In the long tradition of African American benevolent and secret societies, intercollegiate African American fraternities and sororities have strong traditions of fostering brotherhood and sisterhood among their members, exerting considerable influence in the African American community, and being in the forefront of civic action, community service, and philanthropy. African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision places the history of these organizations in context, linking them to other movements and organizations that predated them and tying their history to one of the most important eras of United State history-the civil rights struggle. The book explores various cultural aspects of the organizations, such as auxiliary groups, branding, calls, and stepping, and highlights the unique role of African American sororities.

Exploring the rich past and bright future of the nine organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council, African Fraternities and Sororities reveals the vital social and political functions of black Greek-letter organizations and examines their influence and service to the African American community and the nation.