Black Collegian News & Views

Leadership, scholastic excellence, community service and love are the cornerstones of African-American Greek organizations. Since 1906, when Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded, African-American Greek organizations have had a vivid presence on college campuses and in communities alike, promoting education, positively influencing troubled youth and helping the elderly.

There are nine African-American Greek organizations that are recognized by the National Pan-Hellenic Council.  The fraternities are Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., founded in 1906 at Cornell University; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. founded in 1911 at Howard University; Kappa Alpha  Psi Fraternity, Inc. founded in 1911 at Indiana University; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. founded in 1914 at Howard University; and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. founded in 1963 at Morgan State University. The sororities are Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. founded in 1908 at Howard University; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. founded in 1913 at Howard University; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. founded in 1920 at Howard University; and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. founded in 1922 at Butler University.

According to Kimberly Henderson, a member of the Beta Gamma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Dillard University, although Greek organizations were first established at college institutions, their help extends much further.  All of the organizations are nationally and internationally active in community service endeavors.  “It is amazing how people from far and near come together as one to give back to the community simply to help out,” she said.  “My chapter visits a nursing home twice a month and visits a battered women’s shelter every week.  For me, service is what it all boils down to,” she added.

This is the part that some people hardly ever pay attention to.  Stuck-up AKAs, Nasty Nupes and Doggish Ques are a few of the nicknames that are used in reference to these organizations, because they are often judged based on their social aspects.  But whether wearing crimson, blue, gold or pink, it is these organizations that clean-up college campuses, hold information sessions about health issues and contribute funds and resources to educational institutions.

The members of the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., also at Dillard University, dedicate each Saturday morning to teaching children science, math and English, as well as arts and crafts.  “Oooohh, pick me, pick me,” exclaimed approximately eight small children anxious to answer the computer-related question posed to them by the instructor.  It’s a Saturday morning, but these children aren’t watching cartoons and eating cereal.  Instead, they are partaking in an opportunity to sharpen their intellectual skills in Ivy Akademy.

“This is what sorority life is really all about,” Karen Jack, vice-president of the chapter commented.  I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha because I wanted to help people and establish true sisterhood, not because I wanted to be popular and attend lots of parties,” she added.

Casually dressed in his fraternity paraphernalia, a white t-shirt, with blue writing signifying Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the president of the Epsilon Alpha Chapter at Dillard, Rashad Conner, carefully described the meaning of an everlasting brotherhood.  He reiterates that Greek life isn’t about popularity, prestige, or parties.  This young brother pleads, it’s about brotherhood and loyalty, things that not everyone appreciates.  Conner said he also feels that Greeks are misunderstood.  “Three letters don’t make me, I make the three letters.  I haven’t changed since becoming a Sigma, because I didn’t let the Greek lifestyle change me.  I was a man before I was a Greek, I just know more people now,” replied Conner.

Kendra Lovette, a non-Greek, said that she agrees that there is a bigger purpose for Greek organizations, but said that they are sometimes misunderstood. “I have a lot of respect for sorority life because it brings about love within people.  On Xavier University’s campus, where I'm enrolled, the Greek organizations do display sisterhood, brotherhood and community service. They have a positive role and impact on campus as well,” added Lovette. 

Conner and Jack did admit, however, that non-Greeks and some Greeks alike both have a bad interpretation of Greek life.  Selective membership is designed to keep those people who aren’t interested in contributing to the community out of the organizations.  But in many instances, some people do “slip through the cracks” and it is these people that are painting the wrong and unclear picture of Greek life to the public.  “For the most part, Greek organizations uphold the values and meanings of the organizations.  But, many people join because they feel as though they fit a certain stereotype as opposed to joining to help people and education,” said Conner.  “I know some who attend college just to join a Greek organization.  But then, there are some who are dedicated and know that it isn’t all about stepping or throwing parties.”

It is these people that hold the organization together, according to Jack, who said that becoming a part of Alpha Kappa Alpha has made her more responsible.  As a result, Jack said that she is also more efficient and more organized.  In a nutshell, Alpha Kappa Alpha has helped her to grow-up.

The works that these organizations perform are continuing each year as their memberships expand.  According to these Greek members, their good deeds may not be plastered all over the news, but their quiet presence and dedication to community service should not be overlooked.

Shaniece Bell Bickham, a year 2000 graduate of Dillard University in Louisiana, served as the Editor-in-Chief of the University’s newspaper.