Sports Journalism-Feature Story

Money and support have always been the foundation of Greek life all over the country. But when you are a historically African American Greek lettered organization at a predominately white institution, money can seem scarce.

Driving up and down fraternity row at the University of Arkansas, there are several mansions to accommodate the large number of students in the predominately white organizations. However, to get to the two houses that black Greek life have, you must go through back roads. Sitting on the corners of the street with no fancy staircase or driveway leading to large oak doors, they look like one story garages.

Larenz Hampton is the president of Kappa Alpha Psi, one of the black Greek organizations at the university.

Kappa Alpha Psi is a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) which is comprised of nine historically African American fraternities and sororities, while Interfraternity Council (IFC) is a predominately white organization.

“When you look at it you kind of understand why,” Hampton said. “We can’t get that many members in the hundreds like these other organizations.”

Fraternities and sororities earn money by new member fees, putting on fundraisers and from their alumni chapters. These are factors that play into the lack of money that the National Pan-Hellenic Council receive.

The racial demographics at the University of Arkansas may not seem surprising because of the stereotype of the south, but only 4.8 percent of the student population is African American. That is only 1,333 students out of 27,778.

Responsibility to get more African Americans on campus must be placed on the ones in charge.

“I think it starts with recruiting at the university,” Hampton said. “Going to high schools and getting black students here on campus.”

But getting black students here is only half the battle. To be able to keep them is just as important.

“Retention is a good part of that too,” Hampton said. “Offering them safe places and support while they’re here so that they don’t feel alone and transfer or drop out.”

Even with a lack of diversity at the university, Hampton says he feels his organization is supported.

“The Greek life office as a whole, they come and support our events and try to get the other organizations to come support,” Hampton said.

To many on the outside, there may seem to be a divide between the two groups because NPHC was founded during the time of segregation. And there is a common misconception that Caucasian people cannot join a predominately black Greek-letter organization.

Although it is uncommon to see this, especially at a predominately white institution, it is possible to do. But Hampton assures that is not the case here.

“I don’t think there’s a big divide when it comes to Greek life. We do partner up to do things such as the stroll off. We get to know each other, and we come and support events.”

Hampton hopes that as president of his chapter, he can reach out to other organizations in order to create more opportunities for minorities and build relationships between each other.

“We can partner with these other RSO’s (registered student organizations) to have more programs on campus catered to minority students,”

Kappa Alpha Psi brought in nine new members this year. Hampton is teaching them to expand and do things within National Pan-Hellenic Council, but also try to broaden their relationship with other people on campus.

“It all starts with me bettering my organization," Hampton said.