Is Black Greek Life Living Up to Its Legacy?

Author and Wake Forest University Professor, Dr. Gregory Parks discusses the current state of Black Greek Letter Organizations.

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[LeslieDWhite-wpgr]

Great topic of discussion. Keep doing your thang my brother. ✊🏿

[LoveAndSnapple]

I’m from an outsider looking into this world and I have to say that for how deeply the new members are brought into these organizations you would really believe that the major impact in the Black community would be devastatingly loud. I live on the east coast and because the presence of the Divine 9 was featherlight I never grew up knowing a single solitary thing about them. Not until I actually got to college. Even after I graduated, the only time I would see a group representing their org was the occasional lanyard and cap.

Just as the gentleman from Alpha Phi Alpha stated, when the mission from an organization is met it either dies or changes. The PROBLEM is that it’s not met with the same ferocity as what the founders most likely faced. As the Black Panthers faced.

Because of the hard work and sacrifice of people before us we can now live quite comfortably. So comfortably, that most people believe that the fight is over. People don’t want to lose their homes, their jobs, put their families in danger and rightfully so. But for what these organizations ask of young people (and yes I’m talking about hazing) the new mission statements and impact in this new world has to be just as life changing as it did with the founders.

[f]

Too many folks pledged for the wrong reasons

[ballroomdru]

I don’t understand why there aren’t many comments on this?

[localmatterspodcastofgeorg]

Great discussion! I am DST, since 1982. Another related consideration is whether problems like hazing and perception of partying first/minimal impact will decrease our ability to attract the best and brightest. Without the brightest and most dedicated, we can't make maximum impact because we don't have the collective intellectual capital to do so.

[fluffyluffy]

The black greek community needs to show up! Where were they when Republicans decided to strip our history of the public schools? They have been a no show for most of the political issues that keep happening in this country. If you are for the community, we need to see more for the community!

[jadetiger-htec]

BGLO's should definitely take a firmer and more visible stance on issues and politics that affect the black community. It comes down to the leadership of these orgs individually and collectively being willing to stand up and have their orgs answer the call.

[Kalik]

It would be interesting to discuss where did we begin to see this perceived decline of the impact of our organizations... I have a theory that trading in the "pledge" process for the "intake" process allowed for the watering down of membership and individual values concerning community and solidarity. Hazing is a reality. Yes. However, my argument, as my chapter, regional and NPHC regional historian, has always been that there is a difference between hazing and pledging, and if we would have fought to teach and apply that difference, then the "rites of passage, " that joining these organizations use to be, would not have been lost... possibly allowing for another 100 years of service, with dignity, strength and concerted direction.

[michaelburnett]

1. this was boring. 2. if you are going to discuss d9. discuss all nine