The Bond of Sigma & Zeta
Bro. Ahab El'Askeni
Iota Alpha Sigma
Chapter
Those
within or outside of the blue & white family always seem to get hung up one
issue in particular when it comes to Sigma and Zeta. That is, "How does the bond
shared between Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta stand out from any the bonds
that are claimed by other Black Greek Lettered Organizations?" The strength of
the bond that we share goes beyond the constitutions as they are written in said
documents. I would stress that there is more to a bond than kicking it, partying
and hanging together or even dating each other. A relationship is a choice that
two or more people make towards a common goal because of their feelings towards
each other.
Many people think that just because it's blue we are supposed
to date or always agree. That is not what the bond was established for, and that
is not true in even the closest blood family. Just as I have blood relatives
that I am not close with or don't associate, I have frat and sorors that are in
the same boat. Yet, when worse comes to worse, I will always be there for my
family long before any ordinary person I become close to. That is my blood and I
have a lot more history with my blood-line than with someone who is not related
to me. The relationship between Sigmas and Zetas gives us the choice of having
a spiritual relationship with each other which is the essence of any brotherhood
and/or sisterhood.
The bond that Sigmas and Zetas share gives us the
EASY choice of having this spiritual fellowship no matter where in the world we
go. For who is usually closer those who share a common thread of history or
those who pick and choose reasons to fellowship based on location and
circumstances. Sigma and Zeta have been about this common fellowship since Zetas
inception in 1920, so of course we have the history and know how to make
such a bond work no matter where you go, but as in any relationship it is based
on the choices of the involved parties. It also gives us a common ground in
which we can meet and (or) settle our differences if need be. Knowing that we
stand on the ground of our founders love for the fellowship of men and women as
brothers and sisters. That is why the bond transcends those who are aligned in
the ranks of Sigma and Zeta, but it is something that is held dear and sacred by
those who PLEDGED their loyalty to our cause. The day I pledged my loyalty to
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was also the day I pledged my loyalty to true
spiritual fellowship and love for ALL members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Once again this goes back to my PLEDGE or OATH to Sigma. I can't truly become a
Sigma until I recognize and honor my true sorors of Zeta.
Just because
someone wears our colors doesn't mean that they have traveled down that road
that leads to the spiritual enlightenment that will help them foster a love for
the bond that men and women share. This is true of ANY organization. Just
because someone says they are a member doesn't mean that they are dedicated to
its ideals and principles. Yet, the bond existing as it does gives us a way that
is easier to follow because of the before mentioned history. We have a REASON to
love and respect our sorors as we LOVE and respect our brothers. We have a
COMMON history, which must be at least recognized and acknowledged before one
can TRULY be called FRAT or SOROR. Personally, having the bond has helped me to
respect ALL women as my sisters by using my LOVE for Zetas as an example or
BLUEPRINT. That is something that I have NEVER heard or seen from any other
frat, because only in Sigma are my sorors on the level of love as my frats. You
ask about a bond our bond was started out of LOVE, for a real man loves the
women in his life as he loves himself. So in conclusion, Zeta Phi Beta Sigma
bond gives me, a brother of Sigma, the ability to love my sorors as I love
myself and all of mine.