Black Greek-letter Organizations in the Twenty-First Century: Our Fight Has Just Begun

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

Overview

During 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. Partly because of their perceived link to hip-hop culture, black fraternities and sororities have been unfairly reduced to a media stereotype—a world of hazing without any real substance. The general public knows very little about BGLOs, and surprisingly the members themselves often do not have a thorough understanding of their history and culture or of the issues currently facing their organizations. To foster a greater engagement with the history and contributions of BGLOs, Black Greek-Letter Organizations in the Twenty-first Century: Our Fight Has Just Begun 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. The book examines BGLOs' responses to a number of contemporary issues, including non-black membership, homosexuality within BGLOs, and the perception of BGLOs as educated gangs. As illustrated by the organized response of BGLO members to the racial injustice they observed in Jena, Louisiana, these organizations still have a vital mission. 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813169750
Publisher:	University Press of Kentucky
Publication date:	02/07/2017
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	508
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.40(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Gregory S. Parks is coeditor of African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision. A life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he received his PhD in psychology from the University of Kentucky and is a JD candidate at Cornell Law School.

Table of Contents

Foreword Julianne Malveaux xi

Preface xv

Acknowledgments xvii

Introduction: Toward a Critical Scholarship Gregory S. Parks 1

Part I The Founders

1 The First and Finest: The Founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Stefan Bradley 19

2 The Vision of Virtuous Women: 'The Twenty Pearls of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Stephanie Y. Evans 41

3 The Last Shall Be First: The Founders of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Judson L. Jeffries 67

4 Women of Vision, Catalysts for Change: The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Jessica Harris 73

5 Constitutionally Bound: The Founders of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Matthew W. Hughey 95

6 The Pride of All Our Hearts: The Founders of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Michael E. Jennings 115

7 Seven Schoolteachers Challenge the Klan: The Founders of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Bernadette Pruitt Caryn E. Neumann Katrina Hamilton 125

Part II Social Activism

8 A Narrative Critique of Black Greek-Letter Organizations and Social Action Jessica Harris Vernon C. Mitchell Jr. 143

9 Black Feminist Thought in Black Sororities Caryn E. Neumann 169

10 Giving and Getting: Philanthropic Activity among Black Greek-Letter Organizations Marybeth Gasman Patricia Louison Mark Barnes 187

Part III Groups Outside the National Pan-Hellenic Council

11 Strategic Essentialism and Black Greek Identity in the Postmodern Era Cynthia Lynne Shelton 213

12 "Eve Got All My Sisters with Me": Black Women's Organizations in the Twenty-first Century Shirley A. Jackson 233

Part IV Organizational Functioning

13 Sisterhood beyond the Ivory Tower: An Exploration of Black Sorority Alumnae Membership Marcia D. Hernandez 253

14 Exploring Black Greek-Letter Organizations through a Positive Organizing Lens Laura Morgan Roberts Lynn Perry Wooten 273

Part V Diversity

15 Not on My Line: Attitudes about Homosexuality in Black Fraternities Alan D. DeSantis Marcus Coleman 291

16 "I Did It for the Brotherhood": Nonblack Members in Black Greek-Letter Organizations Matthew W. Hughey 313

Part VI Contemporary Debates

17 Eating Disorders within African American Sororities Tamika C. Zapolski Gregory T. Smith 347

18 Modern Fraternities, Ancient Origins Charles S. Finch III 365

19 " 'Cuz I'm Young and I'm Black and My Hat's Real Low?": A Critique of Black Greeks as "Educated Gangs" Matthew W. Hughey 385

Part VII Advising Undergraduate Chapters

20 Black and White Greeks: A Call for Collaboration Edward G. Whipple Martin Crichlow Sally Click 421

21 Advising Black Greek-Letter Organizations: A Student Development Approach Ralph Johnson Darnell Bradley LeKeisha Bryant Darren M. Morton Don C. Sawyer III 437

Afterword Marc H. Morial 459

List of Contributors 461

Index 465

Illustrations follow page 186

Editorial Reviews

A must read for anyone interested in the future of BGLOs, generally, or their own!

Sylvia Cyrus-Albritton

This book is an essential piece of scholarship for anyone who wants to better understand the history, challenges and triumphs of middle and upper-class African Americans in the early 1900s and beyond. Frank in its delivery and candid to a fault, no topic is too sensitive for exploration. This book will leave you with a renewed appreciation of African American culture.

