SORORITY SISTERS (2014) RATCHET REALITY TV SHOW REVIEW & MONA SCOTT DEBATE - 12-20-2014 12-20-2014 - Written By: David L

“It’s not appropriate. I love Mona, I love VH1 to death, they are all my family, but I’m not a fake person in my beliefs. That should have never been touched. Some things should be sacred for us, especially at a time when our black community is struggling so much with things. The sororities and fraternities are the one things we look to in college that uplift the community. Things aren’t peaches and cream, but everything doesn’t need to be exposed when it comes to that. I am a Delta, I have acted a fool on TV, but at the same time, I didn’t do it with the Delta Sigma Theta tatted on my back, in front of people. It’s not an excuse for anything I might have done within TV, at the end of the day we’re all human. But you don’t get on TV in the name of women who came before us and do what you’re doing. I have no respect for those women. They can get mad if they want to. I don’t care. I don’t plan on watching that. I do not plan on supporting that. I will support them as sisters and women within their businesses, but when you represent a whole brand and you’re talking about this brand on TV, it is not appropriate. Yes, we are Deltas, we are human, we do all act a fool in our ways. But you don’t get on their ‘oo-ooping’ and doing all of that while acting a fool. Where I’m from and where I pledged, you weren’t even allowed to drink. You’re not allowed to throw up those symbols while you’re drinking. So not only are you guys throwing up symbols and drinking, going against how we were pledged and brought in, you guys are fighting and cursing with the letters on your back! Not appropriate”…K. Michelle on-air with 92 Q’s Kiki Brown in Baltimore

SORORITY SISTERS (2014) RATCHET REALITY TV SHOW REVIEW & MONA SCOTT DEBATE - 12-20-2014 12-20-2014 - Written By: David L. $Money Train$ Watts – Journalist/Film Reviewer FuTurXTV & HHBMedia.com – David Velo Stewart – Editor – HHBMedia.com

David L. $Money Train$ Watts • FuTurXTV • HHBMedia.com • [email protected] • www.hhbmedia.com • David Velo Stewart

I just saw the premiere episode of VH1’s new “ratchet” reality TV show “Sorority Sisters”, which follows the lives of nine Black women who are in Black sororities, mostly Deltas. And I, also like K. Michelle, have to say upfront that I know and respect Mona Scott-Young as a producer, but I gotta say she really dropped the ball on this one. I actually created a spoof reality TV show concept years ago, so I know Mona, her agent, publicist or anyone on her production team should have told her months ago that “Sorority Sisters” is an “SNL” or “Key & Peele” skit at best. Maybe even a comedic low budget film that could make fun of reality TV shows. But sadly I surmise the greedy executives at VH1 stupidly thought they were going to get another hit Black women driven reality TV show franchise. And I keep saying “ratchet” because there now is a very specific type of predictable reality TV series featuring and appealing to mainly women who are African-American—No—Black—no— Sistas—No—Oh, well, I’ll just say women who happen to have mocha, beige or dark skin color. Mona already cemented herself as the queen of “ratchet” reality TV shows by creating and producing “Love and Hip-Hop and its spinoffs “Crissy & Mr, Jones”, “Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta”, “Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood” and “K. Michelle: My Life”. And despite the Bravo failure of Mona’s “The New Atlanta” all of Mona’s VH1 shows have consistently delivered big ratings. And despite the Black Greek boycott threats and Black Twitter outrage, a VH1 email said their “Sorority Sisters” premiere episode had 1.3 million viewers and was #1 in its time period with women ages 18 to 49. But what makes Mona’s reality TV shows “ratchet” is that they have cast members that need to be on a reality TV show to start or jumpstart their careers, there are always loud, silly and contrived verbal fights in public and there are always a few guaranteed physical altercations, i.e., water or wine throwing, spitting, fist fights, weave pulling and slapping. Even though “Basketball Wives” started almost a year before Mona’s “Love and Hip-Hop” I will still contend VH1 began copying Mona’s distinctive “ratchet” reality TV show format for subsequent seasons of “Basketball Wives” and other women themed shows like “Mob Wives” in the casting, production and promotion. But what worked for the past three years for Mona is clearly not working now. The “Sorority Sisters” trailer hit the Internet this past summer and that act alone set off a #BoycottSororitySisters fueled online petition of 67,000 to quickly halt its production. VH1 and Mona just ignored the backlash and the haters and thought that they could just use the controversy to launch a successful run. But Black Twitter had already caused defections from show’s main advertisers like Honda, Carmex, JBL, a subsidiary of Harman International and Crayola. Even Ava DuVernay’s said no Selma ads. I did see the one “Sorority Sisters” trailer, one premiere episode and saw its one preview clips of its silly upcoming season, so I have to give a $ to Mona Scott-Young’s “ratchet” “Sorority Sisters”.

