University of New Orleans ScholarWorks@UNO University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations Dissertations and Theses 5-14-2010 Mattering: The African American Experience in Historically White Fraternities Eric J. Summers University of New Orleans Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td Recommended Citation Summers, Eric J., "Mattering: The African American Experience in Historically White Fraternities" (2010). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 1195. https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/1195 This Dissertation is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by ScholarWorks@UNO with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Dissertation in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This Dissertation has been accepted for inclusion in University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UNO. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Mattering: The African American Experience in Historically White Fraternities A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the University of New Orleans in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration by Eric J. Summers B.S., University of Southern Mississippi, 1996 M.A., University of Mississippi, 1999 May 2010 © 2009, Eric J. Summers ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS All the praise and glory is due to God for I know now that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This has been an arduous journey; yet, I have not traveled alone as I have had the unwavering support of many friends, families, and colleagues. I thank all of you for your encouragement, understanding, love, and prayers. This dissertation is dedicated to you. First and foremost I thank my beautiful wife Sandy. I thank God for you daily. You have graciously proofread, been an inspiration, and stood in my corner as my biggest cheerleader. Four years and two children later, we did it! It is with utmost gratitude that I thank my “Kemosabe” (friend), Duane Donald. Thank you for being a big brother, mentor, debriefer, and extended family member as we shared in this unique educational experience. I have no doubt that your presence eased the anxiety associated with the many challenges of doctoral study. Makeitta Darbonne, I will always value our friendship. From being a babysitter and listening-ear to handling the day to day operations of the Office of Multicultural and International Affairs, you have been a blessing. I am also grateful for committee. I thank you for unselfishly giving your time, counsel, and the example you set for all prospective scholars. Dr. April Bedford, you were my “flame of light”. In times of discouragement, I knew that you were but an email away, ready to guide me through the darkness. Dr. Marietta Del Favero, you were the “lightening rod”, igniting my motivation in your courses and keeping me on pace with imminent doctoral deadlines. I knew that you would be there when I needed you. A special word thanks is due to my Committee Chair, Dr. Andre Perry. You were my “rock”. I thank you for providing solid leadership during the difficult times. iii I would be remiss if I forgot those that recognized my potential. I probably would not have considered doctoral study had it not been for Dr. Brad O‟Hara forwarding a recruitment email from Dr. Barbara Johnson. Dr. O‟Hara, thank you for believing in me and providing me numerous opportunities at Southeastern. Dr. Johnson, without you serving as a mentor throughout the early stages of the process, I do not know if I would have maintained the stick-to- itiveness to reach this point in a post Hurricane Katrina context. Dr. Marvin Yates, my boss and friend…you more than anyone have personally invested in my development as a professional; taken my growth on as a personal project. You are greatly appreciated. Finally, a host of others have been valued friends, family, colleagues, and mentors: Torris Armstead, Pastor Carl Coleman, Dr. J.L. Garrett, Angela James, Daphne James, Ontario James, Dr. Valerie Fields, Dr. Mark Kidd, Jason Leader, Milas Love, Kay Maurin, Marti Perkins, Jim McHodgkins, LaVerne Richardson, Bessie Summers, Maria Summers, Sheila Summers, Shundria Summers, Tracy Summers, Carol Thomas, and Aron Walker. From sharing a book to proof reading my work, your contribution be it sizeable or minute, was vital to my success and gratefully appreciated. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables ........................................................................................................................ viii List of Figures ......................................................................................................................... ix Abstract .................................................................................................................................... x Chapter One – Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1 Theoretical Framework ...................................................................................................... 4 Critical Race Theory ..................................................................................................... 4 Mattering ........................................................................................................................ 5 Significance and Implications of the Study ...................................................................... 6 Statement of the Problem and Purpose ............................................................................. 7 Research Questions ............................................................................................................ 8 Overview of Methodology ................................................................................................. 9 Definition of Terms .......................................................................................................... 10 Chapter Summary ............................................................................................................. 12 Chapter Two – Review of the Literature .............................................................................. 14 Overview ........................................................................................................................... 14 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 15 Emergence of Social Greek Letter Organizations .......................................................... 16 Conception of Women‟s Groups ................................................................................ 17 The African American Experience .................................................................................. 19 The Birth of Black Greek Letter Organizations ........................................................ 19 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 20 High Risk Fraternal Behavior .......................................................................................... 22 Alcoholism ................................................................................................................... 22 Hazing .......................................................................................................................... 23 Racial Insensitivity ...................................................................................................... 24 Greeks and Diversity ........................................................................................................ 25 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 31 Critical Race Theory ........................................................................................................ 31 Historical Overview .................................................................................................... 33 Key Concepts of CRT ................................................................................................. 34 Scholarly Explorations of CRT .................................................................................. 37 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 40 Mattering ........................................................................................................................... 41 Marginality .................................................................................................................. 42 Scholarly Explorations of Mattering .......................................................................... 43 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 46 Mattering – A Proposed Conceptual Framework ........................................................... 47 Chapter Summary ............................................................................................................. 49 Chapter Three