Commitment

Commitment.

(NOTE: This was in my draft folder and was never published from July 2008 )

I received several emails, texts, etc., this morning about the potential membership acceptance of Michelle Obama into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. If she accepts, I say kudos to her. If not, life will go on. If she accepts, I hope that she can be committed to the organization and serve, as that is something that all members of all greek organizations lack in this day and time. Commitment.

I have the utmost respect for Mrs. Obama. She is a full-time working woman with a family to look after, too. Being a mother is a full-time job in itself (hats off to all of the working Moms out there……..love you!). ANY woman that can carry a full-time job and be a mother and be a wife, HATS OFF!

When I person is TRULY committed to something, I’ve usually seen a display of tact and class associated with it. We all understand that passion plays a large role with commitment, but how you CARRY yourself during these times is also a huge part.

For example, my Mom ALWAYS shows tact and class (unless she was angry with me…another story for another day). She is consistent in her speech and how she treats others. She is fair. No matter the skin color, age, pedigree, etc., she is by the book and consistent. My Dad, as silly as he may be at times, is the same way: class and dignity (unless he has a joke going with a crowd…..after that, give it up). They are both COMMITTED to exemplifying how one SHOULD carry themselves, knowing that at all times, they represent God, their family, organizations, etc. They are committed to improving their family and community and what is around them.

My Mom, sister, a few cousins and aunts are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I chose a different route. I sought membership, was accepted, after my 2nd try (first time via my undergrad institution and the second time via an alumnae chapter), pledged and made a commitment to another sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Why, as so many have asked, would I “break” tradition? It’s not about breaking tradition. It’s about how I want to serve the community and how I observed it to be served by various organizations. As for me and my character and how I wanted to serve, I liked how members of Delta were committed to serving the campus and communities they were located in. Not saying that others were not (please don’t go there). I just saw more consistency from members of Delta. Know that all of the Divine Nine are in this SERVICE commitment TOGETHER.

My parents and family showed me how to be COMMITTED to something through their service to their respective organizations and work (church, AKA, Kappa Alpha Psi, The Links, Jackson State, etc.). I look at how they were dedicated to serving, not for prestige and fame, but because it’s the fabric of who they are. That fabric continues to be woven with their children, grandchildren, students, and the lives that they touch. Their commitment exemplifies that we should all bring someone else (if not more) with us as we travel UPWARDS.

May I make a suggestion to everyone? Before you join something, check our commitment meter and look WHY we are looking to join certain organizations.

Whether we wear red, blue, green, or whatever, know what your calling is and SERVE, not look to be served. Stop haggling on past failures and issues. Move on knowing that you stand on the shoulders of many and it’s your job to pull other along with you who are lagging.