The nation’s historically Black Greek letter organizations (BGLOs), collectively referred to as the “Divine Nine,” have played an integral part in American history. Since each organization’s founding throughout the 20th century, Black fraternities and sororities have not only provided African-Americans with a community to support one another, they have also made notable contributions to society, particularly in the areas of civil rights, social welfare and politics.
The list of trailblazing African-Americans who have hailed from BGLOs spans the spectrum of American life, ranging from labor leader A. Philip Randolph, who was one of the organizers of the 1963 March on Washington; to Arthur Ashe, who was ranked among the best tennis players in the world; to singer and actress Lena Horne; and to educators and scholars Mary McLeod Bethune and W.E.B. DuBois. This extensive list also includes historian and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as “the father of Black history,” who introduced Negro History Week in 1926 that, later, became Black History Month.
Today, the combined membership of these organizations exceeds one million. With such longevity, these groups are among the oldest Black institutions in the country. In the past eight years, several BGLOs have marked or passed a celebratory milestone — their 100th anniversary. On January 9, Phi Beta Sigma fraternity
celebrated its centennial. Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha sororities celebrated their 100th and 105th anniversaries, respectively, last year. Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi fraternities celebrated their centennials in 2011, and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2006.
Criticism grows
Despite the accomplishments of BGLOs throughout their widespread histories, they are attracting a growing number of critics in academia and media, including some from within their own ranks, who question their relevance and adherence to their founding principles.
