My Sister’s Keeper: Are Black Sororities & Fraternities Still Necessary?
It’s been twenty years since Spike Lee took us on the yard of Mission College and gave us a crash course in Black college life and the inner workings of Black fraternities and sororities. For many, “School Daze” was not only our first look at life at an HBCU, but also the first time we saw Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) portrayed on the big screen.
With its satire, impromptu dance numbers, and exaggerated portrayals (think: the “Good or Bad Hair” dance-off), “School Daze” simultaneously mocked and celebrated Black Greek Life. I can’t tell you how many people confessed that they swore off joining a Black fraternity or sorority based on the depictions in the film. On the other hand, “School Daze” has served as an unlikely and unofficial marketing tool for others who viewed (and continue to view) the film, and fell in love with the idea of joining an organization with strong cultural ties, an unparalleled network, and a legendary brother/sisterhood.
Fast-forward 20 years. Despite great gains in the number of African-Americans attending college, and the popularity of HBCUs—films about the Black college experience, let alone the Black student/BGLO experience at a predominately White university, are still a rarity. Only a few, “Drumline” and “Stomp The Yard,” have continued to share these stories.
“Stomp the Yard” ignited mainstream America’s superficial interest in BGLOs, focusing mainly on the tradition and excitement of stepping. The feature spawned corporate sponsored Step Shows, an MTV reality show, and a sequel. Although it showcased little of the history of Black Greek organizations, it captured all of the enthusiasm, and further served to shine a light BGLOs.
Somewhere between the overdramatized portrayal of the glammed up and turned out “Gamma Rays” in “School Daze” and the stripped-down, pop-culture version of the “Thetas” presented in “Stomp the Yard,” lies the truth about Black Greek organizations.
Born out of the need to organize and serve their communities at a time when Black people were denied the most basic rights, Black Greek letter organizations filled a void. Founded between 1906 and 1963, the “Divine 9”—Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho*, and Iota Phi Theta—were created to uplift their respective communities through service and a focus on education. Members of these organizations have been instrumental in civil rights movements, business, education and the arts. BGLOs have turned out some of the most influential Black people, such as Martin Luther King Jr., C. Phillip Randolph, Hattie McDaniel, Zora Neale Hurston, Mary McCloud Bethune, and a myriad of others, who have shaped our world.
Although Black Greek organizations began with noble aims and continue to serve their communities, some of its members have not acted with their sisters’ and brothers’ best interest in mind.
Recently, the NY Times ran a story about the hazing allegations leveled against Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The article discussed a lawsuit brought against the sorority by Courtney Howard, a former interest, and student at Cal State University San Jose. In her lawsuit, Ms. Howard alleges that she was hit with wooden paddles and spoons and subjected to threats and intimidation. The Times article goes on to discuss numerous incidences of hazing leveled against several Black Greek organizations.
From the drowning deaths of Kristin High and Kenitha Saafir, two AKA pledges in 2002, to the $1.4 million settlement Kappa Alpha Psi paid to the family of Michael Davis, Black Greek organizations have paid dearly. Not only were their organizations forced to pay large sums in settlements for senseless deaths (and almost forced into bankruptcy), but their legacies also took a big hit.
Recently, as I watched “School Daze” for the fifty-leventh time, something jumped out at me.
In the film, Cedar Cloud (the chairman of the board) and Mission College’s president, McPherson, discuss the relevancy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Cloud argues,
“This is a new day. There is a feeling that the predominately Black college, for all intents and purposes, has outlived its usefulness. Over the years, it has been vital to our elevation in this great country, but the need no longer exists in an integrated society.
President McPherson retorts, “That’s absurd. It exists at Notre Dame, at Yeshiva, at Brandeis, Brigham Young. Now you tell me, what’s the difference?”
This conversation made me think not of historically Black colleges, but of Black Greek letter organizations.
In a supposed post-racial, Obama America, have Black fraternities and sororities “outlived their usefulness?”
In a completely unscientific survey, I posed this question on twitter. Many said that while they felt that Greek organizations weren’t exactly “necessary,” their aims–to provide service and support to Black communities around the world–are still valuable and relevant. Journalist Kenisha Rhone pushed back against those who purport BGLOs are no longer necessary. She cautioned that as long as Black people, and specifically Black women, are marginalized, these organizations are definitely essential.
If you took your cues about BGLOs strictly from films or mainstream news outlets, the picture would be pretty bleak. You’d think they were all about stepping or whoopin’ a pledge’s ass (which is outlawed by all BGLOs). However, it’s deeper than that. Each organization participates in joint programs which aim to tackle everything from obesity to debt management and prevention in the Black community.
