Sigma Lambda Beta's Penn State president victim of racism

pic.twitter.com/XSgKX9p2jp

— PennStateBetas (@PennStateBetas) December 10, 2014

It's known that I'm in a predominately Latino fraternity that was founded at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. I pledged  Spring 2004 and have even written about it during my graduate studies at Saint Joseph's University. Since then I've pushed to be a better Latino male in the world we live in since in fact it's a crazy world.

Then this happened to Penn State's chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. Yep, the organization's President was approached by a group of white male student's who proceeded to pour water on him and tell him to, and I quote, "go back to your country." It's one thing to pour water but to follow up with "go back to your country" is terrible.

Sigma Lambda Upsilon awards educational scholarships

If there's one thing I enjoy reading about, it's seeing Latino organizations help support Latino youth advance their education. On Saturday, April 20th the Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. (SLU) will be awarding Priscilla Flores and Ashley Torres $500 at the Dia de la Mujer Latina banquet. The award and banquet marks the return of SLU's AVANCE Scholarship Fund. Flores is a student from Northeast High School and Torres is a student at Central High School.

“Our intent was also to honor and celebrate those members of the Penn and Philadelphia community that had shown a commitment to the advancement of Latinos/as, through their mentorship and support of our chapter.," - said Elizabeth Papavasiliou, Penn College of Arts & Sciences ‘95, Gamma Chapter President ‘93-‘94. "I am so proud of the undergraduate Hermanas who have resurrected this special event.”

The Dia de la Mujer Latina banquet will be held at the Biomedical Research Building at the University of Pennsylvania (14th Floor Lounge, 421 Curie Blvd.) There is a suggested donation of $10. This year's keynote speaker will be Dr. Aida Giachello, an educator and writer specializing in Latino minority health. Dr. Giachello has been recognized as TIME Magazine's "Top 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America."  For more information please visit http://gammachaptersenoritas.tumblr.com/dia or contact Sasha Lagombra, Chapter President at: (646)-413-3202, gamma@sigmalambdaupsilon.org.

Dressing up as a stereotype...again

As you can see from the photo above, it looks like a Penn State University sorority has taken upon itself to have its members dress up in traditional Mexican clothes and act like them. Right. Ridiculous is what this is. Jezebel.com reported that Onward State, Director of Greek Life, Dr. Roy Baker, Director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Carlos Wiley, and the leadership of Chi Omega met to discuss potential punishments for the sorority last night. Suspension is rumored by not confirmed. The question to ask is why this is still happening. Penn State has several minority Greek-lettered organizations (Black, Latino, Asian, etc.) and for this to happen is disgraceful.

Some people are asking what's the big deal? Really? I'm guessing they weren't aware of Ohio University's STARS' campaign huh?

Lambda Pi Chi invades Philadelphia

Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. ("Lambda Pi Chi”) announced that the location of its 2012 National Convention will be in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from August 3rd through 5th. To be honest this was not only shocking but I was happy to hear of a Latino Greek Lettered Organization (LGLO) choosing Philadelphia as their host city. It's not everyday you hear about an LGLO visiting la ciudad de amor fraternal. This year, Lambda Pi Chi will continue that legacy with its annual College Book Scholarship Program, among other initiatives. The scholarship program, which is part of Lambda Pi Chi’s Proyecto H.A.C.E.R. (Hermanas Advancing Career and Educational Resources), provides financial assistance to outstanding college-bound young women. 


The ironic part about this year's convention? Lambda Pi Chi has chosen my boss, Clara Rivas, as their keynote speaker. "Ms. Rivas’s passion for, and dedication to, the Latino community as well as her professional successes as a Latina in the challenging world of media, is inspiring," says Maria Diaz, National President of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. "We are confident that her experiences will personally resonate with our members and motivate them as they pursue their own professional and philanthropic endeavors.” Clara is the general manager at Telemundo Philadelphia and has spoken at several events in the area as well as won numerous awards. 


 To obtain more information about Lambda Pi Chi’s 2012 National Convention in Philadelphia, please visit: www.lambdapichi.org/Convention2012.

