A Crash Course in the Basics of Black Greek Letter Organizations
She may be an Omega Sweetheart or the dream girl of A-Phi-A. She may wear a Kappa diamond, or her love may a Sigma be; but if she wears the Delta symbol, then her first love is DST.
Why were Black Greek Letter Organizations founded?
First and foremost, it is important for you to understand why these organizations exist. During the time in which the first BGLO was established, African Americans across the country were faced with the harsh realities of race-related discrimination. Repercussions from slavery were well saturated in the fabric of the American culture, and due to situations resulting from these discriminatory practices, various organizations established by the African American community began to surface and some of them were Black Greek Letter Organizations. Since 1906-the founding year of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.-nine fraternities and sororities (affectionately known as the Divine Nine) have had the privilege of developing and establishing chapters throughout the United States and the world. These organizations provided a common ground for a common purpose. The establishment of these brotherhoods and sisterhoods brought together men and women who were passionate about the goals and ideals of their organization and made a commitment to work together to make a difference in the world in which they lived.
What is the purpose of these organizations?
If you were to research the initiatives of each Black Greek Letter Organization, you would discover programs ranging from voter registration drives and economic empowerment programs to campus clean-up initiatives and beyond. Underneath the surface of most nationally recognized activities implemented by these organizations lies the desire to enhance the local and international community. Community service plays a significant role in the foundation of all BGLOs. For example, the first public service initiative completed by the newly founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was the 1913 Women's Suffrage March in Washington, DC. Members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. also showed a unique interest in women's rights during the early stages of their organization's existence. Early interests of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., founded in 1914, also heavily focused on the enhancement of the world in which we live. Their interests included anti-lynching laws and international issues occurring in the Republic of Haiti. As you can see, the scope of these organizations does not solely lie on each respective college or university campus, and their impact is evident worldwide.
What are the benefits of joining a Black Greek Letter Organization?
By reading this article, it shows that either you or someone you know is interested not only in Black Greek Letter Organizations but also in learning more about attending college. Just by attending college, you will have the world at your disposal. There are so many opportunities that can arise from just stepping foot into a classroom. Imagine the experiences and knowledge that each person brings with them and consider the opportunities that lie before each student after graduation-the possibilities are endless.
The benefits of joining a BGLO are endless. For many, one of the greatest benefits is the opportunity to network. Networking is essential in today's society. Now consider being a member of a BGLO. All BGLOs have at least 100,000 members worldwide. Instantly, that classroom of 25 grows. Membership provides a common bond not only among fraternity brothers or sorors, but also within the Greek community as a whole.
Even more important than networking is having the ability to serve your community in the name of your organization. There is power in numbers, and when the world has the opportunity to witness a group of individuals working together for the common good of the community, more and more people will want to become involved. This is one reason that the legacies of Black Greek Organizations have continued over so many years.
There is also a social advantage to becoming Greek. I am sure that you have heard numerous times that the most important thing to get out of your college experience is a quality education, and I agree. However, you should also take time to enjoy yourself. Becoming involved in organizations on campus can help you to gain a greater sense of ownership of your college or university. So, if you think Greek life may be something you are interested in, check it out; I am certain that you will cherish your experiences in the organization for the rest of your life.
"Membership is a lifetime commitment!"
All BGLOs require that you be a student with a good academic standing. Therefore, acquiring a quality education should be a priority over making a commitment to become a member of a Greek organization. Those who came before you left large shoes to fill; it is up to you to carry on the legacy that these individuals have begun.
The Divine Nine Founding Dates and Prominent Members
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Founded 1906
Martin Luther King Jr., W.E.B. DuBois, Jesse Owens, and Dennis Kimbrough
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Founded 1908
Marian Anderson, Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, and Jada Pinkett Smith
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Founded 1911
Arthur Ashe, Cedric the Entertainer, Johnnie Cochran, and Montell Jordan
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Founded 1911
Charles Drew, Bill Cosby, Langston Hughes, and Michael Jordan
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Founded 1913
Mary McCloud Bethune, Dorothy Height, Johnetta C. Cole, and Camille Cosby
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Founded 1914
Morris Chestnut, Karl Malone, Blair Underwood, and Huey P. Newton
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Founded 1920
Zora Neale Hurston, Esther Rolle, Dionne Warwick, and Sarah Vaughan
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Founded 1922
*Excerpts taken from Laquore J. Meadow's article "A Crash Course in the basics of BGLO". Laquore J. Meadow graduated from Tennessee State University in 2000 and Miami University in 2003. She currently works at Central State University as an assistant director of admissions and marketing.
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Friday, July 1st 2005 at 1:47PM
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