Questioning Black Leadership: If Barb’s In Charge — Should You Watch Your Wallet?

As a leadership scholar and proud member of the Black Greek Nation, I find it quite appropriate to comment on the sad state of affairs regarding the recently filed Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority lawsuit. President Barbara McKinzie and the executive director are being charged by eight sorority members of financial impropriety to the extent they want them removed immediately from leadership. Since the case has not been heard in a court of law, one should only share opinions (humor permitted) on the specifics of the allegations. However, since this latest announcement seems to suggest a pattern of inadequate leadership in some of our most cherished Black non-profit organizations, I write because I am very concerned about why our community continues to cling on to leaders who repeatedly demonstrate an inability to be accountable, effective and in touch with today’s reality. A few years ago another Barbara, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s president Barbara Moore, was charged with similar activities and the smoke has yet to clear on the internal damages inflicted on the organization. Moore did finally admit to using the sorority’s funds for her own needs though. Both sororities are purposed as charitable organizations to foster sisterly love and service to others yet find themselves dedicating dollars and time to legal matters and media hysteria. Sisters are blogging and posting vitriolic comments about who’s to blame, why the organizations are even relevant and necessary, other sorority options and even thoughts of why the lawsuit doesn’t even matter. If only we can generate this type of intense dialogue to find practical solutions to important matters like our educational needs in the Black community.

Clearly, the Black Greek Nation has lots to be proud of in America. And if one did any bit of research on the history of the Divine Nine, one would discover that every Black American owes a great deal of gratitude for their courageous, tireless and pioneering efforts in the areas of law, science, education, engineering, athletics, entertainment, art, medicine and industry. In fact, most of the progress obtained by Blacks can be directly attributed to members of Black fraternities and sororities. (In particular, the founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity should be celebrated for their vision and commitment to educational achievement that spurred the entire movement.) The inspiration and love provided by these organizations represent the heart of many college campuses. Fraternities and sororities have also been the leaders on campus to initiate community service. They have expanded their presence by establishing chapters across the world. Projects include efforts to support mentorship, academic achievement, technology advances, and healthcare. So sadly this accusation hurts everyone who pledged their life to the mission of these special service-focused groups. The answer as to what really forced the AKA sisters to resort to legal action may never come to light. And the questions will surely continue to increase in number and swirl around the issue of Black leadership.

Did Barbara McKinzie demonstrate any history of financial problems? Well, in the mid-1980s as a board member there were concerns of her financial wrongdoings and possible drug usage. And how did she then get elected to the presidency? Does intimidation and power play a role in the leadership of our most-trusted non-profits? We can’t forget the NAACP’s financial crisis under the leadership of Dr. Gibson that forced his resignation and more recently, Ben Chavis and Kweisi Mfume’s inappropriate sexual activities that caused the organization to fork out over $400,000 in total settlement. Is the sorority’s membership really informed and do they even care about national policy and procedure? Are wearing the colors of our fraternities and sororities more important than the ideals and mission? Was McKinzie acting alone and in secret? Former Texas Southern president, Dr. Priscilla Slade, said she was not acting alone in her spending of over $500,000 to improve her palatial 6000 sq. foot home (including a $17,800 sofa) and to pay for bar tabs, manicures, spa treatments and exercise classes. However, once discovered the actions of this HBCU leader proved to not reflect the university’s mandate to provide socially responsible public service and thus, she was fired. (A mistrial was declared in the final ruling of the criminal case and the governor asked the entire board of regents to resign. The CFO was sentenced to 10 years.)

Why did the board approve of McKinzie’s financial transactions? The tax returns filed in 2006 and 2007 appear to have been questionable and over $500,000 was spent on legal fees to address various accusations by members. The improper usage of the credit card by McKinzie was surely monitored by someone with authority. Who signed off on these business dealings? Having tax-exempt status does not give leaders the right to spend money on that which does not further the aim to help society. And certainly, the IRS doesn’t expect the non-profit’s investment accounts to be managed in highly aggressive portfolios that increase risk and exposure to the volatile stock market. Georgia’s only college started by and for Blacks, Morris Brown, had its accreditation removed after their financial disgrace whereby the former president Dolores Cross embezzled funds. After the outrage the school’s endowment dropped to zero and former students even filed lawsuits. Today, there is no information listed under ‘Fiscal Affairs’ on the college’s website and they are having trouble paying its $200,000 water bill. Folks are questioning whether we even need all 103 HBCUs. Does the misappropriation of money by leaders make one question the need for Black organizations? Can one bad apple really spoil the bunch? Not surprisingly, white America has no pass on this issue either. The United Way of America has yet to rebound from the financial scandal that continues to make most citizens leery of the workplace donation folder and recruitment emails. Local chapters still attempt to provide full disclosure on salaries and benefits to calm nerves and open checkbooks.

And lastly, why aren’t we holding Black leaders accountable for their actions? Blame it on the psychology, sociology or spirituality (lack thereof) in our community. (Not the aaaalllllccccooohhhooolll!) The damages from slavery have been well documented and researched by academia. However, I vehemently argue that we should be in the “despite of” stage. Our community has been held back, discriminated against, shaken up, economically impoverished, mistreated, uninformed, scandalized, and poisoned. Well, despite of all that, what’s next? Despite all the glass ceilings and trap doors, what are we going to do next as a people? Sit paralyzed? Should we continue to support undeserving leaders as they milk our bank accounts and our motivation? Despite all the hardships we have faced and will continue to confront, we all need to take a closer look and start our own evaluation of Black leadership. We should expect more and demand more. We should shift our time and talents to organizations that are fiscally prudent and visionary. We should not let the cloak of brotherly and sisterly love blind our eyes from the true prize — educational and economic empowerment for our community. We should politely ask questions and get answers. Our community is on life support in many areas and we need leaders that are willing to act in urgency and with morals. Our wallets can’t afford anything less.