Black Greek 101: the Culture, Customs, and Challenges of Black Fraternities and Sororities.

Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs, And Challenges Of Black Fraternities And Sororities by. Walter M. Kimbrough Fairleigh Dickinson University Press August 2003, $49.50, ISBN 0-838-63977-1

In Black Greek 101, Dr. Walter Kimbrough accomplishes a feat that few have dared: capture more than a peripheral snapshot of black Greek life beyond step shows and vile incidents of hazing. Dr. Kimbrough discusses not only the trials of black fraternities and sororities, but also the amazing historical legacy that these organizations have made to the plight of Africans Americans.

Dr. Kimbrough is currently the vice president for Student Affairs at Albany State University, in Albany, Georgia. A member of a black fraternity himself, he is an expert on historically black fraternal organizations, and has made over 250 presentations on black Greek life at more than 80 campuses and 60 conferences. Dr. Kimbrough's mission was to "fully describe and explain black fraternalism," which is difficult to do in a society that views secret societies, including fraternities and sororities, as either antiquated social cultures of elitist perpetuators of brutal hazing.

In Black Greek 101, Dr. Kimbrough walks the reader through the climate--often hostile--that surrounded the African American collegiate experience in the early 20th century and sparked the black fraternal movement. He discusses how the process of gaining membership has developed over 100 years, as well as the consequences of an unpopular intake process, the debate over the highly controversial membership of white members into black Greek-letter organizations, and the struggle of homosexual members.

The book focuses primarily on the collegiate experience, which leaves out a vast majority of those who continue their membership with these organizations in graduate affiliates. This perspective, however, is interesting and refreshing, given that many youthful fraternity and sorority members feel that their experiences and input are often disregarded as a legitimate part of these organizations' history of culture.

In all, the book is an excellent introduction to black Greek culture. It is an insightful, critical and respectful peek into the life of black fraternities and sororities. It would complement the library of those who are members of a black fraternity or sorority, or those pursuing membership. By offering more than a simplistic view of African American fraternities and sororities on college campuses as antiquated, elitist or violent, Black Greek 101 is a breath of fresh air.

--Reviewed by Monique W. Morris Monique W. Morris is working with Kemba Smith on Smith's autobiography. She is also a member of a black sorority.