David L. $Money Train$ Watts • FuTurXTV • HHBMedia.com • [email protected] • www.hhbmedia.com • David Velo Stewart

Sexy, Materalistic & Ratchet:

Cat Harper (Sigma Gamma Rho) is a symbol of every young 20-something trying to find her footing post-college in the real world. After attempting to be a model, and spending years as a lowly assistant to A-list Atlanta photographer Derek Blanks, Cat has finally taken the initiative to pursue a career as a solo professional photographer.

Priyanka Banks (Delta Sigma Theta), a former Miss ASU is a multi-faceted individual - dances burlesque at night for fun, and pounds the pavement during the day in hopes of starting a big foot shoe line! Priyanka is very comfortable in her own skin. Priyanka will defend her lifestyle, family, beliefs and sorors against any haters. Priyanka is currently looking for a man.

Veronica Lorraine (Zeta Phi Beta) is as a choreographer, dancer, and makeup artist, and was previously a cheerleader for the Hawks, but after an injury sidelined her, she was forced out. Veronica has a fiancé who she's in a long-distance relationship with - Veronica is in ATL, while he's in Austin, TX. The couple is trying to figure out how to actually live together and finalize their wedding. Veronica is torn between living her dreams as a professional dancer or moving forward with the man she loves.

David L. $Money Train$ Watts • FuTurXTV • HHBMedia.com • [email protected] • www.hhbmedia.com • David Velo Stewart

Starus Jonice Williamson As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority incorporated I am extremely angered by the way my sorority was betrayed and the untruths about stereotypes were shown

Andrea Monique Bennett Also as a member of Delta Sigma Theta I am outraged the way you betrayed my sorority. So disrespectful to this great organization and the young ladies who sold their letters for money I hope they take your pearls. #sororitysistersepicfail

Shari Hickson Anisah Lavine please don't think that way about these four Greek organizations...what these females are broadcasting is a scripted lie... I'm an aka and I have best friends who are deltas and one that's a zeta and two who are sgrhos!!! I have a white line sister that's I love from the bottom of my heart don't base your beliefs about Greeks from these females on this foolish show.

Kenneth G. Wooten There is no limit to Mona Scott Young...she has managed to exploit something as sacred as Black Sororities for her own financial gain.....There is no limit to how low she will sink to show ratchetness under her banner. Mona is detrimental to out community and I will not support her in any fashion....

Pamela Lewis Trotter The other reality shows really only represent the individuals casted but this show purports to represent real organizations intended to uplift our community. I'm sure anyone interested in portraying the true essence of sorority life were probably passed over for being too boring. Fighting cussing petty squabbles are required elements for a reality show on vh1.

Tracy L Swint I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Unfortunately these young ladies have never been introduced to or have forgotten what we represent. Truly a sad day in our history.

Da'Nashja Davis #boycottsororitysisters we really need to stop this "im so glad im not greek" someone you know is and regarldess if you like it or not these organizations have served our community for over 100 years. We should be sticking together, both greek and non greek, to end the negative image that these shows and networks keep putting out of our people. Dont forget #lahh showcases negativity to our black and minority women as well.

David L. $Money Train$ Watts • FuTurXTV • HHBMedia.com • [email protected] • www.hhbmedia.com • David Velo Stewart

Loud, Offensive & Ratchet:

Adrene aka “Queen Adrene” Ashford (Delta Sigma Theta), owner of trendy boutique House of Adrene, is the go to wardrobe stylist for various celebrities and local socialites. Her career naturally comes with its own share of drama, but Adrene has no problem handling conflicts head on. Being 3,000 miles away from her family in L.A., and after a recent breakup with her ex-boyfriend, Adrene often feels the world is against her and oftentimes doesn't allow people to get to know "the real Adrene.

April McRae (Alpha Kappa Alpha) splits her time providing speech therapy to private clients, while working on her dissertation and running her Buckhead clothing store, House of Couture Boutique. Now she's taking it one step further by launching an online store. April's passion is fashion and she won't let anyone stand in the way of her dreams!

