# Is Kamala Harris the first to draw so much on her membership in a Greek organization? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** kamala-harris\ **Created:** [August 1, 2024, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086 "2024-08-01T00:31:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/1 "2024-08-01T00:31:13Z")
Kamala Harris clearly draws on her background as a sorority member. Is she the first person to do so? I can’t remember any other former fraternity or sorority member who did so while running for office. How about in business? ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/2 "2024-08-01T00:34:08Z")
Really? A couple of centuries of mediocre white guys relying on Skull and Bones, their legacy college admittance, and the nepotism never pinged your radar, but Kamala Harris’ sorority membership does? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/3 "2024-08-01T00:38:27Z")
Bonesmen are quiet about their membership in the organization as is required. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/4 "2024-08-01T00:41:41Z")
Here is a list of presidents and their fraternity affiliations. > **[U.S. Presidents - NIC | North American Interfraternity Conference](https://nicfraternity.org/ufaqs/u-s-presidents/)** > > L U.S. Presidents NAMEORGANIZATION Rutherford B. Hayes Delta Kappa Epsilon\*\* James Garfield Delta Upsilon Chester A. ArthurPsi Upsilon Grover ClevelandSigma Chi\*  Benjamin HarrisonPhi Delta Theta & Delta Chi William McKinleySigma... ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/5 "2024-08-01T00:43:18Z")
I don’t doubt that presidents have been fraternity members. Did any campaign so much on that basis? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/6 "2024-08-01T00:47:45Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Did any campaign so much on that basis? I’m confused; _how much_ is she campaigning on that basis? I haven’t even heard it mentioned outside of this board (and that was only in the context of showing she has identified as Black since at least college). Is this a cornerstone of her campaign or something? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/7 "2024-08-01T00:51:07Z")
I’ve heard her mention more than once about her membership in one of the Divine Nine, a group of black sororities. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/8 "2024-08-01T01:05:02Z")
Perhaps it’s been mentioned so much today in the context of Trump’s “Is she Indian? Is she black?” ridiculousness? ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/9 "2024-08-01T01:10:29Z")
The reason she didn’t attend the same interview as Harris was because she was giving a speech at her sorority’s big event. > **[Kamala Harris discusses 2024 presidential election at Black sorority event in...](https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/07/31/watch-live-kamala-harris-to-speak-at-black-sorority-event-in-houston/)** > > Vice President Kamala Harris gave remarks Wednesday night in Houston at Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.’s 60th International Biennial Boulé. ---
**Author:** ![Chingon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chingon/32/17645_2.png) [@Chingon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chingon)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/10 "2024-08-01T01:16:48Z")
Between this and the “isn’t Kamala really a DEI hire” thread, I’m starting to wonder if Trump isn’t working on a good strategy here. Even in on a so-called liberal message board he’s getting people to broadcast his attacks. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/11 "2024-08-01T01:21:00Z")
Now, **this** would make a ton of sense. As I said before, I was only aware of her sorority membership because of accusations that she only recently identified as Black for political reasons, and that was part of a pushback against that idea. So in that context, it makes sense that it might come up more for her (at least right now) than it would have in the past for other public figures (in politics or other venues). ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/12 "2024-08-01T02:33:27Z")
> [@Chingon](#): > > Between this and the “isn’t Kamala really a DEI hire” thread, I’m starting to wonder if Trump isn’t working on a good strategy here. Even in on a so-called liberal message board he’s getting people to broadcast his attacks. Yeah, but they’re stupid ‘attacks’. It’s not like being in one of the ‘Divine Nine’ is going to make Harris an Illuminati superstar or get her invited to the [Bohemian Grove](https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2023/04/06/clarence-thomas-crow-bohemian-grove/). At best, it gives her access to networking to beg for donations or search for qualified appointees who aren’t from the roster of “usual suspects”. If this is the level of “scandal” that the GOP can muster about Harris, it’s weak sauce compared to the rich _béchamel_ they marinated Hillary Clinton is. And frankly, a “DEI hire” with actual policy that isn’t a warmed over Third Reich Redux is better than anything Trump can whip up (and Vance is not doing his running mate any favors thus far). Trump’s business strategy has always been to buy up overpriced properties, try to fleece contractors out of being paid to spruce them up, sell or be forced to divest said property by investors but retain license rights for his name, and then move on to the next scam. He’s trying to do the same thing in politics which ‘worked’ marginally well thus far but it’s not an approach with much flexibility, He’s not big on planning or thinking things through, which anyone who has read _The Art of the Deal_ will know because Trump literally says this: > “I play it very loose. I don’t carry a briefcase. I try not to schedule too many meetings. I leave my door open. . . . I prefer to come to work each day and just see what develops.” This is not a guy playing fourth dimensional chess; he can barely play _Chutes and Ladders_. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/13 "2024-08-01T04:04:35Z")
