(Philadelphia, PA) – So, here’s how the story goes: in the spring of 1930, members from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority met to discuss ways the fledgling Black Greek Letter Organizations might work together.
Following a series of meetings, these distinguished groups of leaders decided to collaborate on issues of mutual interest to the Black community, including education and scholarship, economic development and empowerment, and civil rights and social justice. On Saturday, May 10, 1930, on Howard University’s campus, the National Pan-Hellenic Council® (NPHC®) was officially organized.
A year later in 1931, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity would join NPHC. In 1937, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority joined the organization. Six decades later in 1996, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity would expand the group’s membership to include nine global organizations. The NPHC’s member organizations are also often referred to as the Divine Nine®.
“Today, we celebrate 93 years of the National Pan-Hellenic Council ® and recognize more than nine decades of collaboration across our member organizations,” said Donna Jones Anderson, NPHC’s 35th National President.
“When important issues around education, quality of life, and social justice garner the nation and world’s attention, the NPHC is there, responding strategically and in a collective voice. Since our inception, our NPHC local councils have organized forums, and worked cwith community and corporate partners to provide platforms for collaboration to ensure our voices are heard,” added Anderson.
The NPHC has a number of strategic partners, including the American Red Cross, U. S. Small Business Administration, J. P. Morgan Chase, American Diabetes Association, Calloway Golf, Good Health Wins/ NCNW, U. S. Army and the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Foundation. The organization works with partners to organize events and provide information to our member organizations and the communities we serve. The NPHC will host its 72nd National Leadership Conference in Chicago from October 26-29, 2023.
Concluded Anderson, “As we look ahead, we know both challenges and opportunities will come. When they do, the NPHC will remain true to its purpose and continue the work that makes our communities stronger. As we like to say, we are #StrongerTogether.”
About the NPHC. The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative umbrella council composed of historically African American fraternities and sororities also referred to as Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) or the Divine Nine®. Its nine member organizations include five fraternities: Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta, and four sororities: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho. The council promotes interaction through forums, meetings, and other media for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions. Donna Jones Anderson serves as the organization’s National President. For more information about NPHC, including its upcoming National Leadership Conference and partnership opportunities, please visit www.nphchq.com.
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