Black, Deaf, and Greek
Conversations with Deaf Members of “The Divine Nine”
By
Ernest E. Garrett III
Black, Deaf, and Greek…
Aarron Loggins (right) and his fraternity brother Goady Gilkey pose for a picture during the NBDA 2007 Conference!
Aarron Loggins, Member
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
This interview with Aarron Loggins took place through AOL Instant Messenger on August 10, 2007. What follows is a transcript of the interview, with minor adjustments, to present the information shared. Congratulations go to Aarron Loggins who recently became a member of this fraternity, also rumored to be the first deaf member in the organization’s history.
Profile
Aarron Loggins is a Senior at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
Ernest: What is your hearing status? For example, do you identify yourself as Deaf/deaf/hard-of-hearing, or both?
Aarron: I identify myself as Hard of Hearing.
Ernest: What Black Greek letter organization did you decide to become a member of?
Aarron: I am a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.! I was the only person on my line and the first one to come out at Gallaudet University and pledge solo. Seven chapters under Phi Beta Sigma pledged me: Alpha Pi Alpha, Zeta Upsilon, Zeta Kappa, Iota Lambda, Epsilon Psi, Delta Mu, and Gamma Chapter. My chapter is world-wide chapter. My Sigma name is “1st Born” and line name is “So So Def.”
Ernest: Why did you choose membership in this organization?
Aarron: I decided to become a member of PBS because I had a coach named William Weather, who was the assistant coach for the Gallaudet football team in 2005 when I played football. He always wore a jacket with “PBS” on it. I knew William for almost three years and he is a member of PBS. I became interested in his fraternity and began doing some research. He told me “if you want to be a part of this, just keep in touch and we will go from there.” I feel that membership fits me and felt connected to the services that the organization provides to its members and community. I plan to begin a chapter at Gallaudet University and I am interested in doing so because there are no other black fraternities on the Gallaudet campus. It does not benefit me to join a Gallaudet frat. I need four more members in order to begin a chapter there.
Clockwise from left: Goady Gilkey (PBS), Darian Burwell (DST), Tyese Wright (DST), Kristi Merriweather (DST), and Aarron Loggins (PBS)
Ernest: Did you have a problem communicating with other members during the "intake" or "pledge" process? If so, how did you resolve these issues?
Aarron: Yes, I did have problems with communication, however, I made it through the end by having them to repeat or talk slowly.
Ernest: Did your chapter fraternity members know sign language? Are they familiar with deaf culture?
Aarron: Yes, and they were saying WOW, we have one deaf person from Gallaudet who is pledging to be a member of Sigma. When I went to the national convention, hosted in Florida, they (fraternity brothers) were saying that I am the first deaf to be part of the PBS Fraternity, Corp. Also, during the NBDA 2007 Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, I met a fraternity brother of mine who pledged at Jackson State University. He said that I am the first one who is in the Blue-White (fraternity colors) family.
Ernest: Why did you choose not to pledge a deaf fraternity?
Aarron: There are several reasons why I did not pledge a deaf fraternity. I am from the hearing community and not really in much of the deaf world. Another reason is that from what I saw on campus at Gallaudet, it seems that few of the fraternities know the meaning of “brotherhood.” For me, “brotherhood” means we come together to do the best for the community and show ourselves as role models to our young people. It is definitely important to me to build a structure in the black community. I also wanted to be a member of a fraternity that offers networking opportunities after graduation.
Left to right: Usherla DeBerry, Darian Burwell (DST), Ernest Garrett III (APA), Aarron Loggins (PBS), and Goady Gilkey (PBS)
Ernest: What advice do you have for other deaf/hard of hearing persons who may decide to pledge a hearing fraternity or sorority in the future?
Aarron: My advice for them is to follow their dream and do not let others pull you down. I see many black deaf men falling into something and forgetting that they have opportunities out there in the real world. By joining in community, either deaf or hearing, and taking both communities and combining them, we learn from each other because we are all human. I do not like to see two separate communities talking about what they want and what is best for them. We have to come together, my brothers and sisters, to get involved for our future; to expose our youth by passing what we have to the next generation.
Ernest: Does becoming a member of a hearing fraternity or sorority require that you lose your identity as a deaf person? In other words, do deaf persons perceive you as a "sell out?"
Aarron: Recently, I had one situation where a member of Delta Sigma Phi (Gallaudet University) talked about me having an ego because I joined an outsider organization. I don’t pay any attention to that. I follow where my heart leads.
Aarron Loggins posing with two youth participants during the NBDA 2007 Conference
Ernest: What, in your opinion, can you and your organization do at both the chapter and national level in order to increase access for its deaf and hard of hearing members?
Aarron: We need to do what we have to in order to get more deaf involved in this organization. We have to roll up our sleeves and start doing some business on campus, like throwing out some events and other things. I am ready and I am on action to get this party started!
Ernest: How do you plan to manage our responsibilities as a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. with your responsibilities as a college student?
Aarron: I will manage both responsibilities by preparing my schedule on a weekly basis (time management).
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Ernest Garrett (Alpha Phi Alpha) and Aarron Loggins (Phi Beta Sigma)
We pledged different fraternities, but we are still cordial!
Aarron Loggins (PBS) and Tyese Wright (DST) show Sigma-Delta Love!
Michael E Graziano |
