Being Black and Greek

The rhetorical question I was always confronted with in college concerning joining a sorority was "How can you be black and Greek?" The answer was that it was some type of cultural dichotomy. With the exception reppin' your house's Greek letters, the Greek aspect seemed to take a back seat to steppin' and even philanthropy after initiation.

Greece was one of the first countries Christianized via A.D. The apostle Paul, the author of the epistles in the New Testament, wrote extensively to the Greeks. Therefore, with the introduction of Christianity, Greece became a model civilization. However, the ruins in ancient Greece remain today. Below is a picture of Beyonce in front of the Winged Victory of Samothrace; a relic of Grecian art.

I didn't understand until I saw a YouTube of a native Grecian woman in Greece. She had all the polish and sophistication the Panhellenic Council stands for. I realized that Greece civilization was the standard and being in a sorority was about seeing you self with a high standard, as Greek Goddess.

The influence can be clearly seen in this Delta Phi Epsilon recruitment video from Miami University.

The Divine Nine sororities have historically been alienated from other sororities under the Panhellenic Council due to cultural and racial differences and needs. This has had an effect on the end game of the lifetime commitment to a particular Greek house.

All of this put something on my mind when I came across a recipe which was a "Greek Goddess Pasta Bake." Its definitely a sorority friendly girls recipe. This goes perfectly with some Pink Moscato, a decadent garlic bread and some kind of indulgent dessert.

Although you are a member of a Divine Nine sorority, the Greek Goddess Pasta Bake is the perfect brunch to have with your Soros. It's easy, satisfying and fun.

The reason you want to make this is because some things are not just Divine Nine, they are Greek. This is what sorority chicks eat, and so should you. A little taste of Greek culture sorority style.

3 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta

4 cups cubed rotisserie chicken

one 29 oz can tomato sauce

one 14 1/2 oz can no salt added diced tomatoes, drained

one 10 oz can frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

two 2 1/2 oz cans of sliced olives drained

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

2 tsp Italian seasoning

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Optional: chopped fresh oregano or fresh basil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2. Cook pasta according to directions on the package and drain.

3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomato sauce, tomatoes, spinach, olives, onion, green pepper and Italian seasoning.

4. Transfer pasta mixture to a 9 X 13 baking dish coated with cooking spray.

5. Sprinkle with both the feta and mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake uncovered until heated through and the cheese is melted, about 25 minutes. (optional: sprinkle with fresh oregano or fresh basil)