Although they are by no means perfect, Black Greek organizations can be an invaluable and potent force for change. If they continue to work together to serve their communities, while dealing with the very difficult and complicated tradition of hazing, perhaps they will live up to the ambitious and revolutionary aims of their founders.
*Note: Britni Danielle is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
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My thoughts as well.
Sorority/Frats/other college based orgs in general, have always turned me off. Not because of School Daze though.
I think its necessary especially for those who are interested in the history and want to be apart of it. But times have changed & theres not much need to stick together as they needed to do in the old days. Some of these organizations should also revamp their entering process. In my opinion, they’re already an imitation, so why fall even harder?
They haven’t been useful in a long time.
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Ther is not much need to stick together? Ok. I’m a bit older than most on this board and I can tell you, you all better start sticking together. LOL! SMDH. LOL!
Sorry. There not Ther.
When I read the title of this article I cringed. I am a member of a BGLO as is the author so I couldn’t understand why the question needed to be asked.
If we are going to question relevancy then we should question the relevancy of ALL greek letter organizations, as it stands minority groups Asian and Hispanic specifically have organizations that are very young– because they address issues and provide support. Members of the IFC or PHC are not questioning their relevance right now.
BGLOs are not the only organizations that have seen legal issues come to pass because of their pledging processes. White organizations face far more law suits than BGLOs (percentage wise).
Our organizations, BGLOs, in general were created to address specific social issues and as far as I am concerned many issues still haven’t and may not ever be resolved. We as BGLOs do tremendous amounts of work, many non-greeks have commented that we are not doing work. But I’d like to ask what are they doing? When was the last time they organized a canned food drive? Set-up an after school tutoring program? Raised money to BUILD a school and fund its operational expenses? (Yes, BGLOs have chartered schools) When was the last time they wrote a letter to their congress person with a backing of hundreds of thousands of people? Went to the dean of their respective university to address race relations on campus?
These are just a few of the things that we do. We do WORK. Admittedly, there is more work that should and can be done but I don’t see the point in knocking those that are attempting to make a difference no matter how big or how small.
Further, if you look at any campus the members of the BGLOs are some of the most involved people on campus holding seats in student government, business fraternities, and other cultural or social organizations as well as maintaining some of the highest GPAs.
Many Blacks in power (US Congress, State elected, high-ranking business professionals) are members of BGLOs
So are we the narcissistic people we have been made to be. There is always more that can be done but we ARE doing something just because we don’t send out press releases every time we go and serve a meal at a local shelter, read a book to a kid, give a scholarship, provide toiletries to domestic violence victims or whatever other worthy cause we partake in doesn’t mean that we are not doing something.
And the whole “gang” reference just needs to end. The craziness that is portrayed as party of the pledging process is not always as it seems. I mean seriously, collectively we make up at least a million people, so for anyone to make it out be some get-jumped-in-type of thing is absurd.
I just hope all those that have commented about the supposed irrelevancy of BGLOs are doing something to support their communities. If you are please tell your local BGLOs, I’m sure they’ll be there to support.
So are we relevant, completely.
Though I am not a member of any organization, I’m currently a college student at a predominantly white college next to an hbcu, and I couldn’t agree more with internationelle. BGLOs do a considerable amount of social work, and are very relevant on my campus.
Oh and let me add that two of the scholarships I received last year that helped me pay for my first year of college came from a BGLO. so thanks. :)
When a question as such is presented to me I consider the white brothers that have crossed in my organization of A Phi A. As a matter of fact we have had a White brother to cross every year starting in 2000 on my campus chapter alone!! Some do see it strange that we have some many brothers of the other color but their passion, commitment, and respect for my organization flows deeper than some brothers that I have met from HBCUs. I started at an HBCU and graduated from a PWI where the respect for BGLOs go as far as the members who represent it. I believe that people should pledge just as those before me, I don’t believe that people should be beat senseless for stupid crap. Time has passed so much members have lost their true identity in their hopes of becoming popular and getting all the groupies to sweat you. Organizations are used as political tools by their leaders, and the members suffer from outrageous registration fees for their own conferences. I love my organization not for only what it represents but because the members I associate with have the same passions as our founders.
What’s your organizations stance on openly gay and or feminine black men?
