Those who have no culture, will never understand or respect yours.

This past Saturday, February 7th, I celebrated my 5th Zetaversary. And because my day was filled with service, sisterhood and celebrating love, I literally forgot lol My Facebook memories reminded me.

As I reflect the past five years, I am struck by the immense growth I’ve experienced. However, I am also mindful of the current cultural climate.

We are living in an era where “denouncing” Black Greek-Letter Organizations has become a viral trend.

And while I respect every individual’s spiritual autonomy, I find it necessary to address the logical fallacies, the professional double standards, and the underlying biases that often fuel these conversations.

We can agree to disagree on THIS (not my Blackness though), but let’s talk about it.

Symbols vs. Mythology

A major point of contention in these discussions is the use of Greek letters. Critics often claim that using these letters is akin to invoking ancient Greek mythology or “deities.” This is a significant reach that ignores basic education.

In our organization, Greek letters are symbols, not idols. Just as the Greek alphabet is the standard for mathematics, science, and law, where “Delta” represents change and “Sigma” represents a sum, we use these letters as a naming system to represent our ideals.

Many of the “spiritual contradictions” or traumatic experiences cited by those denouncing their organizations are rooted in hazing and informal, unsanctioned processes. Let’s be clear: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. does not permit hazing. I have never experienced it, nor have I ever assisted with or led a process that included it.

I cannot speak to other organizations, but there is no deity in Zeta. We do not worship the alphabet; we use it as a vessel to promote Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. Yet many of you pledge allegiance to the flag (I don’t do that either).

“Secrecy” vs. Proprietary

One of the loudest complaints from those denouncing their organizations centers on “secrecy.” But in any other professional context, we don’t call it secrecy, we call it proprietary information.

• Corporate Excellence: Every major corporation has internal training manuals and proprietary processes reserved for employees. If you leave a company and share those, you aren’t “exposing a cult”; you are violating a professional agreement and intellectual property.
• The Guilds: Doctors and lawyers take solemn oaths and participate in formal ceremonies (like the BAR or White Coat ceremonies) to enter their “guilds.” No one questions the “rituals” of the courtroom or the operating room.
• Civic Leadership: Respected organizations like Leadership Palm Beach County, The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, The Links, Incorporated, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. all have formal entry processes, inductions, and proprietary standards of conduct.

Zeta Phi Beta is a private organization. Like any elite professional or civic group, we have proprietary traditions that belong to the membership. Having a private process does not make it a demonic one; it simply means the depth of the experience is reserved for those committed to the mission.

Double Standards

If we are going to call “rituals” or “initiation processes” blasphemous, we have to be consistent. It is fascinating that society accepts formal initiation rituals, oaths, and regalia for honor societies and military branches without a second thought.

It is illogical to claim the Divine 9 is “un-Christian” when Christian denominations themselves do not hold the same beliefs. Every denomination has its own unique rituals, closed memberships, and symbolic vestments.

If your pastor attended seminary and was ordained, they participated in a formal process involving proprietary training and sacred, private rituals—from the “laying on of hands” to taking ordination vows while wearing symbolic regalia. Otherwise, anyone could call themselves a pastor and start a congregation…. wait, never mind.

Anti-Blackness

Let’s call a thing, a thing.

Much of the hyper-fixation on Black Greek life is rooted in anti-Blackness. There is a persistent narrative that Black people cannot have sacred, private bonds or symbolic excellence without it being labeled “demonic”.

We see this same energy during the Super Bowl halftime show every year. When Black and Brown artists showcase their authentic culture, using symbols, movements, and history, the backlash is instant. Critics call it “demonic” or “wrong” simply because they are uncomfortable with what they don’t understand. Don’t mistake your lack of context for a lack of morality.

The truth of the matter is that those who have no culture, will never understand or respect yours.

My Truth

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded by five women of faith, who established this illustrious organization with principles rooted in Christianity. While our membership is a beautiful tapestry of many races and cultures, there is no “deity” in Zeta. I have never felt a conflict between my calling and my desire to serve because Zeta will never be my identity. I know who I am. Since my intake, I have never assisted with or led a process that was blasphemous, nor have I experienced or participated in hazing.

This sisterhood has uplifted me in times of sorrow and supported in times of happiness. This sisterhood has stood in the gap as I:

• Became a leader in my community
• Obtained my MPA
• Grew my business
• Enhanced my professional career
• Published my first novel

I am a PROUD member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Five years down, and a lifetime to go.