For much of the twentieth century, black Greek-letter organizations (BGLOs) united individuals dedicated to excellence, fostering kinship ties, and uplifting African Americans. Despite the profound influence of BGLOs, many now question the continuing relevance of these groups, arguing that their golden age has passed. Partly because of the influence of hip-hop culture, the image of BGLOs has been unfairly reduced to a stereotype—a world of hazing and stepping without any real substance. Not only does the general public know very little about these groups, but often the members themselves do not have a deep understanding of their history and culture or of the issues facing their organizations. Gregory S. Parks has assembled an impressive group of contributors to show that the BGLOs' most important work lies ahead. Black Greek-letter Organizations in the Twenty-first Century: Our Fight Has Just Begun provides historical context for the development of BGLOs and explores 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 membership, and the perception of BGLOs as educated gangs, in order to demonstrate that these organizations can create a positive and enduring future.

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.

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Toward a Critical Scholarship
PART I: THE FOUNDERS
1. The First and Finest: The Founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
2. The Vision of Virtuous Women: The Twenty Pearls of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
3. The Last Shall Be First: The Founders of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
4. Women of Vision, Catalysts for Change: The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
5. Constitutionally Bound: The Founders of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
6. The Pride of All Our Hearts: The Founders of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
7. Seven Schoolteachers Challenge the Klan: The Founders of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
PART II: SOCIAL ACTIVISM
8. A Narrative Critique of Black Greek-Letter Organizations and Social Action
9. Black Feminist Thought in Black Sororities
10. Giving and Getting: Philanthropic Activity among Black Greek-Letter Organizations
PART III: GROUPS OUTSIDE THE NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL
11. Strategic Essentialism and Black Greek Identity in the Postmodern Era
12. "I've Got All My Sisters with Me": Black Women's Organizations in the Twenty-first Century
PART IV: ORGANIZATIONAL FUNCTIONING
13. Sisterhood beyond the Ivory Tower: An Exploration of Black Sorority Alumnae Membership
14. Exploring Black Greek-Letter Organizations through a Positive Organizing Lens
PART V: DIVERSITY
15. Not on My Line: Attitudes about Homosexuality in Black Fraternities
16. "I Did It for the Brotherhood": Nonblack Members in Black Greek-Letter Organizations
PART VI: CONTEMPORARY DEBATES
17. Eating Disorders within African American Sororities
18. Modern Fraternities, Ancient Origins
19. "'Cuz I'm Young and I'm Black and My Hat's Real Low?": A Critique of Black Greeks as "Educated Gangs"
PART VII: ADVISING UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
20. Black and White Greeks: A Call for Collaboration
21. Advising Black Greek-Letter Organizations: A Student Development Approach
Afterword
List of Contributors
Index