Some…if not most…of these comments are flat out ignorant. Being a member of BGLO I can honestly say that WE work. Being a member of a BGLO is more than just stepping and partying…LOL! Hell, I can’t step but I know one thing for sure…my tail is at EVERY community service project my chapter has scheduled…SERVING! We do a TON of work in the community. Heck, we worked and supported the President’s campaign, we donated money to Haiti relief as well as built homes after Hurricane Katrina and that’s on a large scale. Individual chapters organize schools supply drives, blood and bone marrow drives, raise money for stuff like AIDS, Diabetes and Lupus right in their own communities. We actually volunteer at our local homeless shelters, food banks and schools. Did you hear about ANY of these things in the news? Probably not, but I did. Why? Because I was there to be a part of it. Stepping is such a TINY part of being a member of a BGLO. I only mentioned a fraction of what we’ve done in the community. I get offended when people downplay our relevance. The question should be “what are YOU doing in your community that shows YOUR relevance?” We have proven our relevance!
“The question should be “what are YOU doing in your community that shows YOUR relevance?” We have proven our relevance!”
Bingo! *crickets* Because most of the folks commenting have not raised one cent for any of the causes WE have done. *peeped your name…I see you sis*
I truly don’t think that folks hate sororities & fraternities for what they do or don’t do, I just don’t think that they like the fact that we do it collectively (which often involves secrecy that does not hinder, harm, or concern them). Oh well, to each his own!
“Stepping is such a TINY part of being a member of a BGLO. ”
Another great point! Looking back at my undergrad years (approx. 4 years ago), we stepped one time (maybe two if there was a probate) during the ENTIRE school year. All of the other events (approx 10-15 events per year) that we had were to educate a particular cause or to create funding FOR a cause. But some non-greeks would rather leave those parts out of their weak arguments to attempt to make themselves look smart…#UberFail!
So long as Whites remain White supremacist, the answer to this question is “Yes”.
I used to love “School Daze”…and still do…I’ve probably watched it a million times. Listen I’m a member of a popular sorority and I can tell you right now we haze by money. Money hazing is the new name of the game…sorry…sororities and fraternities need money and lots of it! Beating someone down is not necessary when you can drain their pockets instead and then force them to go to ridiculously over-priced conferences and buy ridiculously over-priced paraphelnalia.
Folks…it is what it is…when I pledged back in the day it was all about community service and hard work…and that has been replaced by greed..pure and simple…I hate it but it’s true. One of my bff sorors wanted to go to one of our conferences but she was in grad school and couldn’t afford it. Shoot…I couldn’t really afford it either. Now you would think that out of all the community service she’s done..she would get in instantly. Nope! If you don’t believe me..think about all the popular celebrities that were made “honorary”…me and my sorors laugh because we know it’s all about publicity and money. Sure you can join our organization…just make sure your pockets run deep!
By the way…I certainly do not want to knock the individual chapters of sororities and fraternities who do a fantastic job serving the needs of the community. We need more of them! My post was referring to organizations in general particularly at the higher management levels.
I have always thought that BGLOs were a social club or a networking opportunity. Say your interviewer for a job is your soror, or your brother, everyone else can go home.
[...] when I saw this article on Clutch Magazine, it took me back to that place where I once vowed to never be apart of [...]
My questiion is why is ithe necessity of anything that is predominantly black questioned?
I second that! Including HBCU’s too! Hmm…When you find out, let me know…
Read the Miseducation of the Negro by Carter T. Woodson. Why are African-Americans going Greek or desiring to go Greek? What about Africa? Why are African-Americans sporting the letters of the Greek alphabet, yet stepping with moves pulled from Africa? Something ain’t right. What’s going on?
*Carter G. Woodson, my bad.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson, was himself a member of a Greek Lettered orgainization.
…organization…
Abbie, reading the “Miseducation of the Negro” would help in what way?
I think people get hung up on the fact that these orgs have Greek lettering. They were founded on college campuses, where I’m sure other greek letter orgs existed. They were copying THAT system…not wanting to BE white or Greek. That is pretty much where the connection to “Greece/Greek” culture ends. The traditions, ceremonies, and history of NPHC orgs are directly tied to Black American/African history and experiences.
By the way, Carter G. Woodson was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Just a note, the brother’s name is A. Phillip Randolph not C.
I’m not a member of any BGLOs, but supremely respect the work that they do. My concern is the hazing and physical abuse that for a fact takes place during the intake process. For many women like myself, that abuse and hazing keeps non-BGLO members at bay. And yes it’s a known fact that these practices are illegal and goes against everything that these organizations were created to do, but this legality doesn’t stop chapters from doing it. If I knew that I could pledge DST or AKA, or SGRho, Or ZetaPhiBeta without another woman laying their hands on me, mentally or spiritually tearing me down, then I’d be the first running to join and participate in the magnificent work that the women of these organizations do. BUT, that is an issue for a lot of people who are interested and sincerely want to do the good work that these organizations do on a daily basis.