Cheli English-Figaro

Black Greek Letter Organizations in the Twenty-first Century is a remarkably well-crafted and thoroughly researched collective history of BGLOs and their impact on the African American culture and community.

African American Literary Review & News

A masterpiece of multidisciplinary scholarship that clearly demonstrates the contemporary relevance of black fraternities and sororities by critically examining their remarkable history and thoroughly analyzing their present-day problems.

Hasan Kwame Jeffries

This work is incisive as to the actions Black Greek-letter Organization's research can examine; scholarship is a critical need in our community and has a chance to be achieved with some guidance and inspiration from our groups. We commend the writers for their in depth comments and thoughts and for a retelling of the history of these important groups.

Cornell Leverette Moore

As recently as fifteen years ago, the body of critical scholarship on Black Greek Letter Organizations was negligible. And yet at various points in history, these organizations have played seminal roles in the African American freedom struggle. Now, with the appearance of Black Greek-letter Organizations in the Twenty-first Century, Gregory S. Parks and other contributors have stepped into this breach with an ambitious collection of essays.

Kenneth R. Janken

Makes a desperately needed contribution to the current literature on BGLOs. In assembling an impressive range of scholars, research methodologies, and disciplinary frameworks, Gregory Parks has given this under-researched topic the level of critical attention that it deserves. In particular, the contributors reject purely romantic or cynical postures in favor of theoretically sophisticated and personally informed investigations into the contours, complexities, and contradictions of BGLOs. This volume will stand as a central text for anyone interested in the rich legacy and vibrant future of Black sororities and fraternities.

Marc Lamont Hill

" Black Greek Letter Organizations in the Twenty-first Century is a remarkably well-crafted and thoroughly researched, collective history of BGLOs and their impact on the African American culture and community." -- African American Literary Review & News

"A masterpiece of multidisciplinary scholarship that clearly demonstrates the contemporary relevance of black fraternities and sororities by critically examining their remarkable history and thoroughly analyzing their present-day problems." -- Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ohio State University

"A must read for anyone interested in the future of BGLOs, generally, or their own!" -- Sylvia Cyrus-Albritton, Executive Director, Association for the Study of African American Life and History

"An insightful collection of scholarship that examines the role of BGLOs in the twenty-first century. While the story of BGLOs begins with a response to American racism and a mission of activism, this book reminds us that there is much more to know about this rich tradition. Moving beyond familiar discussions around hazing and stepping, the contributors to this volume treat BGLOs as a complex sociological project. From Black womanism to homosexuality, eating disorders to Black Greeks as 'educated gangs, ' this scholarship works to carefully deconstruct one of this nation's most compelling cultural entities." -- Robin Coleman, editor of Say It Loud! African American Audiences, Media, and Identity

"As a fraternity man, I thought there was little left for me to learn about the Greek experience. This book proved me terribly wrong. It's a must-read, must-have, and the most comprehensive examination of Black Greek culture in print today." -- Derek Fordjour, Artist/Producer

"As recently as fifteen years ago, the body of critical scholarship on Black Greek Letter Organizations was negligible. And yet at various points in history, these organizations have played seminal roles in the African American freedom struggle. Now, with the appearance of Black Greek-letter Organizations in the Twenty-first Century, Gregory S. Parks and other contributors have stepped into this breach with an ambitious collection of essays." -- Kenneth R. Janken, author of Rayford W. Logan and the Dilemma of the African-American Intellectual

"Comprehensive and thorough in its scholarship, Black Greek Letter Organizations in the Twenty-first Century tackles many challenging issues, such as feminism, sexual orientation, racial integration, eating disorders, and organizational behavior. It will spark much discussion and future research on the organizations. It is a must read for members of BGLOs, prospective members, the general public, and especially for student service personnel." -- Robert L. Harris, Jr., coeditor of The Columbia Guide to African American History since 1939

"Gregory Parks' latest contribution to the documentation and analysis of historically black fraternities and sororities should be celebrated and widely read. The impact of these groups on African American and mainstream American life in the 20th century must be understood. And Black Greek Letter Organizations in the Twenty-First Century will offer considerable insight into their unique histories, challenges and modern-day issues." -- C. Brian Williams, Founder and Executive Director, Step Afrika!

