ESSENCE Poll: How Do You Feel About Celebs Becoming Honorary Sorority Members?

After sharing the news about singer/actress Brandy’s induction into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, as an honorary member, we couldn’t help but notice all of the mixed feelings on social media about the matter.

The list of celebrities who have been given honorary membership into “Divine Nine” sororities is a long one, and some names include: Alicia Keys (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), Jada Pinkett-Smith (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), the late Dr. Maya Angelou (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) and Ruby Dee (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.), Angela Bassett (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.), (Soledad O’Brien Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.), Dionne Warwick (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.), and MC Lyte (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.).

Despite the practice being somewhat common at this point, some of our readers took to our post about Brandy to debate the matter.

M.Scott wrote in a Facebook comment, “I don’t get honorary degrees and honorary Greeks for the famous. [Greek Organizations] are supposed be steeped in tradition and discipline, but if you’re a celeb you get a free pass.”

M. Boatwright agreed saying, “I’m not sure why celebrities become ‘honorary’ members. I’m sure there are many people who always desired to join a Greek organization, but weren’t able to go to college. Are they also allowed to become ‘honorary’ members?? It’s only fair.”

Other commenters weren’t bothered at all.

“All NPHC organizations have honorary members where they have been recognized for their work and service to the community. They have all privileges and rights just as anyone who has gone through an initiation process. There have been many great honorary members of sororities and fraternities,” said K. Edwards.

K. Lemmie chimed in writing, “Honorary or traditional membership makes no difference to me. I see it as #Sisterhood and it is BEAUTIFUL.”

What do you think about celebrities becoming honorary members of sororities?

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