MeToya Monroe (Delta Sigma Theta) works for a clinical research organization and is very committed to her sorority. She felt a strong desire to pledge because she yearned to have the relationships and sisters she didn't have growing up as an only child. As a single mother, MeToya has honed her skills as a hustler, always juggling odd jobs to pay the bills. In this next chapter of her life, MeToya wants to make stronger relationships with new sorors, weed out bad people in her life and finally get the closure she needs with her child's father...who she admittedly still has feelings for.

David L. $Money Train$ Watts • FuTurXTV • HHBMedia.com • [email protected] • www.hhbmedia.com • David Velo Stewart

Monique Blessed Hawkins As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority I am so angered by this show. Tnose women need to be stripped of their letters

Nakeya Classy Haliburton An embarrassment to any organization!! This is the worst way to show black women Ana women of color period. And there are more than a few white deltas but I'm done with vh1 and Mona Scott...she is money hungry and doesn't care the portrayal of ladies with the greek letters.

Antonia White For some reason I thought this show would inform our youth the power in pledging and belonging to a group of unique, confident and amazing women...I was wrong...this is yet another ploy to exploit the negative perception of the African American woman...I was extremely disappointed, the moment these women could have used to sew into our youth. They instead chose to perpetuate negative stereotypes and downgrade the purpose of belonging to a sorority...I won't ever support this foolery. .I need my baby girls to believe in more...it is going to be all of the sorts job to combat this negative image with positive facts...

Shalonte King I feel like discouraging my daughter to pledge when it’s her time for college. I'm hurt and sickened by this garbage.

Sandy Richardson I’m not in a sorority but have relatives & friends that are. I will sign the petition to stop this show. In the meantime turn the channel when it comes on because they are banking on us to watch it because it’s so bad which is great for the ratings

Audrey Dulin-Cuff Just dropped by to let you beautiful women know this is some FOOOLERY.. Really,,?? I know GOD's purpose wasn't for you to make complete IDIOTS and stupid looking.. I just know this, so why oh why did y’all sign up for this 2 seconds of fame. Cause trust me.. this won't make it to another season. Y’all need to go back to your normal lovely lives and stop the MADNESS. I mean I tuned in last night HOPING AND PRAYING for a change.. Nope.. STILL A MESS and just a sister to ATL HOUSEWIVES, HOLLYWOOD DIVAS.. So why hasn't any of you stood up and say NO I will not represent my sistas in this manner.. GETTING DRESSED TO THE TEE TO MEET UP AND ARGUE.. smhhhhh.. SOMEBODY ANYBODY PLEASE stand UP FOR BLACK WOMEN AND STOP TRYING TO PUT US IN THIS SPOTLIGHT THAT ALL WE DO IS DRAMA...

David L. $Money Train$ Watts • FuTurXTV • HHBMedia.com • [email protected] • www.hhbmedia.com • David Velo Stewart

Simplistic, Boring & Ratchet:

Joy Hammond (Alpha Kappa Alpha) is a teacher by day to pay the bills, but her heart is in acting.

After college, Lydia Raquel Delta Sigma Theta) experienced some high profile success as a professional dancer for Robin Thicke at the VMA's. However, being a single mother to a 4 year old, Lydia has struggled to make ends meet! To get back on her feet, Lydia has left her daughter with her mother/grandmother in Alabama. As time and money dries up in Atlanta, Lydia gives up on her college dreams of dancing, and goes after her plan B of a career in public relations, to get her daughter to move to ATL. At 5'3", Lydia is big on achieving her goals.

Shanna McCormick grew up in Arkansas as an obese kid. Like the movie, “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead,” Shanna fell in love with juicing in recent years and lost 70 pounds. Shanna is very sensitive about being white in an African-American sorority.

