The first African American fraternities and sororities were established at the turn of the twentieth century to encourage leadership, racial pride, and academic excellence among black college students confronting the legacy of slavery and the indignities of Jim Crow segregation. Among their ranks are legendary artists, politicians, theologians, inventors, intellectuals, educators, civil rights leaders, and athletes. Offering a comprehensive overview of the historical, cultural, political, and social circumstances that propelled the creation of these groups, African American Fraternities and Sororities references the profound contributions that black Greek-Letter organizations and their members have made to American history.