Black History Month has been celebrated in this country since 1926. Martin Luther King Jr.’s orated his legendary “I Have A Dream” speech almost 40 years ago just a few blocks away from campus. Nevertheless, it is unfortunate that, at a campus as diverse as GW, both historically black Greek-letter organizations and mostly white fraternities and sororities seem unwilling to work with one another to progress GW beyond a superficial appearance of diversity.

When asked why the organizations remain separate, leaders of both organizations gave puzzling responses. After initially refusing to comment on the issue, Interfraternity Council President Anthony Morris said he does not see any real problem while adding there can be improvements; and leaders of National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters on campus say they are willing to come together but only if the IFC or Panhellenic Association initiate contact. On each side, students seem to have deferred any sense of camaraderie by making the weak excuse that no common ground exists.

There is little doubt that the traditions of both communities are vastly different, but the values are not as far apart as leaders say. While predominantly white groups are notably social, they also share the goal of community service. And while traditionally black groups do spend more time in community outreach, black members join for social reasons, too. It would be commendable for somebody in either Greek-letter community to recognize similarities among the two groups and take the initiative to organize an event for the greater good.

It is well known that both Greek-letter communities aim to better the community. There is no better way to show a common belief than to sponsor a community service event that would allow members to break down barriers and false stereotypes that are still evident.

It is understandable that black fraternities frequently lack the members to participate in certain Greek-letter activities. Having only 10 students split between the three organizations would present a challenge for any student group leader. Events like Greek Week should be more inclusive by encouraging participation from all Greek-letter groups.

It is puzzling why blacks, whites, Latinos and other minorities, when part of formalized groups, cannot work through differences to reach racial cohesiveness. There simply have to be issues where common ground exists.