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
injusticethey 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.
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