By Taylor Bye //
On June 20, Mia not only threw a Juneteenth celebration for the community but for its own staff. During the day, the Mia BIPOC Employee Resource Group (ERG) coordinating team organized a panel discussion with members of Black Greek Letter Organizations, fraternities and sororities that emerged at both historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominantly white institutions at a time when Jim Crow laws were on the rise.
“Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom, but also a recognition of the resilience and strength of the African American community,” said Mia’s Head of Security Todd Jones, a member of Phi Beta Sigma. Lauren Jones, his wife, was among the speakers, sharing her experience as a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. “I was looking for connections with other Black women,” she said of her interest in Greek life. “Our chapter has been deeply involved with service … and that really spoke to my heart.”
BIPOC Juneteenth at Mia, left to right: Mariah Owens (Alpha Kappa Alpha), Lynn Farmer (Delta Sigma Theta), Aretha Green-Rupert (Alpha Kappa Alpha, Vice President of the Delta Phi Omega Chapter), Lauren Jones (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority), Dr. Stephanie Burrage (Delta Sigma Theta, President of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Alumnae Chapter), Karl O. Benson (Phi Beta Sigma, President of Zeta Nu Sigma), Essence Jones (Zeta Phi Beta), Todd Jones (Phi Beta Sigma)
Iriah Benedict and Nia Ross, members of Mia’s BIPOC ERG, spearheaded the event, working with Todd Jones and Lynn Farmer, Mia’s Chief Audience and Engagement Officer and a member of Phi Beta Sigma, to bring in speakers. Along with Lauren Jones, the panel featured Dr. Stephanie Burrage, president of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Karl O. Benson, president of the Zeta Nu Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; Aretha Green-Rupert, vice president of the Delta Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; and Essence Jones, member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
The founding nine Black sororities and fraternities make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council, also known as The Divine Nine, and place a heavy emphasis on personal and academic excellence and success. “Back in the day, we didn’t all get to go to school,” said Dr. Burrage. “You had to do well at whatever institution you were at because it was a privilege to be able to go to school [and] that was not something everyone was afforded the opportunity to do. That is still a part of our core of being academically sound.”
More than that, the organizations value service to others and the community, and camaraderie amongst their members—connections that last a lifetime. “This sisterhood and this brotherhood of how we’re all connected is so major and important,” said Dr. Burrage. “It’s family. Because you know everyone’s family members and you keep up with everyone. It’s hard to describe how personal it is to be in our organizations, because even though we are doing the work, we’re still family.”
Ross said it was inspiring to hear how members across the country and the world unite to support those needing fellowship. “I hoped attendees would leave with new knowledge of Black Greek Life,” she said, “and a deeper appreciation for Black Americans’ resilience and community-building throughout history, even in the face of adversity.”
“Historically, black fraternities and sororities have played a crucial role in shaping the lives of countless individuals, fostering leadership, service, and academic excellence,” said Todd Jones. “Together, our organizations embody the spirit of unity and empowerment, continuing to make a positive impact in our community. Thanks to Mia and the BIPOC ERG for creating the space to share our story.”
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