This study reports on the views held by African American students about Black Greek-letter organizations (BGOs) and their role in leadership development. Background information on the history, contributions, and status of BGOs is presented prior to describing the details of the study. Sixty-one students attending a predominantly White, rural midwestern university (27 BGO members and 34 non-BGO members) were administered an original questionnaire that assessed their opinions about their own leadership skills, the value of leadership and leadership experiences, and the ability of various organizations to provide such experiences. Student views about the value of BGOs generally, and of leadership development specifically, were also sought. Leadership was found to be an important attribute among these students, and BGO membership, valued overwhelmingly among members, provided them with more and earlier opportunities for leadership development than did White-dominated student groups. Nonetheless, many nonmembers (29%) were unsure about the value of BGOs.
