NPHC Week Celebration: The History and Impact of the National Pan-Hellenic Council

by Tyeshia Walker, Staff Writer

OVERVIEW

On May 10, 1930, the Notational Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) was officially formed at Howard University in Washington, DC. The council’s purpose is to foster its members’ cooperative actions in dealing with matters of mutual concern—specifically, the concerns of its affiliate fraternities and sororities. In the year 1930, those affiliate fraternities and sororities were Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The council grew quickly to include Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc., and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in 1931, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in 1937, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. in 1997. Together these organizations formed the NPHC also known as The Divine 9 Black Greek-letter Organizations. The National Pan-Hellenic Council became incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois in 1937 and work to serve the missions of unity and economic empowerment through its organizations, serve as the communication link between these affiliate organizations, assist in establishing local councils, work cooperatively with and contribute to community groups such as the NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, National Black Leadership Roundtable, and more.

HISTORY AND IMPACT

Before the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the racial integration of education, higher education was almost completely exclusive to the white male demographic. Fraternities were created in these institutions to foster discussion and further social, scholastic, and professional interests among students. As a response to fraternities women created sororities to achieve the same goals. When black men and women began entering higher education discrimination was rampant both in the classroom and within these organizations. Black students were not allowed to join collegiate fraternities and sororities, and were heavily ostracized if they tried to do so. In rebuttal to the unjust treatment, black collegiate students at Cornell University created the first black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on December 4, 1906. During this time the establishment of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) gained traction in the United States and black fraternities and sororities followed swiftly. The organizations, however, were not only a direct responses to discrimination but a movement of change and unionization. These organizations formed to create fellowship and to be a catalyst of progress to help the black community thrive and to address issues within the black community and among black college students. These organizations spread to other universities including primarily white institutions (PWIs). Soon after the National PanHellenic Council was formed for unity and to protect the members’ collective interests. Since their establishment, the Divine 9 Black Greek-letter Organizations have been influential and have made many impacts on American history in their endeavors. Movements such as the Black Arts Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Power Movement, and Black Lives Matter all have involvement with the Divine 9 Organizations. Many black historical leaders were also members of Divine 9 organizations, including but not limited to, Martin Luther King Jr (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.), Hosea Williams (Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.), Coretta Scott King (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Inc.), and Elizabeth Koontz (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.).

THE DIVINE 9 AND NPHC TODAY

Today The Divine 9 is still committed to the black community and community service. Both undergraduate and alum members of these organizations participate in philanthropic efforts such as heart disease awareness, sexual assault awareness and donations, domestic violence prevention and relief initiatives, and more. As well as mentorships and local community support. When it comes to pop culture, the Divine 9 has had a deep influence. Inspiring movies like Stomp the Yard, influencing shows such as A Different World, and impacting performances and music from many famous music artists.

Although the creation of the National Pan-Hellenic Council was decades ago, the impact and community influence of its organizations are still rampant and alive today both on and off college and university campuses.