Black Greek-Letter Organizations in the 21st Century: Our Fight Has Just Begun

by Gregory S. Parks (Editor), Julianne Malveaux (Foreword), Marc Morial (Afterword)

“A masterpiece of multidisciplinary scholarship that clearly demonstrates the contemporary relevance of black fraternities and sororities.” —Hasan Kwame Jeffries, author of Bloody LowndesDuring the twentieth century, black Greek-Letter organizations (BGLOs) united college students dedicated to excellence, fostered kinship, and uplifted African Americans. Members of these organizations include remarkable and influential individuals such as Martin Luther King Jr., Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, novelist Toni Morrison, and Wall Street pioneer Reginald F. Lewis. Despite the profound influence of these groups, many now question the continuing relevance of BGLOs, arguing that their golden age has passed.To foster a greater engagement with the history and contributions of BGLOs, Black Greek-Letter Organizations in the Twenty-first Century brings together an impressive group of authors to explore the contributions and continuing possibilities of BGLOs and their members. Editor Gregory S. Parks and the contributing authors provide historical context for the development of BGLOs, exploring their service activities as well as their relationships with other prominent African American institutions. Both internally and externally, BGLOs struggle to forge a relevant identity for the new century. Internally, these groups wrestle with many issues, including hazing, homophobia, petty intergroup competition, and the difficulty of bridging the divide between college and alumni members. Externally, BGLOs face the challenge of rededicating themselves to their communities and leading an aggressive campaign against modern forms of racism, sexism, and other types of fear-driven behavior.By embracing the history of these organizations and exploring their continuing viability and relevance, Black Greek-Letter Organizations in the Twenty-first Century demonstrates that BGLOs can create a positive and enduring future and that their most important work lies ahead.

524 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2008

Reviews

[Madam Book Worm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 7/8 Stars!
I’m not sure if this will be considered a read but I only read the intro chapter, about Alpha Kappa Alpha and Alpha Phi Alpha. This book is a great research tool and
I found all of the information to be accurate about AKA. Anyone who wants to learn about the Divine 9 and its origins, I definitely recommend this book.

[Salamah · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a member of one of the divine nine, it was interesting reading the history and thoughts of others in different organizations. I especially enjoyed reading I've Got All My Sisters With Me, Siterhood beyond the Ivory Tower about Alumnae membership and I Did it for the Brotherhood: Non black members in Black Greek lettered organizations. I found out through the last article that probably the first induction of a white person into a BGLO is Bernard Levin who came into Alpha Phi Alpha in 1946. I looked him up and found a picture of him dancing with a black woman. I wonder a lot about him and others who decide to join a BGLO. Many don't agree with allowing whites in. However, I know there are some whites in my sorority and I am happy to call them soror!

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding research on historically Black Greek-letter organizations.