Greek Books [Non-Fiction]

[decadence]

Hi,

I did a search and looked thru about 50 search pages but didn't find a thread so here I'm making a new one.
What books on greek life, fraternities, sororities etc do people recommend that are non-fiction works?
Can treat the question as the books that libraries should have on their shelves if you like .
I'm talking in terms of books useful to those involved in fraternities and sororities and whose topic matter is GLOs.
So far all I can think of is:

• The divine nine : the history of African American fraternities and sororities / Lawrence C. Ross, Jr.
• Baird's Manual / NIC.

There must be other books useful for people interested in greek life or resources for those involved in it?

[katphishchick]

This book isn't out yet...but I think spring of next year it will be available (I'm quoting this off Kappa Alpha Theta's website):

"The author of Bound by a Mighty Vow: Sisterhood and Women's Fraternities, 1870-1920, Diana B. Turk, holds a Ph.D. in American studies and is currently an assistant professor of social studies at NYU. She was an undergraduate at Hamilton College, where there were no national sororities. The fact that she is not Greek may cause some to be uneasy, to suspect her motives and be skeptical of the spin she will put on the story. But Turk undertook the project with a completely open mind, and it is precisely because of her unaffiliated status that her work has and will be viewed as valid by her colleagues.

When she arrived at the University of Maryland to pursue her doctoral degree, Turk was intrigued by the activities of the sororities on campus. Upon investigation, she discovered that none of the studies of the history of women's higher education offered much information concerning the founding and development of the women's Greek system. She determined to explore the as-yet unexplored and use this rich source of history to tell the story of young women trying to make it in the man's world of the college campus."

[Senusret I]

Black Greek 101 by Walter Kimbrough

[breathesgelatin]

There is a new one out on NPHC step shows... I wish I could remember the title!

[Takeshi]

"In Search of Sisterhood" by Paula J. Giddings

Book Description:

"This history of the largest block women's organization in the United States is not only the story of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, but also tells of the increasing involvement of black women in the political, social and economic affairs of America. Founded at a time when liberal arts education was widely seen as either futile, dangerous, or impractical for blacks, especially women, DST is, in Giddings's words, a "compelling reflection of block women's aspirations for themselves and for society."

Giddings notes that unlike other organizations with racial goals, Delta Sigma Theta was created to change and benefit individuals rather than society. As a sorority, it was formed to bring women together as sisters, but at the some time to address the divisive, often class-related issues confronting black women in our society. There is, in Giddings's eyes, a tension between these goals that makes Delta Sigma Theta a fascinating microcosm of the struggles of black women and their organizations."

DST members have included Mary McLeod Bethune, Mary Church Terrell, Margaret Murray Washington, Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan and, on the cultural side, Leontyne Price, Lena Horne, Ruby Dee, Judith Jamison and Roberta Flack. "In Search of Sisterhood" is full of compelling, fascinating anecdotes told by the Deltas themselves, and illustrated with rare early photographs of the Delta women.

[CrimsonTide4]

Published in 2.03

Editorial Reviews
Book Description
Stepping is a complex performance that melds folk traditions with popular culture and involves synchronized percussive movement, singing, speaking, chanting, and drama. Developed by African American fraternities and sororities, it is now practiced worldwide. Soulstepping is the first book to document the history of stepping, its roots in African and African American culture, and its transformation by churches, schools, and social groups into a powerful tool for instilling group identity and community involvement. Elizabeth C. Fine's vibrant portrayal of the cultural politics of stepping covers the spread to new venues and participants, including Latino and Asian American Greek-letter organizations. She draws on interviews with individuals on college campuses and steppers and stepping coaches from high schools, community groups, churches, and dance organizations as she traces the widespread growth of stepping and uncovers the controversies surrounding it.

[breathesgelatin]

Originally posted by Takeshi
DST members have included Mary McLeod Bethune

I didn't know she was a Delta. When I was working in DC this summer, the Mary McLeod Bethune Historical Site was right around the corner from my work.

[breathesgelatin]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4

That's the one I was thinking of! I read a really good review of it this summer. I'm thinking of buying it for myself.