advise my kids to go the route I went unless I could be at every set lol.
If pledging caused resentnent, you should not done it; no resentment with me or the brothers of Epsilon Pi back in the day. We are close today and will do anthing for each other. Again do not want anyone to get hurt but you must earn it; Roland opinion is based on the way he pledged or not pledged. I pledged as many others pledged hard and we are doctors, lawyers, CEO, General in the military and great citizens. We are no different than Roland except we earned our colors and proud of the I we were made.
@@jf704 letting another man spank you is earning something? lmaoo. You frat dudes are weird let a man put hands on you to join their clique
Did you officially Kross over?
@J F You can reframe it all you want all i see if someone with no self worth on their own merit so they have to be disrespected to join a group. Maybe if the hazing consists of doing physical straining activities like a navy seal, but to be disrespected? Hell even joining street gangs it's shorter process and you allowed to fight back. Yall just punching bags.
@@donmacmilly I am a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger real combat proven for 28 years. Read up what that means. Confidence and a better than the rest attitude. That me all my life. Pledging a Frat is for the Strong not the weak. Many are called few are Chosen. I went to Combat with Navy Seals. You must earn it the Fraternity colors, just like I earned my Ranger Tab.
As an HBCU grad in the early 90’s hazing was definitely the culture. If you cross over the added respect was that you took wood , bottle or brick.
There is no respect in that. Sorry if that is how you want to think.
It’s about time men voice this kind of wisdom! It’s about damn time!
Black folks so backwards... we beef over colleges and worst fraternities aren't created to be gangs...
Bravo Roland
Line folders vary from chapter to chapter. Some even have your line number on them.
If this was the mindset I would have pledged
Hazing is still heavy now I just got out of school
Save your dignity … nowadays they’ll have you playing with another man’s 🍆 just so you can shake your shoulders at parties!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
KAPsi legacy and I endorse what Brother Roland Martin stated in this interview. This is my Silver Anniversary and I am proud of being a Nupe, but we need to understand that the real work begins after you graduate and give back to the community.
Kudos to Rolland! I said this back in 89. Why get my ass kicked for 3 letters. That's why I never pledged. I had an epiphany when I went to Africa. I'm an African but I want to be a Greek? That makes no sense to me. Rolland is correct. Pay all that money and never graduate, send your kids off to school and come back in a body bag. I love his concept. Much respect.
Exactly why I never pledged. Ain’t no man about to put his hands on me without getting his ass clapped back
Pause
So you love clapping ass😂😅😂😅
Super pause
Super duper pause
Warrior
Alpha checking in… heard about A&M’s “process” but it was NOT how I crossed, at a PWI. Let’s just say you earned ‘em and there was no HATE afterwards, only respect. Active Life Member… ‘06 all day, er day! 🤙🏾
I came for the comments. 🍿🍿 too many grown men in the comments who got spanked by other men. That's nothing to be proud of.
I’m saying 😂
all i can say is do your historical research on these "greek" fraternities. Know what you getting into before you take that oath. You aint even supposed to take oaths thats if your a bible believing person.
And how many PREACHERS are in fraternities? My biblical beliefs and relationship with HIM have nothing to do with my frat… just sayin
@@jandevery exactly why do you think they put frat brothers over the black Christian church and call them "preachers" They mislead the people just like Roland does. Todays black Christian church ain't real Christianity. That's catholicism. It's evil. It's prosperity preaching.
We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Police forces around the kountry give an oath to protect and serve.
@@koolkharisma5298 no you pledge allegiance to America. And whats your point police departments are the most corrupt institutions in America.
@@jandevery Preachers are not the standard the Holy Scriptures are the standard!
Drop line… whoop your ass… and get back on 🤣
It’s so refreshing to hear someone categorically denounce hazing in D9. Now let’s here it from a Que 😊
Huh? So you don't need to hear it from any other fraternities?
👀👀. Them Ques ain't gone do it.
