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41 of 46 found the following review helpful:
 Good, but unbalanced. Worth the read. Aug 09, 2005
By nonhandkerchiefhead
Good book for what its worth.
Not necessarily original in its approach nor is the writing spectacular in quality, but a worthy effort. However, the reviews given thus far ring slightly cult-like thus making the subject text be even more like propaganda.
Take for example a text authored by a Liberterian touting the triumphs and general good points of a political administration/era and its policies. Then, display positive reviews from other like-minded indiviguals. Right or wrong they believe in their world view, tactics and 'cultural' norms. No one would accept however that they give an unbiased opinion of the book and its subject matter. It is believed that the reviews presented thus far on this text are in the same vein. Biased and lacking the true objectivity that history/sociology/anthropology/the social sciences demand.
Speaking as a member of Omega Psi Phi (SP88), I know that my group is not perfect and neither are the others. This text presents an overall history that focuses on the positive for the most part without equally addressing what needs to be done to keep these organizations relevant, safe and non-elitist.
Also, the claim that "Africa" has been preserved and perpetuated in the rituals, public accounts, and service projects of BGLOs is a little far fetched. Yes, we can draw similarities to any 'tribal' group's rituals. The same things that are reported to be of African tradition can be found in the traditions of Native American groups in North and South America. Ask any real African (especially a scholar/ professor of African History from any of the various countries of West Africa) about your group's rituals and the possible relationship to "Mother Africa" and they will most likely laugh as these groups have been approximating at best or truly making it up at the worst as they go along post Emancipation Proclamation. But this can be further studied and confirmed at a good University Library or even at a facility like Moorland Spingarn reading room at Howard University.
If you are thinking of joining (pledging is illegal in BGLOs!)
1. Read this book, but make sure you also:
2. Learn and get your intended group's history directly from the National Offices of these great groups. Member's as well.
3. Intake is the law of the land. M.I.P.(Membership Intake Process. 'Skating' is a term of the past. Pledging, hazing and the like are all illegal [Note-I pledged under and above ground and hard. No one has to anymore. Anyone who tells you different is weak and a traitor to the rules/laws and spirit of the BGLO]. Each hazing incident places our organizations in jeopardy as each incident is a potential law suit. So, if hazed:
"Hazing" refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. Go to stophazing.org for more.
Then sue our groups(they are worth millions ???,$$$,$$$.00) until the lesson is learned and all members and chapters conduct themselves with honor and live up to their potential.
4. Read the following to receive a more objective, perhaps not complete picture of BGLOs:
Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs, and Challenges of Black Fraternities and Sororities by Walter M. Kimbrough
Black Haze: Violence, Sacrifice, and Manhood in Black Greek-Letter Fraternities (African American Studies) by Ricky L. Jones
Wrongs of Passage: Fraternities, Sororities, Hazing, and Binge Drinking (Library Binding)
by Hank Nuwer
12 of 13 found the following review helpful:
 Finally!!!! Feb 17, 2005
By MJ Smyzer
There is only one glaring flaw with this book--that the editors did not bring it out years ago! African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision is what every member or aspiring member of a black Greek-letter organization has been waiting for. FINALLY, a book on these groups with substance, depth, and that covers a wide range of issues. For the first time, a book places the history of these groups in context--tying them to organizations that predated them, the racial climate of the time, and movements that came later. The other two sections provide an incredible amount of insight into their culture and those issues with which they struggle. The scholarship in this book is groundbreaking yet at the same time provides a pleasant read for non-academics. If you are interested in fluff or a mere primer on these groups, African American Fraternities and Sororities is not the book for you. For those who want a deeper understanding of black Greek-letter organizations, this is THE book for you!!!!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Greek Dec 31, 2010
By Robert Blumberg
One of the most comprehensive books covering all topics of Greek Life with the focus on BGLOs. I highly recommend this book for any Greek Member.
 Excellent History Jun 19, 2008
By Precious
"Everything happens for a reason"
This book has an excellent history of BGLOS. While it was not exactly what I was looking for, I was looking for something more basic (ie, these are the organinations, these are their colors, etc) I'm glad that I picked this book as it's given me a more complete understanding.
7 of 11 found the following review helpful:
Please support the Legacy and the Vision Feb 18, 2005
By Hip-Hop Girl
"cutieerica"
African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision is a book celebrating a wonderful aspect of the college experience for African Americans. It doesn't matter which organization you belong to, this book is dedicated to you. I highly recommend this book and I agree it's about time a nice tasteful book is brought to the forefront commemorating OUR history....not only during black history month, but 365 days a year. Applause!
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