The purpose of this article is to specifically examine the role that historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have played and continue to play in economic development, how these institutions have contributed to the cultural empowerment of African Americans, and the important ways HBCUs have bridged the gap between the two to make a valuable contribution to African Americans specifically and America in general.
BlackGreek-letter fraternities (herein after "BGLFs") are unique and complex organizations with a rich history. Holding the ideals of high academic achievement, developing and sustaining fictivekinship ties, maintaining strong racial and gender identity, implementing a racial uplift agenda, and demonstrating a commitment to the perpetuity of their organizations together define BGLF members. Drawing upon the growing corpus of Black fraternity scholarship, this article first investigates the extent to which Black fraternities have remained faithful to these founding ideals. Second, it explores the ways in which Black fraternities articulate fidelity to these founding precepts. Third, it assesses the degree to which Black fraternities are currently consistent with these foundational ideals. And fourth, it examines the future of Black, collegiate-based fraternalism in specific to contemporary challenges to BGLF's function and even existence, especially in regard to hazing. Broader implications, specifically in the legal realm, are discussed. (1911), Phi Beta Sigma (1914, and Iota Phi Theta 1 (1963)] that are member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)the umbrella society to the nine major Black fraternities and sororities (McKenzie 2005). Specifically, we contextualize these BGLFs' founding by analyzing the cultural and institutional factors that gave rise to BGLFs, and how these factors shaped the identity of BGLFs. Second, we explore the ways in which BGLFs articulate their fidelity to their founding precepts. Next, we assess the extent to which BGLFs are currently consistent with their foundational ideals. We close with our perspective on the future of Black, collegiate-based fraternalism.
Throughout their history many black colleges, also referred to as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), have struggled to maintain fi nancial footing. This paper explores the history of alumni involvement in HBCUs and highlights their importance for future success.
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