The University of Kansas

wHERE IT ALL BEGAN…

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative organization composed of nine historically Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities. Commonly referred to as the "Divine Nine," these organizations were founded with the purpose of promoting leadership, scholarship, and service within the African American community. NPHC serves as an umbrella organization that brings together these distinct fraternities and sororities to work collectively on various initiatives and to uphold shared values and traditions. 

NPHC was organized on May 10, 1930, on the campus of Howard University by Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta. In 1931, Alpha Phi Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma joined. In 1937, Sigma Gamma Rho joined and the “Elite 8” was incorporated. In 1997, Iota Phi Theta joined and the “Divine Nine” was created. The stated purpose and mission of the organization in 1930 was “Unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of Greek letter collegiate fraternities and sororities, and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organizations.” Early in 1937, the organization was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois and became known as “The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated.”

Each of the nine (9) NPHC organizations evolved during a period when African Americans were being denied essential rights and privileges afforded to others. Racial isolation on predominantly white campuses and social barriers of class on all campuses created a need for African Americans to align themselves with other individuals sharing common goals and ideals. With the realization of such a need, the African American (Black) Greek-lettered organization movement took on the personae of a haven and outlet, which could foster brotherhood and sisterhood in the pursuit to bring about social change through the development of social programs that would create positive change for African Americans and the country.

For over 90 years, members of the constituent Greek-letter organizations of NPHC have convened to discuss and address issues of mutual concern. The collective social and economic power of the NPHC has been a major source of change for the African American community in America since its inception.