@@thepoorblackman We don't haze...Done
Roland does not speak for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. I 100% disagree with him. Fraternities and Sororities have no brotherhood or sisterhood anymore because anyone can join. Can't take it , don't do it. 06 Epsilon Pi Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
My cousin is a Que!! Man he was beat down!!!! Them Ques ain’t going
I’m going to share my story and the story of a good friend. I had a friend that wanted to pledge an organization more than anything but was not willing to go through the physical abuse he would have had to take. He was not a weak man by any means. He was a child of abuse and felt that being beat for weeks on end would be triggering. It’s messed up because he was a stellar student and became a successful entrepreneur. He still feels like he was cheated out of that experience and the network it provides because he was worried about what the beatings would do to his physical and mental health. I think the D9 really needs to consider the level of talent that they are leaving on the table because there are individuals who are legitimately concerned about their safety… I was an individual who attempted to pledge in college. During the early stages of the process my parents drove up to surprise me. When i met them in my room they saw the physical damage that had been done to me and immediately told me to quit or I couldn’t come back to school. No one in our family went to college so this was completely foreign to them. To this day I look back on what could have been if only there wasn’t this extreme process.
Your family came in and saved you. You don’t need an organization to better yourself
@@jordanwilliams1546 truth
sorry you had to go through that
Cry harder
@@z040880 you sound mad could never make it to college to get assaulted by grown ass niggas lol
As a Brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with this message!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Cat
@@z040880 Fuck you. You’d never say that shit to my face either.
The process is wild but if done correctly and seen all the way through you will appreciate it💯👌🏾💎
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯
The process is gay
You a sucka if you let any man haze you. Im glad i never fell into the gay shit
@@thegreatoneforever5587 must’ve dropped its all good. Go make friends with the other GDI’s.
@@joeblack2809 Facts lol
This is what you call 🗣️SENSE 👏🏾
Greek life definitely adopted a bit of a gang/street mentality; this is evident by how the dude in the neighboring chapter said he'll whoop their ass. So ignorant. What Roland is speaking on is what ALL the organization founders had in mind.
He speaking straight Facts!
I like what he saying and it makes great sense. Props!
Hazing and skin branding isn't a form a slavery?
it most certainly IS!
Yes it is 🤦🏽♂️ educate yourself please.
@@reeseromeo6 that was a rhetorical question.
Indeed it is a form of slavery.
Thanks Roland. Your commentary has never been more accurate. I am a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta, initiated into the Mu Upsilon Chapter, College of William and Mary, Fall 1982. Also served as an Alpha Sweetheart, Kappy Pi Chapter, 1981-1985.
I agree Roland many times the black community pass on greatness because of our silly oppression! Glad you followed the best choice for your education the community is truly blessed for you! No one can take away your gift of intellect except God. It is obvious that you were blessed with intelligent you would strive in any academic environment! Thank you for your voice!
'...So why am I going to sit here and physically, mentally and emotionally harm somebody and break them to the point where they HATE what they wanted to join?" hmmmm that's the tweet/quote to be heard around the world. Please....say it again Brother Martin. Thank you!!!!!!!!!
Yo I totally agree with Mr Roland- you’re not beating me to be Greek
I am 23 years old and I am so glad that I never chose to join any stupid sorority. All of the ridiculous acts and deplorable activities that they do just to say you are a part of a group now is the weakest thing I've ever heard of in my life. I'd never allow myself to be disrespected, talked down to, belittled, nor treated like a clown just to have a meaningless association to a bunch of mules. I don't get why people who join these organizations choose to put themselves through so much foolishness and purposelessness for no reason! You're not gaining anything from it so what's the point? It's just not worth it.
wELL, SAID, 98-03 WAS TUFF YEARFS AT HBCUS BECAUSE OF HAZE/PLEDGE CUTLURE. MARCHING BANDS GET DOWN TOO. IT'S KIND OF LIKE IF SPRING 98 WENT THROUGH IT THEN WE TAKING SPRING 99 THROUGH IT ETC..... iTS A PATTERN FROM LINE TO LINE THAT THEY WON'T APPLICANTS TO GO THROUGH. YES, THAT 18-23 AGE GROUP CRAVES RESEPCT BY GOING THROUGH THE PLEDGE/HAZINGPROCESS. THE REAL REASONS IF YOU JOIN IS COMMUNITY SERVICE/ VOTING, AND PROMOTING POSITIVE GOALS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY/SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. IT TAKEA MATUURE WOMEAN/MAN TO UNDERSCORE THESE GOALS FOR THE FRATS/SORORS.