On Howard's campus, the influence of Greek sororities and fraternities is evident. While many students know the Greek alphabet backward and forward, few are aware of the Ancient Egyptian, or Kemetic, origins of most Greek symbols. The Ancient and Noble Order of the Shemsu-Heru, a Kemetic fraternity, will soon change this conception. Founded on three organizational principles, knowledge of self and love, community service and development, and fellowship; members of the Shemsu-Heru strive to embrace the cradle of civilization in Kemet and unveil the mysteries and knowledge of Ancient Africa. According the organization's website, shemsu-heru.com, the founders believe in "Putting oneself in a more powerful position to change themselves and their environments through group ideological solidarity." A call to activism and a thorough knowledge of history attract members to the organization. "We believe, armed with a unified cultural ethos, we can better address our problems in the Diaspora and on the Continent," Adrian Taylor, a loyal member of the organization, said. Like the Greek organizations on campus, the members of the Shemsu-Heru promote togetherness and unity. "We stand with [Greek organizations], believing and acknowledging if it were not for their works and example, we would not have the opportunity to bring our ideals into fruition," Taylor said. "We hold the original Greek fraternal and sororal movements in high esteem, but want to give the campus, the black community, and the human family at large, options as it relates to systematically learning about [African's] story under the banner of African excellence." This notion of unity seconds the motives of Shemsu-Heru: social consciousness, action and the ideas of Marcus Mosiah Garvey." These motives have influenced the organization's Unity Forum to be held October 15, which is a call to all students who either claim to take part in the struggle or are actually living their words. Taylor says this forum triggers "...student leadership, and people who want to do a little more than wear the 'struggle' on their wrists and backs," referring to the popularity of red, black, and green wristbands and t-shirts bearing the faces of Bob Marley, Malcolm X and Che Guevara. This forum will address collective problems and transcend cultural nationalism. The forum will pinpoint issues in the Howard community as well as on an international level. Attendees are also encouraged to bring ideas and comments that complement the issues addressed. The Shemsu-Ast is the female division of the organization. This sorority embraces females who are ready and willing to contribute the struggle. "We are looking for men and women who want to do the work necessary to make themselves and the world a better place for the blossoming of the human potential under the aegis of fraternal and sororal association under an indigenous banner," Taylor said. "Hopefully there are some things in this piece that can be used to awake HU," Taylor said enthusiastically, encouraging social consciousness and an answer to the Shemsu-Heru's calls to activism.
