In what ways did the actions and attitudes of Black collegiate fraternities and sororities in the early and mid-twentieth century contribute to the atmosphere that resulted in the Civil Rights Movement (1954 - 1963)?
Christina Onuoha
S. Lukiri
January 2015
Word Count: Plan of the investigation
While the civil rights movement did not begin until 1954, Black fraternities and sororities have existed on American college campuses since the early twentieth century. During much of the twentieth century, and to some degree, the twenty-first century, these organizations have had significant influence on the political and social atmosphere of the Black community. This investigation will address the question “In what ways did Black collegiate
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The National Pan-Hellenic Council was created in 1930.
The BGLOs that are members of the NPHC were formed within a relatively short amount of time (over half a century).
Many civil rights leaders were members of BGLOs.
Social movement theory and the Civil Rights Movement
Some sociologists believe that the establishment of Black fraternities and sororities is a social movement in itself and describe the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Greek-letter organization (BGLO) movement as “tributaries from the same stream.”
Several sociologists also believe that the BGLOs provided a “frame extension” for the Civil Rights Movement.
Evaluation of Sources
E. Franklin Frazier, Black
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However, it is debatable whether the presence of Black fraternities and sororities contributed to the atmosphere leading up to the Civil Rights movement. These fraternities and sororities provided a positive, encouraging atmosphere that helped them fulfill their purpose, and this may have been perpetuated in the atmosphere of the Civil Rights movement. These organizations also allowed for the development of leadership skills among its members, several of which became critical contributors to the Civil Rights movement. However, the veneration of professionalization among the black bourgeoisie (and consequently, Black Greek-letter organizations) may have been more of a hindrance than a catalyst to the development of the Civil Rights
Before 1962, the only way African-Americans can go to colleges and universities and was through an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges or Universities). Most HBCUs were created after the American Civil War, In 1865 Shaw University was the first HBCU established in the south after the American Civil War, giving higher education to African-Americans. The Higher Education of Act 1965 defined any historically Black college or university established prior to 1964. The principal mission of HBCUs is to educate African-Americans. As of today, there are more than 100 HBCUs across the nation, which represents 3% of the nation’s institutions for higher learning.
Bradley, Stefan. “” Gym Crow Must Go!” Black Student Activism at Columbia University, 1967-1968.” The journal of African American History the History of Black Student Activism 88.2 (2008): 163-81. Print.
Without students in organizations like SNCC and CORE, sit-ins and issues such as voting rights would not have been at the forefront of this movement. Although student activism is highly regarded now, Cobb recalls the perspectives of adults in 1960’s when he says, “We were under a lot of pressure as an organization, say, as SNCC, because a lot of people thought we were too radical.” As an organization run by student they were extremely successful which made some individuals feel threatened. In his book, Cobb highlights the fact that in 1960 Amzie Moore was the first adult civil rights leader to embrace SNCC. Overall, the generational rift between the “children” of the sixties and older generations was another important part of Cobb’s story as well as many college aged students in the
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The Civil Rights Movement & HEIs Overtime, there were battles to develop a more diverse student population. As Stallion explains in her (2003) research, the student body finally gained traction and began making waves in 1954 when the Brown v. the Board of Education case made it to the supreme court. The case argued that the racial segregation of schools was violating the fourteenth amendment, that all people born or naturalized in the United States were granted citizenship. This was extended out to all the recently freed slaves.
According to my research, students back in the 1960s played a critical role in developing the Savannah State College; into what is now known as the illustrious Savannah State University. Students from the 1960s dealt with the hardship of going to school, while the civil rights movement was active. Due to the fact of the civil rights movement being in act, it brought various problems into the school system. On the other hand, it strengthens the students and united them.
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I’ve noticed that being an African American woman places me below the totem pole automatically, placing two strikes again me. However, as a black woman attending a Historically Black College/University, in my heart, I strive to seek academic excellence and create a lasting impression on the world…starting with the community around me. My traditional values are deeply rooted in love, honesty, integrity and the desire to serve. I strongly believe in “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”. I believe I have great qualities to offer such an organization
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