> [@Chingon](#): > > Between this and the “isn’t Kamala really a DEI hire” thread, I’m starting to wonder if Trump isn’t working on a good strategy here. Even in on a so-called liberal message board he’s getting people to broadcast his attacks. FYI, I am not trying to _attack_ her. It is a genuine question from someone with zero interest in voting for the fascist candidate. Googling, AKA and the rest of the Divine Nine appear to be supporting her. Perhaps it will help? ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/14 "2024-08-01T04:26:58Z")
I’m going to assume that every candidate that had membership in a Greek organization, a secret society, or any other group with a mailing list, has used that group to raise money and support, whether they did it openly or quietly. I think the question is a little weird, honestly. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/15 "2024-08-01T04:36:28Z")
I think it’s a fair question, given that, in the week-plus since she’s become the presumptive candidate, Harris has made appearances at two different sorority conventions: today’s at her own sorority’s meeting, and [last Wednesday with Zeta Phi Beta](https://time.com/7002871/kamala-harris-speech-black-sorority/). That said, it sounds like she had agreed to speak at the one which occurred last week before she entered the race. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/16 "2024-08-01T04:37:06Z")
One third (15 out of 45 Presidents) have been Freemasons. Did any of them draw a lot on the organization? > **[List of presidents of the United States who were Freemasons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_presidents_of_the_United_States_who_were_Freemasons)** > > Since the office was established in 1789, 45\[a\] individuals have served as president of the United States. Of these, 15, including Lyndon Johnson who took only the First Degree, are known to have been Freemasons, beginning with the nation's first president, George Washington, and most recently the 38th president, Gerald R. Ford. > The following U.S. presidents were Freemasons: > Raised to Master Mason on April 24, 1901. > (1908-1973) [I believe Freemasonry used to be much more influential than it is now: anyone know?] ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/17 "2024-08-01T04:44:38Z")
The difference might be that previous candidates didn’t get uniform support from their fraternities; some brothers supported them while others supported the opposition. On the other hand, I think AKA is supporting her nationally. Did any fraternity or sorority do likewise previously? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/18 "2024-08-01T04:45:02Z")
> [@PastTense](#): > > Did any of them draw a lot on the organization? I’m sure they did, but might not have been very public about it. Literally the first president was one since the age of 20. > **[Freemasonry](https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/freemasonry)** > > Washington joined the Masons in 1752 at the age of 20 and was a lifelong member. > As president, Washington exchanged letters with many Masonic local lodges and state grand lodges. He also met delegations of Freemasons during his visit to Rhode Island in 1790 and his 1791 tour of the southern states. The Freemasons even built their own memorial to Washington. > **[George Washington Masonic National Memorial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Masonic_National_Memorial)** > > The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a Masonic building and memorial located in Alexandria, Virginia, outside Washington, D.C. It is dedicated to the memory of George Washington, first president of the United States and charter Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22 (now Alexandria-Washington Lodge, No. 22). The tower is fashioned after the ancient Lighthouse of Ostia in Ostia Antica (or Rome). The 333-foot (101 m) tall memorial sits atop Shooter's Hill (also The memorial is served b... ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/19 "2024-08-01T04:52:05Z")
> [@PastTense](#): > > One third (15 out of 45 Presidents) have been Freemasons. Did any of them draw a lot on the organization? Haven’t you fnord read [_The Illuminatus! Trilogy_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Illuminatus!_Trilogy)? Stranger ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2024, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086/20 "2024-08-01T05:07:56Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Kamala Harris clearly draws on her background as a sorority member. Is she the first person to do so? First, I think it’s far from clear that she is spending an unusual of time on her background as a sorority member, but I’m open to evidence that this is the case. (Like @Hamlet, the first thing I thought of when I read your OP was, “um … ever heard of Skull and Bones?”) Second - so what if she does draw on that aspect of her background more than most? Every candidate is different, and each one draws on aspects of their personal background that they, and their strategists, think will help their campaign. That’s going to vary from person to person. It’s easy to postulate practical reasons why it might make sense for Harris to draw on her sorority background as a plus for her campaign. I’m not sure if the OP’s question is intended to imply some kind of sinister intent if she does, but it certainly implies nothing inappropriate to me. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kamala-harris-the-first-to-draw-so-much-on-her-membership-in-a-greek-organization/1005086.md?page=2)