A Latino Greek family united

About a week ago I first read about the horrible tragedy that struck Jonel Gonzalez, a brother of La Unidad Latina/Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. On Sunday, April 29th  Gonzalez suffered a devastating loss when his mother, sister, aunt, two young cousins and both grandparents (7 in total) were involved in a fatal car accident in Bronx, New York. Anytime someone looses a family member in an accident can be tragic and hard to handle. The costs were going to be unbearable for anyone to handle. However, thanks to Gonzalez's LUL network, he wasn't going to be left standing alone.

According to an article in the Huffinton Post, they raised over $85,000 in less than one week! These are the times I am glad to be a part of the Latino Greek community. When we forget about the competition, the numbers, the stigma, everything and come together to support someone that really needs it. Thanks to Keith Garcia and other brothers of LUL, news of the tragedy spread via social media throughout the week. And in the next few days, the #SupportJoelGonzalez and #ForTheLove campaign the fraternity was able to raise approximately $125,000 surpassing their initial goal of $100,000. These funds will help support funeral costs among other things.

"I will never be able to express how grateful my family and I are," Gonzalez said. "Throughout all the sorrow and darkness, this support is the only light I see." For more information visit www.SupportJonel.com.

Guess who's celebrating 32 years?

There comes a time when you really appreciate your organization...that would be banquet time. A few days Gamma Phi Sigma "Hermanos Unidos" Fraternity, Inc. celebrated 20 years in existence and it brought back that little light of fire in me. Anyways...enough about me. In June 2012 Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. (CUS) will be celebrating 32 years. It is the first time that a national convention and leadership conference will be held in the nation’s capital. This year’s theme is “We The People: Believe It and Achieve It!” Our theme reflects Chi Upsilon Sigma’s efforts to nationally educate the men, women and children in our communities on the issues and challenges that our society faces everyday.

The conference portion of the anniversary includes workshops and guests speakers. Some of the awesome people attending include award-winning social media consultant, blogger, and journalist, Lena L. West as well as college-friendly and Latino-Greek extraordinaire Jesus Diaz, Jr. I'll actually be attending the banquet portion of the conference since it's open to the public. While I won't say who is "making" me attend I will shout-out the sisters of Mu/Gamma - Spring 2004...you guys are pretty cool ;).

Interested in supporting CUS? While the banquet portion is a hefty $160 you can also place program book ads. Visit cusnationalevents.com for more information.


Chi Upsilon Sigma 2012 Convention - “We The People: Believe It and Achieve It!”
June 14, 2012 through June 17, 2012
The Washington Court Hotel on Capitol Hill
525 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington DC 20001
Phone: 202-628-2100 or 800-321-3010

Event: Remo Inc. Step/Stroll Championship

A little friendly competition never hurt anyone right? Unless you're Latino #toosoon? Anyways. Just a few days after Greekster announced their competition in L.A., Remo Inc. has announced their summer show. Although the shows are in two different weeks of July, it puts a lot of pressure on Greek-lettered organizations. Will all organizations perform at both competitions? The difference is that the Remo Inc. competition is both step and stroll. They will also provide step classes for those interested which is pretty awesome if you ask me. I wonder what Greekster will announce in the next few weeks; they usually throw out a curve ball to make you want to attend :).

Continuing our education

As I apply for graduate school at St. Joseph's University I couldn't help but notice the lack of scholarships. I know they are out there but it's very difficult. Luckily I found La Unidad Latina Foundation (LULF). The LULF was established in 1999 to serve as an independent, non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to educational achievement and civic empowerment in the Latino community.

The scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Educational scholarships are awarded to Hispanic students on a competitive basis and range from $250 to $1000. I certainly plan on applying but have to wait and complete one full semester. Luckily they also have two deadlines; one in the Spring and in the Fall. So if you're in need of financial aid, apply now!

P.S. For those interested in other funding opportunities mi amiga is blogging about some at emmania-travels.blogspot.com.

Event: SILK 2012 hits the West Coast

It's that time of year again when Greek-lettered organizations decide to show off their stroll skills and pretend they are better than everyone else. Reinventing the wheel is always difficult which is why I'm happy to hear this year's Greekster SILK show will be in Los Angeles, CA! Glad to see a lot of the west coast organizations will be able to perform; anyone from the east coast attending? And not that anyone cares I probably won't be attending. Although a weekend trip to L.A. would be exciting, it would be fun to experience this show in another part of the country. It also makes me wonder what else could organizations do to reinvent strolling. I mean isn't it the same every year? "Bring back the Greek judges!" <-- LOL smh.

