Controversial Video by Spelman Alumna Sparks Debate Over Greek Life and Faith at HBCUs

Earlier this year, an alumna of Spelman College posted a video on YouTube that has sparked a debate within the African-American community. In the video, Angelise Prince publicly renounced her alma mater and explained her reasons, prompting widespread discussion and controversy online.

The 53-minute video outlines Prince’s grievances with Spelman, focusing on inefficiency within the administration, an alleged lack of support for students, and systemic favoritism. Prince recalled numerous instances where she felt students’ needs were neglected or not properly addressed. She also criticized what she described as an unresponsive system that often left students feeling unsupported.

Adding fuel to the fire, Prince mentioned her newfound faith, claiming a divine calling and a desire to have a deeper connection with God. Specifically, Prince stated that Spelman did not align with her spiritually and suggested that the institution had made a covenant with a ‘demonic entity.’

“Very recently, within the last 90 days, I feel like God has been calling me to Himself. He’s given me the grace to have a hunger, thirst, and desire for Him like I’ve never had before,” Prince said.

She continued, “During this time, He’s been sharing with me and uncovering things in my life that are not okay with Him. One of those things is Spelman College and the covenant I made with the demon operating behind Spelman College, the demonic covenants there, and all the rituals going on.”

Prince also reflected on changes at the college during her time there from 2012 to 2016. She noted that the school’s motto was originally “Our Whole School for Christ” but later changed to “A Choice to Change the World.” According to Prince, this change was likely made to promote inclusivity and accommodate various religious beliefs on campus. She cited Matthew 10:33 from the Bible, which warns against denying one’s faith.

The video resulted in widespread criticism online and coincides with a recent wave of students and alumni renouncing Black Greek Letter Organizations.

Earlier this week, Zora Maebell Sanders, a rising senior at Howard University, released a statement on social media officially renouncing her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Sanders highlighted issues between the organization’s rituals and her Christian beliefs. These announcements have sparked controversy within HBCU communities. See what they had to say below:

Just saw a video of a woman denouncing Spelman. I can't make this up. LOLOLOL

— Rev. Decatúr (@dstarwriter59) May 23, 2024

If you denouncing your alma mater…. Are you going to apply for jobs and leave the college education field blank or?

Cause put the bozo juice down and be so fr with me.

— Red da Redz (@shes_rADIAnt) May 23, 2024

the denouncing issue is less about how you feel about Greek organizations but about how everything rooted in pure Blackness is eventually and CONSTANTLY deemed demonic or “not of God.” and it’s always US doing it when we fall into the trance of religious OCD.

— Maze 👣 (@MaisieBrownJxn) May 24, 2024

There’s no reason why someone denouncing a Greek org should make anyone upset. It doesn’t affect you or make a difference in your life. It’s just crazy to care so much about how someone else wants to live their life.

— Africa? She at work (@buka__n) May 21, 2024

You: *denouncing your Greek letters on social media*

The rest of us: pic.twitter.com/KwklxNdPS8

— Champ Johnson (@writtenbychamp) May 22, 2024

Wait “denouncing” Spelman? Like the college?!? QUIT IT!!! pic.twitter.com/tViTnNnqva

— 🗣 I’m Outside Again (@RegalBasil) May 23, 2024

Denouncing your letters and you just crossed in Spring 24’ is crazy. The devil woulda just been with me until my dues ran out.

— KP_ (@KP_Folarin) May 21, 2024

Not enough conversation about how the version of Christianity that made you denounce in the first place is more cult-like than the organization you’re denouncing will ever be, if you want to keep it a buck.

— Young, Gifted, and Black (@WhatTheNELLE_12) May 21, 2024

Me not denouncing sh*t……. pic.twitter.com/7bpnwQOvJC

— A. B., Esq. (@ivyleague1908) May 22, 2024