David L. $Money Train$ Watts • FuTurXTV • HHBMedia.com • [email protected] • www.hhbmedia.com • David Velo Stewart

Shelly Nevels-Ester m glad to see so many sponsors yielding to the pressure to pull their ads, but I said from the beginning, and will say again, viewers need to boycott the show. I understand why so many watched the first show, but hence forward, we really need to stop watching it. The high viewership of the first episode allows VH1 to remain stubborn. VH1 is counting on a hypocritical public (say one thing and do another) and the bad publicity boosting their ratings for subsequent shows. We must do all we can to ensure that their viewership plummets for every subsequent episode. #boycottsororitysisters

Taneda Wilson this is seriously not a good look.....not watching anymore. I not a Sorority sister , but, I have high respect for those who are.. I think its time for me to not watch any of these shows anymore...I love my sisters, however, this foolishness must end. To each his own....is

Jessie Rene Just ban all this black bitch TV. So sick of black women dying to get on tv to look like shit and act stupid for some money and attention. Bitches will sell their souls quick to be relevant. Get a damn job and a brain!

Sheila El Hilaly #Blackpeople are NOT ever going to CONTINUE accept your #CRIMINGWHILEWHIE on the show Sorority Sisters, which your Network PREYS HEAVILY on the NEGATIVE STEREOTYPES for the PROPAGANDA on Blacks to the DETRIMENT For YOUR PROFIT REVENUES & BAGGA entertainment . BOYCOTT this NETWORK #ITSTOPSTODAY

Lisa Smith A bunch of ignorant females, degrading themselves just to be on TV & getting an extra dollar, what about a reality TV show that ppl can actually sit down & watch with the whole family, a reality that teaches morals, previewing females working towards their dreams & golds, a reality show that our younger generation can watch & say, I wanna join a Sorority in school & become one of these ladies one day, why are these ppl signing up for a reality show that's scripted for them to present themselves to the world as ignorant No class Dummies... VH1 Exploits Black Sororities With New ‘Sorority Sisters’ Reality Show

David L. $Money Train$ Watts • FuTurXTV • HHBMedia.com • [email protected] • www.hhbmedia.com • David Velo Stewart

By watchtheyard on December 11, 2014

This can’t be real…

Despite extensive petitioning against this show earlier this year, VH1, the makers of the ‘Love & Hip Hop’ franchise, have decided to go forward with their ‘Sorority Sisters’ show which is scheduled to be aired December 15th. From just looking at the trailer and realizing that none of the Divine 9 sororities are endorsing this show, it is very easy for us to come to the conclusion that this will be pure exploitation and defamation of our Black Greek history and culture.

We propose a boycott immediately with the hashtag #BoycottSororitySisters.

Please share this post with everyone you know.

From MoveOn.org:

Stop the spread of ignorance and stereotyping of our beloved Black Greek letter organizations. Our founders amongst EVERY organization worked extremely hard to allow us to unite and flourish not only on college campuses, but as a people well beyond our college days, and Mona Scott-Young now threatens to demolish those aims and goals we all abide by.

The petition has an aim of 7, 500 signatures and has already amassed nearly 6,000 thus far. Scott-Young has yet to respond to the fervor around the show nor is their word from Viacom the show has been canned. It is assumed that Sorority Sisters was slated to air on one of Viacom’s media properties.

David L. $Money Train$ Watts • FuTurXTV • HHBMedia.com • [email protected] • www.hhbmedia.com • David Velo Stewart

Support VH1 "Sorority Sisters"

Melanie Moore United States

“Viewers, it is important to continue with the broadcasting of "Sorority Sisters", as it is very informative and entertaining to the 1.3 million viewers that watched the season premiere. The show offers a diverse group of Ladies the opportunity to pursue and achieve their career goals and dreams. The success of this show also provides an opportunity for members of Greek organizations, to generate business in their respective communites. [Communities is the correct spelling and next time Michelle Moore should use spell check.]

Now despite the selfish outrage expressed by a minority percentage of the Black Greek Letter Organizations represented on the show, the majority of African Americans, as well as other Ethnic groups, would like to see this show continue to be sponsored and broadcasted. Yes it goes without saying that economics is the number one factor in the decision making of continuing any project, which is why it should be clearly understood that the majority group of African Americans and other Ethnic groups far out number that of the Black Greek Letter Organizations. Therefore, with the Black Greek Letter Organization being such a minuscule percentage of the majority group; the THREAT of Sponsors of the show losing money from a boycott...is just THAT. Please help keep "Sorority Sisters" (which airs Monday nights at 9:00 pm on VH1) on by signing this petition. Thank You! Letter to VH1 Corporate Sponsors Viewers Support, Sponsor & Broadcast VH1 "Sorority Sisters"

David L. $Money Train$ Watts • FuTurXTV • HHBMedia.com • [email protected] • www.hhbmedia.com • David Velo Stewart