What is the purpose of black Greek organizations?

During the time of their inception, the purpose of Black Greek-letter organizations was clear. Amid racial oppression and segregation, these elite groups of educated Blacks assumed the charge of activism, scholarship, social uplift and service.

Why are black fraternities incorporated?

Regardless of whether the fraternity is historically black or not, national chapters often are incorporated in the states where local campus chapters exist. Fraternities, including black fraternities, often incorporate so that they can own property, among other activities.

Why do black fraternities use Greek letters?

The main thought behind the use of Greek letters is that the fraternities and sororities have a Hellenic way of thinking. The use of Greek letters started with Phi Beta Kappa, then a social fraternity and today an honor society, at the College of William & Mary.

Why do black fraternities brand themselves?

Brands, long used among black fraternity members to show their dedication to an organization, are believed to have evolved from the African use of tribal marks. Brands mark the bodies of many black American men.

Why were sororities and fraternities created?

Fraternities and sororities were established to further the social, scholastic and professional interests of its members. They are mainly associated with colleges and universities.

Why do people join black sororities?

When you join a black sorority or fraternity, you become part of a rich tradition of academic excellence and social progress. Joining a black fraternity or sorority is a fun way to gain valuable leadership skills, make life-long friends and be apart of a supportive community while in college.

What is a black Greek?

African American fraternities and sororities are social organizations that predominantly recruit Black college students and provide a network that includes both undergraduate and alumni members.

What is a black Greek letter organization?

Black Greek-letter Organizations in the Twenty-First Century. Book Description: During the twentieth century, black Greek-Letter organizations (BGLOs) united college students dedicated to excellence, fostered kinship, and uplifted African Americans.

Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) began to come into fruition in the early 20th century due to the trials and tribulations that many African Americans were facing within the United States at the time. The inclusion of African Americans in universities proved to be trying times for African American students in the early 1900s.

What was the first black Greek-letter fraternity?

Alpha Phi Alpha, the first Black Greek-letter fraternity, was founded in 1906 at Cornell University. Alpha Kappa Alpha is the first Black Greek-letter sorority, and it was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1908.

What influenced the development of sororities?

Many different movements and political events effected how these organizations were developed. Alpha Kappa Alpha paved the way for sororities in 1908 when they were founded at Howard University.

Why did the Greek collegiate system quickly develop?

The Greek collegiate system quickly developed and evolved to enhance the social atmosphere for white American males, Cilia María Ruiz-Paz states in her essay Rituals, Symbols & Non-Traditional Greek Letter Organizations.