HOUSTON, Texas – In honor of Black History Month, KPRC reporter Joy Addison introduced a conversation that dives deep into the historical role of Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) in the U.S.
These organizations were integral in not only creating safe spaces for Black students on both predominantly white and black college campuses but also in challenging the institution of segregation across the nation.
Addison highlights the impact of the “Divine Nine,” a collective term for nine prominent Black Greek organizations that have provided support, leadership, and community to generations of Black students.
These organizations opened doors to higher education during a time when Black people were often excluded from academic spaces.
“Black Greek letter organizations really opened up a space for Black people on college campuses -- campuses that, at one point, we weren’t even allowed to be on,” she said. “I can remember sitting in church and my grandmother would tell me that the elderly members wearing these letters-- not only were they Black people helping their own community, they were and are Black people that are educated-- college educated. And, became college educated at a time when many Black people weren’t even welcomed on many college campuses.”
One of the most powerful aspects of BGLOs is their legacy, which is passed down through families.
Addison, who is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, shared her personal connection to the organizations, with both her mother and grandmother having been members.
“From a young age, I was always taught that wearing these colors, wearing these letters is something that is a symbol of how far Black people have come,” she said.
Addison said the bond is evident in the way members of these organizations continue to support each other in various facets of life, from college campuses to workplaces.
Dr. Walter Kimbrough, interim president of Talladega College and author of Black Greek 101, offered insight into the formation of Black Greek organizations.
He said that the first Black Greek organization, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded in 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. It was born out of the necessity for Black students to create their own organizations, as they were excluded from existing groups due to racial discrimination.
Over time, this led to the founding of other organizations that were pivotal in shaping the future of Black students.
Kimbrough said the origins of BGLOs trace back to the 19th century when college fraternities and sororities were predominantly white.
Black students -- often few -- had to establish their own spaces for unity and growth, resulting in the creation of these influential organizations.
From 1906 to 1922, eight of the Divine Nine organizations were established, primarily at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
One of the most recognized aspects of Black Greek life is its symbols and traditions.
Stepping, a performance involving rhythmic foot movements and clapping, is perhaps the most visible of these cultural expressions.
Kimbrough said that while stepping did not officially become a tradition until the 1970s, it was inspired by African dance traditions like the South African gumboot dance. Over time, stepping evolved into a highly anticipated and celebrated part of BGLO culture, symbolizing the unity and creativity of members.
Hand signs and calls further connect members across campuses and even across generations. These unique expressions allow members to instantly recognize one another, strengthening the sense of community.
The impact of BGLOs is particularly profound when examining their contributions to the civil rights movement.
Kimbrough said many of the key figures in the movement were members of Black Greek organizations, including Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, and Ralph David Abernathy. These men, along with others like John Lewis, who was a member of Phi Beta Sigma, played instrumental roles in movements like the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington.
“The history of the civil rights movement is deeply intertwined with the history of Black Greek organizations,” Kimbrough asserts. Members of these organizations used their leadership positions to organize protests, rallies, and initiatives aimed at dismantling segregation across the U.S.
To learn more about the history and ongoing influence of Black Greek organizations, Kimbrough’s book Black Greek 101 provides a deeper dive into this crucial chapter of Black history.
