VIDEO: The Impact Black Greek Lettered Organizations Have On Colleges And Universities

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)-Predominantly African-American Greek letter organizations have been around for more than 100 years.

Their impact today is still strong on college campuses and all over the world.
Black Greek Lettered Organizations were founded on college campuses to help foster unity and provide students a way to serve the community.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council is comprised of five historically black fraternities and four historically black sororities, also known as The Divine Nine.

You may see them stepping and strolling around campus or on stage, but there’s much more to Greek life than fancy footwork.

“I think people think it’s more so having fun and just trolling and stepping, but that’s really like 10% of what we do,” said Katherine Nash, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

“We actually do more community service events than anything,” said Gregory Hubbard, member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

African-American Greek life has been a cornerstone on college campuses since the early 1900’s.

“The collegiate Greek life is a group of college students who pretty much share the same values as far as scholarships service leadership want to make a difference on campus at the University,” said Morgan Kelley, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Eight of the predominately black organizations are active on Mississippi State University’s campus.

Members tell WCBI Greek life has a significant impact on the university, like encouraging student involvement and also helping student stay focused on academic success.

“I feel like NPHC is really needed at school like Mississippi State because, minorities need something they can look up to,” Nash explained. “They need to be able to see those figures of leadership that are actually doing something at the University and in the community, and be able to identify that with them self and identify the letters with the people.”

“Greek life here at Mississippi State plays a big role as far as giving back to the community,” said Hubbard. “We like to have a chat with humanity, volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club until the people that were not just here to stay up and stroll whatever they may think.”

Students also mentioned that membership has other privileges too. It’s a great way to network and make professional connections. Beyond that, the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that begin on campus can last a lifetime.

“This really is a family, they really are my sisters,” said Kelley.
“I feel like it definitely leaves its mark on schools, communities and just everywhere,” said Nash.
Involvement in Black Greek Lettered Organizations doesn’t end at graduation.

Coming up in the second part of our series on Tuesday, WCBI talks with men and women who are still actively involved in their respective organizations and helping to make a difference in their communities 20 plus years after college.