Edge of Extinction: The COVID-19 Lived Experience of National Pan-Hellenic Council Fraternity Presidents

Abstract

Presidents of Black Greek Letter fraternities at predominantly White institutions are a rare breed who constantly live under multidimensional pressure to succeed. And their difficult dedication to fraternal, institutional, and personal expectations was only heightened when COVID-19 first closed and then reconfigured college campuses over the last year. Their experiences prove congruent around several themes - fraternal unity, community service, prioritizing family, and self-investment - that illuminate key areas for potential partnership and support of these students and the chapters they love. With simple effort understanding, caring and compassionate student affairs professionals can truly make a difference for this population.