| Despite a prolific history, iconic members and a commitment to the uplift of the black community, the relevancy and necessity of Black Greek-Letter Organizations (BGLOS) at the undergraduate level is now at the forefront of what seems to be an uncertain future for these organizations particularly at predominately white institutions (PWIs). "The BGLO movement has always been a dynamic phenomenon. Black students at the turn of the twentieth century had the vision and the fortitude to create organizations for their mutual support and for the uplift of a race of people" (Johnson et al., 2008, p.454). Although the organizations have made significant contributions through their commitment to community service and philanthropy, they continue to have their critics (McKenzie, 2004, p.204). Their (the collective group of BGLOS) work in the last century (and continuing in this one) has comprised various philanthropic, civic and community service activities. Moreover, HBGLO's taught college educated black men and women how to commit themselves to personal excellence and achievement as well as to one another. Despite their tremendous efforts, at the twilight of the last century, there was a growing commentary that questioned the relevance of these groups (Ross, 2000). How, is it possible these organizations that evolved to offer support and uplift to the black race could no longer be relevant?... |