When: Saturday, July 7, 2012 – Doors Open @5pm, Show @6pm
Where: East Los Angeles Performing Arts Center 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez – Monterey Park, CA 91754
Performances by: 2011 National Champions – Lambda Theta Alpha "Against All Odds" – & THE BEST STROLL TEAMS IN THE COUNTRY, such as Sigma Lambda Gamma (G-SQUAD), Lambda Theta Nu, Lambda Upsilon Lambda, Sigma Lambda Beta, and many more...

A RISCy weekend

Every year step and stroll shows reinvent the wheel and look for new ways to attract visitors. This year's annual RISC (Remo Inc. Step Championship) competition will encompass an entire weekend of activities. Year after year step/stroll shows seem to be the same thing, that's why I'm happy to see Remo Inc. incorporate new activities; and not just Greek activities. Hopefully someone new will also win the show.

New and old to this year's show:

• R.I.S.C. Workshops – Every hour they will be teaching a step and dance workshop focused on learning the basics of various art forms.
• There is a special step class referred to as “Mommy/Daddy and Me”, where you can learn how to step with your children.
  
• R.I.S.C. Pre-Game – Kicking of the National Step Championship they will have “carnival fun” celebration live games and prizes in the lobby topped off with their very own popcorn machine. A live DJ will be playing music providing an opportunity to relax & have fun.
• National Step Championship – The highlight of the weekend is the national competition that opens up with live performances from our Art of Stepping Chapters / After School programs throughout the country and the national step teams as they compete for the 1^st place prize.

RISC will be held on Saturday July 16^th at York College Performing Arts Center located at 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard. For more information: 347-255-7538 or visit: www.ArtofStepping.org

Maurica hosts the Silk/Smooth Stroll Show!

Okay. So we all know who Maurica is right? Dassit! Well for some reason the Greek system has embraced her...specifically the Latino Greek world. There are many Greekstand shirts being created like CUS: Dassit and LUL: Dassit. Makes sense if you ask me. Right? If only there was a, "West Chesta! Dassit" shirt because I would buy it.

Anyway. The award for brilliant idea of the year goes to Greekster.tv. Why? Because they got Maurica to host the SILK/SMOOTH 2011 Stroll Show. So imagine a whole bunch of Latino Greeks and Maurica? I'm pretty sure there's going to be a lot of YouTube videos created. In fact, if the video below is true, Phi Beta Sigma and Lambda Alpha Upsilon better watch out. Sororities? You all will probably attempt to recruit her (him). Enjoy! And I may see you there.

The Awesome Side of Greek Life...7 years ago

In two days I will be seven years in Greek years. Spring 2004 may not have been a good semester overall, but the night/morning I crossed it was the best moment of the year. April 10, 2004 at 3:40 a.m. will be a time I will never forget. After 7 weks 5 days 5 hours and 40 minutes the light at the end of the tunnel was finally there.

So fast forward seven years later. I've been chapter president, vice president, secretary and National Board secretary and vice president. Not to mention crossing lines SP05, SP07, FA 09 and...? Nine hermanos will have my legacy. I hope they learned something from me and the entire organization.

Will the next seven years be the same? They most certainly won't. I have other priorities. But I will always be there for them. See you in a few ;).

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Where are all the Latino Greeks?

So I find it interesting that with the Latino population in the U.S.A. rising every day, Latino Greeks are pretty rare. Sure there are some universities that thrive off Latino Greeks, but from what I have recently seen (and noticed), the numbers are pretty low. It's usually rare for Latino Greeks to have lines of 10+, unlike mainstream and sometimes African-American Greeks, we usually don't understand Greek life right away? "I'm sorry you want to do not what?" <-- Yep.

In Philadelphia we have Gamma Phi Sigma, Lambda Upsilon Lambda, Sigma Lambda Upsilon, Chi Upsilon Sigma, Lambda Theta Alpha and Lambda Theta Phi. It may seem like these organizations have a a strong presence, but active undergraduate members are low. *Cue Latino admission rates in high education*

As Latino(a)s we should be mentoring these high school students and increase the admission rates. We need to show them how important it is to further their education. Some might think it is difficult to get into schools, but with the right motivation and resources, anything is possible.