And in regards to whether these organizations are still necessary, absolutely. Someone said it best above that so long as white supremacy exists, then absolutely.
I will offer my frank honest assessment as a member of a BGLO. This is my opinion based on what I have seen and experienced over the last 16 years. My opinion is that BGLO’s have outlived their usefulness. Most organization have social programs that are intended to tackle some of the serious issues and challenges facing African American such as Breast Cancer Awareness, Debt Management , Underachieving children and schools etc etc. But I see very few undergraduate or graduate chapters giving these efforts their total support. More hours are geared towards practicing for step shows and road trippin by undergraduates, and planning conferences and convention which are actually just weekend getaways with the mistress for graduates. Think of all the time, MONEY, and resources wasted on these futile endeavors and half hearted attempts at public service. If we as a people would properly channel our collective talents and resources we could actually develop solutions to our own problems. So many different organizations not just BLGO’s are structured to do the same thing it’s redundant and counterproductive to our advancement as a people. That being said I rep my Frat to the fullest Phi Nu Pi to the day I die. Kant Imagine life not being Kold azz Nupey. go figure.
Im not gonna give this too much energy simply because I’ve discussed it too many times. I think it encourages elitism. And the younger generation for the MOST part it does not represent itself the way it should. And it could be more influential if it didnt encourage the feeling you must PROVE something to be a part of. What about the desire to be a part of a movement. Wouldn’t it be nice if that was enough. But we all know that isn’t the case. So do away with the black GREEK organizations and just form together without the sense of entitlement. You mean to tell me you can’t organize or make change without wearing some Greek letters on a jacket????? Spare me.
BGLO, the “O” is for organization. Most civilizations have groups formed within them for shared values among people. For BGLOs, if you put race, history, and civic service aside, there is still relevancy as its a social norm to gravitate to group and particularly in American society, to network. Analogous to Brandeis, etc institutions that were cited, no one is challenging the need for Zeta Beta Tau or Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Well-written angles and feature topic. Skee-Yip to the writer.
There are many great arguments here. As a member of a BGLO I feel that as long as an organization is moving forward in a constructive way to tackle the issues before us then by all means our community can’t afford any of these organizations to die out—(and I’ll include non-BGLO’s like the NAACP which I have criticized in the past). I do love one of the mantras spoken in this thread: What have YOU done? Teaching a black boy to read so that he stays in school and graduates is a major feat these days. So is gettn a convict a job, (Hell, gettn anyone a job!), raising money for scholarships, etc. If there are areas where YOU feel that these organizations are falling short, then YOU can always spearhead your own initiative and enlist the help of BGLO’s which many organizations do. BGLO’s are not for everyone. Everyone can’t be in the NBA or the olympics either, but we can take the initiative to focus on the change we want to see.
I think that Black sororities and fraternities need to live in the 21st century. Many still harbor the same mindset re: colorism and classism, and it’s time to put those evils to sleep.
Interesting conversation. I graduated college in 2002, and made a point to attend a school where Greek Letter Organizations (in general–not just BGLOs or any other type) where not a big part of campus life because I assumed, perhaps incorrectly, that there would not be a place for me in one of them. I’m not remotely religious and had wondered if that would be a problem with BGLOs. I also did not like the sound of the hazing process. Finally, I was also concerned with BGLOs’ stance on LGBT students–do they support them? I also figured–again, perhaps incorrectly–that GLOs have certain expectations in terms of dress and appearance as well, and I didn’t like that. In general, I assumed that my politics would not align with a BGLO, and GLOs in general reminded me of the sort of cliques and popularity contests that I was so happy to leave behind after leaving high school. These were my impressions, and they might have been wrong. I’d love to hear what those of you in BGLOs think.
I do think that the service work that BGLOs and other GLOs do is good. I was, however, able to find other ways to do service during and after college, as were friends of mine who also did not join GLOs. A number of us also spent time working in various not-for-profits following college as well.
The mere fact that the question is being asked indicates the need for black fraternities and sororities.
There are colleges around the U.S. where 80-95% of the student body is white.
Why aren’t questioning the historically white fraternities and sororities that are still all white to this day?
Do you believe if we got rid of black fraternities and sororities, black college students would be welcomed into the fold or would they sit on the sidelines waiting for their “token black friend card”?
In todays world we need young black education to show the world that we are more or better than what the entertainment show of us all of us are not getto sluts or always up to no good.And i feel after home what better place to show this is school most of all a black collage, why because who knows you better than your own also they realise the problems we face as black womenSo i say yes lets keep our black womans fraternities if they are teaching the right things to the young woman.I AM A 54 YEARGrand mom and i want my grandchild to go to a black collage. So she can be ready for the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!