African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision - Tapa dura

"Contributors: Tamara L. Brown, PhD - Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky Gregory S. Parks, JD, PhD - Assistant Professor of Law, Wake Forest University School of Law Clarenda M. Phillips, PhD - Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Morehead State University Joanne Belknap, PhD -- Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Colorado-Boulder Tyra Black, MS -- Executive Director, My Brother's Keeper, Inc. Carol D. Branch, PhD -- Director, Student Resources Center, Otis College of Art and Design Jerryl Briggs, Sr., EdD - Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Central State University Anne S. Butler, PhD -- Director, Center of Excellence for the Study of Kentucky African Americans, Kentucky State University Crystal Ren e Chambers, JD, PhD - Assistant Professor, Higher, Adult and Counselor Education, East Carolina UniversityJames Coaxum, III, PhD - Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Educational Leadership, Rowan University Gloria Harper Dickenson, PhD -- former Associate Professor and Chair, Department of African American Studies, The College of New Jersey Tina L. Fletcher, Ed.M. - Secondary Educator, Anacostia Senior High School, Washington, D.C. Jennifer Ginsburg -- Forensic Interviewer, Sag Harbor Child Advocacy Center Jessica C. Harris, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of Historical Studies, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Robert L. Harris, Jr., PhD - Professor, Africana Studies, Cornell University William H. Harris, PhD -- President, Alabama State University Danielle C. Heard, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of English, University of California-Davis Marcia D. Hernandez, PhD -- Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, University of the PacificTed N. Ingram, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of Student Development, Bronx Community College, C.U.N.Y. Kenneth Mack, JD, PhD -- Professor, Harvard Law School Marcella L. McCoy Deh, PhD -- Director of Honors Program, Philadelphia University Anita K. McDaniel, PhD - Associate Professor, Department of Communication Studies, University of North Carolina-Wilmington Andre McKenzie EdD -- Vice President, Academic Support Services, Special and Opportunity Programs, St. John's University Cheryl L. Nu ez, MEd -- Vice Provost for Diversity, Xavier University Sandra Mizumoto Posey, PhD -- Director, Learning Communities and First Year Success and Associate Professor, Institute for Women's Studies and Services, Metropolitan State College of Denver. Rashawn Ray, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Maryland-College Park Said Sewell, PhD -- Associate Professor, Political Science and Executive Director, Academic Success Center, Fort Valley State University Craig L. Torbenson, PhD -- Associate Professor, Department of History, Witchita State University MaryBeth Walpole, PhD - Associate Professor, Department of Educational Services, Administration, and Higher Education, Rowan University Michael H. Washington, EdD -- Professor, History Department, Director, Afro-American Studies, Northern Kentucky University Deborah Elizabeth Whaley, PhD -- Assistant Professor, Department of American Studies, University of Iowa" -- ""One of the first scholarly works published on BGLOs, African American Fraternities and Sororities not only provides a history of these overlooked organizations and their impact on America but serves as an unbiased testament to the intellect, dignity, commitment, and courage of the 'Divine Nine' in their struggles against recial injustice." -- Tennessee Historical Commission" --

The first African American fraternities and sororities were established at the turn of the twentieth century to encourage leadership, racial pride, and academic excellence among black college students confronting the legacy of slavery and the indignities of Jim Crow segregation. Black Greek-letter organizations were also created to foster a sense of community among African American students on college campuses, and among their ranks are legendary artists, politicians, theologians, inventors, intellectuals, educators, civil rights leaders, and athletes. Nikki Giovanni, Cornel West, Martin Luther King Jr., Shaquille O'Neal, Toni Morrison, Bill Cosby, and W.E.B. DuBois are all members of black fraternities and sororities, and these groups continue to have a strong presence on campuses today. Offering a comprehensive overview of the historical, cultural, political, and social circumstances that propelled the creation of these groups, this collection of original essays references the profound contributions that black Greek-letter organizations and their members have made to American history. The contributors also examine current black Greek life and culture, addressing issues such as hazing and branding that are, perhaps unfairly, often at the forefront of discussions about these organizations. African American Fraternities and Sororities is the authoritative history of these influential and sometimes controversial organizations.