Or maybe schools are just screwing over Latino Greeks. You tell me.

The awesome side of Greek life - Dating a Greek

Some of you may have your own opinion on this but I think it's a benefit when you date someone who is also in a sorority/fraternity. Why? For the simple reason that you both understand your passion towards your organization. And also when the time comes to either be a PM/Dean, he or she will understand why you're not spending quality time with them. It also helps because you guys will most likely go to the same events and everyone will "aawww" at how "cute" it is. Did you know some people only date Greeks for the simple fact that he/she is also Greek? Eghh. To each their own.

The awesome side of Greek life - The life of a PM/Dean

So I know this may sound crazy but Latino and Black Greeks know that being a PledgeMaster/Dean is a lot of responsibility. It takes up more time than the people actually pledging. We plan/delegate/execute everything the line is supposed to do throughout the semester. Sure we end up ruining our lives for 8-12 weeks but it's worth it. Why? Because in the end we know we brought in a good group of girls/guys into our organization. We were able to use what happened in our process and use it for the good of our organization. Also, you know you're doing something right when you have four lines under your belt. Here's to SP05, SP07, FA09 and...(we'll see).

P.S. Shout out to those who were unable to make it :).

Gamma Phi Sigma - Stroll for the Cure

One year ago the brothers at Gamma Phi Sigma ted their 6th annual stroll show at Temple University. In an effort to raise money and awareness to the American Cancer Society, we (Gamma Phi Sigma) moved all our efforts to this cause. This year the brothers at Zeta Chapter (University of Maryland - College Park) are hosting their own show to increase awareness. From my understanding this has not happened before.

The stroll show is in collaboration with Kappa Phi Gamma and will be held on Friday, April 8th, 2011. Unlike most stroll shows where the fraternities and sororities compete separately, this show does not judge based on gender so there will be one winner! And as a member of Greek life, bragging rights to a huge show is always a plus. See you then. Wait, am I judging? lol

The awesome side of Greek life - Strolling

Okay so as much as I didn't want to write about strolling I had to. I mean think about it. If there's one thing we all love doing (for those that know how) it's strolling/party walking. We not only feel good about ourselves, but we feel good for our organization. It's one of the first things we want to do as soon as we cross. And yes not all of us are good at it but even as neos you tend to just go with the flow.

Let's take the next step and move on to performing at competitions. A completely different vibe, when you're on stage with hundreds of people watching, your heart races like nothing else. Then if you win, you start to realize you were a part of something bigger. Strolling is a feel good sport. I say it's a sport because you have to train and be devoted. It also takes a lot of your time. So if you're a neo and want to stroll professionally, be sure to put in 115%.

Video: Strolling for a cure

Back in November, Gamma Phi Sigma held it's 6th Annual Stroll Show in honor of our fallen hermano. Here's a quick recap of some of the strolls of the evening. Enjoy!

The awesome side of Greek life - Pledge Season

Okay so this may sound weird but does anyone else get excited about pledge season? Sure it's the time of the year when you or a few people end up not having lives for 7-12 weeks. But it's also the time where you get to meet your newest members...possibly. It's the time when you bring out all the hypeness as well as your leadership skills. Neo's are way different than prophytes but in the end, we want the best for our organization. Pledge season is the time when after they cross, you can show them off in a probate while everyone is yelling, "Okaaaaay, I see you. Numba! Get it!" You get the point.

With that said, good luck to Spring 2011.

They're back: Sprite Step Off

Soooooooo remember last year's most interesting step competition Sprite Step Off? Well it's back for round two. Unfortunately if you're reading this and interested in registering, you have two days to meet with your team and make sure you are committed; deadline is this Sunday, February 20. Note: only applications and videos submitted through this online process will be eligible. And if you come back to view the list of winners, you'll be able to vote for the semi-finalist Teams February 28, 2011, through March 4, 2011.

Unfortunately last year's winning announcement caused a ripple across the entire country. First Zeta Tau Alpha won the sorority division. Then it was a tie. Then the newspaper headlines read, "race this and race that." I'm pretty sure the only reason this is happening is for more African-Americans to drink Sprite, but none of this would have happened if more "minority" Greek organizations would have entered. I'd like to see more participation this year. Just saying. See you on Youtube in a few months!