"In the history of American fraternal orders and college fraternities, African American contributions have long been overlooked. Dr. Parks has successfully organized a distinguished group of scholars and writers who have created a book that fills this oversight. Black Greek Letter Organizations in the Twenty-First Century makes a significant contribution by providing a one-volume overview of the entire history of BGLOs in the 21st century. The interpretation and information of this book should be required reading for all interested in American fraternity." -- Mark A. Tabbert, author of American Freemasons: Three Centuries of Building Communities

"Makes a desperately needed contribution to the current literature on BGLOs. In assembling an impressive range of scholars, research methodologies, and disciplinary frameworks, Gregory Parks has given this under-researched topic the level of critical attention that it deserves. In particular, the contributors reject purely romantic or cynical postures in favor of theoretically sophisticated and personally informed investigations into the contours, complexities, and contradictions of BGLOs. This volume will stand as a central text for anyone interested in the rich legacy and vibrant future of Black sororities and fraternities." -- Marc Lamont Hill, author of Beats, Rhymes, and Classroom Life: Hip-Hop, Pedagogy, and Youth Identities

"This book is an essential piece of scholarship for anyone who wants to better understand the history, challenges and triumphs of middle and upper-class African Americans in the early 1900s and beyond. Frank in its delivery and candid to a fault, no topic is too sensitive for exploration. This book will leave you with a renewed appreciation of African American culture." -- Cheli English-Figaro, Esq., Cofounder and President Emerita, Mocha Moms, Inc.

"This book offers research, theoretical perspectives, and practical models that can be used to examine BGLOs, influence future scholarship and practice, and bring greater awareness and knowledge to student affairs and BGLO leaders." -- Lori D. Patton and Natasha Croom, Journal of College Student Development

"This work is incisive as to the actions Black Greek-letter Organization's research can examine; scholarship is a critical need in our community and has a chance to be achieved with some guidance and inspiration from our groups. We commend the writers for their in depth comments and thoughts and for a retelling of the history of these important groups." -- Cornell Leverette Moore, Grand Sire Archon Sigma Pi Phi

This collection of twenty-one essays...explores the past, present, and future of the nation's nine traditional African American fraternities and sororities...Parks and his authors deserve praise for addressing many controversial issues. Journal of Southern History

From the Publisher

This collection of twenty-one essays... explores the past, present, and future of the nation's nine traditional African American fraternities and sororities... Parks and his authors deserve praise for addressing many controversial issues.

Journal of Southern History

In the history of American fraternal orders and college fraternities, African American contributions have long been overlooked. Dr. Parks has successfully organized a distinguished group of scholars and writers who have created a book that fills this oversight. Black Greek Letter Organizations in the Twenty-First Century makes a significant contribution by providing a one-volume overview of the entire history of BGLOs in the 21st century. The interpretation and information of this book should be required reading for all interested in American fraternity.

Mark A. Tabbert

This book offers research, theoretical perspectives, and practical models that can be used to examine BGLOs, influence future scholarship and practice, and bring greater awareness and knowledge to student affairs and BGLO leaders.

Lori D. Patton and Natasha Croom

As a fraternity man, I thought there was little left for me to learn about the Greek experience. This book proved me terribly wrong. It's a must-read, must-have, and the most comprehensive examination of Black Greek culture in print today.

Derek Fordjour

Comprehensive and thorough in its scholarship, Black Greek Letter Organizations in the Twenty-first Century tackles many challenging issues, such as feminism, sexual orientation, racial integration, eating disorders, and organizational behavior. It will spark much discussion and future research on the organizations. It is a must read for members of BGLOs, prospective members, the general public, and especially for student service personnel.

Robert L. Harris

Gregory Parks' latest contribution to the documentation and analysis of historically black fraternities and sororities should be celebrated and widely read. The impact of these groups on African American and mainstream American life in the 20th century must be understood. And Black Greek Letter Organizations in the Twenty-First Century will offer considerable insight into their unique histories, challenges and modern-day issues.

C. Brian Williams

An insightful collection of scholarship that examines the role of BGLOs in the twenty-first century. While the story of BGLOs begins with a response to American racism and a mission of activism, this book reminds us that there is much more to know about this rich tradition. Moving beyond familiar discussions around hazing and stepping, the contributors to this volume treat BGLOs as a complex sociological project. From Black womanism to homosexuality, eating disorders to Black Greeks as 'educated gangs,' this scholarship works to carefully deconstruct one of this nation's most compelling cultural entities.

Robin Coleman