Congratulations Sheryl… I think?
Written by: Dave Warren

So I guess you heard by now that comedienne Sheryl Underwood was elected the 23rd International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, during their bi-annual business meeting in Las Vegas.

According to the Zeta’s website, http://www.zphib1920.org/NewPres.html, “Underwood joined the sorority in 1990 and has served the organization as its National Chair of Honorary Members, Graduate Member at Large and just completed two consecutive terms as the National Executive Board Chair.” -- Now the question I’ve been hit with and I’m sure many of you may have as well -- “is she is” or “is she ain’t” -- an honorary member?

Well there have been conflicting reports – One account indicates that she was made at an Alumni chapter in Chicago, another reports that she was made in 1990 at UCLA, a Wikipedia page dedicated to her states that she is College educated, holds a Bachelor and two Master Degrees, and that she She chartered a graduate chapter of Zeta Phi Beta in Inglewood, California. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheryl_Underwood)

As a notable reference - Ms. Underwood is the first professional entertainer to hold the highest elected office of a historical black organization of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

No matter how or where she was made Ms. Underwood has certainly proved her dedication to he beloved sorority – and has shown great balance in both her work as a professional comedienne and for Zeta Phi Beta.

However the question is, at least in my mind, is not so much how or where she was made but how, as a comedienne, will she be perceived as a leader of a Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO)?

This is not about elitism… well maybe a little - but I’m just wondering what “others” people may assume about BGLO’s given her… uh – “unique” stage presence. {wow it really is about elitism, I’m almost ashamed of myself… almost!}

Lets be real though – all of our organizations stand on the mantel of moral character… no matter how many times we get caught and sued for hazing… {…Insert laugh track here…}

It’s not so much about her chosen career path but it’s the way she has labels herself. She makes it known that she is a God-fearing, conservative black Republican and openly proclaims her love for President George Bush –

What in the blue hell??? (Ok raise your hand if you didn’t think I was going make this political)

You see right there? Dammit! – Black folk make a little money and all of sudden they cling to the GOP and profess their love this dolt of a President. A man, who took us into a winless war, took us from a surplus economy to one of the biggest deficits since the depression and has made the US the real terrorist nation - and she proclaims her “love” for this idiot? Are you kidding me?

Now she has indicated that Sen. Barack Obama as her presidential candidate, so at least we have that to fall back on but damn madam President – you love George “Sparky” Bush? For real?

With all that being said – I wish you well Ms Underwood as you take the helm of one of our prestigious Black Sororities. I must admit I’m a bit concerned about your party of choice but to each her own.

On the other hand I have to say that I am quite impressed to learn that you were a member of the Armed Forces and served our country, and more importanly the assertion that you make frequent jokes about "all the creative places you can get busy on military base." -- Yes mention sex and all the elitsm stuff goes right out the window for me!

Yours In Elitism Dave Warren www.myspace.com/dave_warren

P.S. If you want more cerebral humor fueled by slight anger - check out my favorite radio show: Al B! In the Afternoons 4-7pm, Monday – Friday 900am WURD (Philly) or around the globe on the web at www.900amwurd.com ... additional sites... www.myspace.com/mrmidday.

• Written by: Dave Warren