BEYOND THIS PLACE: Why Black Fraternities and Sororities Still Matter

• published: 03 Nov 2014
• views: 5

Beyond This Place is an independent documentary film project that examines the rich culture of Black Greek Letter Organizations while at the same time posing a complex question: “What is the role of Black Greek Letter Organizations in the 21st Century?” Help us bring this important documentary to life by supporting our Indiegogo HERE: igg.me/at/beyondthisplace Every pledge helps: $1, $10, $25, $50, $100, $250, whatever you can spare will help. DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT: WHY THIS FILM IS IMPORTANT "If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated." - Carter G. Woodson Around the time I was twelve years old, my father took my brother and I into the heart of downtown St. Louis for a Greek Show at Kiener Plaza. His eyes lit up with enthusiasm as he described the scene. At the time, I had no clue what a “Greek Show” was and I really had no intention of going, but his excitement immediately influenced my own as we pulled up to the concrete amphitheater. The sun was bright, but not quite as bright as the glistening gold boots I saw once I stepped out of the car. I thought I had stepped into some type of live amateur theater production. I remember the large crowd, the excitement in the air, and the look of pride those who came to the event had on their faces as the men with the sun boots took their places in front of the cold, stone stage. A husky man introduced the group, who were wearing purple t-shirts and army fatigue pants, as the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., at which point some of the adults and young men sitting behind me started barking like dogs. My brother and I shared a laugh and knew we were in for a treat. The men continued their greetings and then eventually started "dancing" while singing songs. “I’ve been working on Omega train . . . rolling, rolling, rolling for Q Psi Phi!” they chanted while making animated beats using their bodies. The experience was thrilling. As if it were yesterday, I can remember that as we left the event, I looked out the window to see the brothers who performed walking together, embracing each other, and laughing while on their way to their next event. It may be cliche to say, but I was hooked from the moment I was first introduced to the culture of Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs). During the last 20 years, questions about the relevancy of Black Greek Letter Organizations have created a dynamic shift in the discourse which surrounds them. Combined with an increase in popularity due to Hollywood's recent fascination with films about Black Greek life, such as Spike Lee's "School Daze" and Sylvain White's "Stomp The Yard," BGLOs have been subject to increased criticism. Never before has a documentary film looked at the various challenges and also offered solutions to the issues surrounding Black Greek life today. I want to tell stories about the people who make up these organizations, offer different perspectives on the various ailments of our collective organizations, and show where the contemporary successes exist in our brotherhoods/sisterhoods. The story of BGLOs is an important one to tell. It serves as one of the truly organic institutions that have helped to shape Black and American culture. The incredible people and collective achievements of these organizations are worthy of a serious investment in the preservation of their history. Please join me on this journey and continue to show your support. Thank you for your time and consideration. -Jarrad Henderson (Producer/Co-Director)