History of NPHC

History of NPHC. . , The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC), also referred to as the Divine Nine, is the umbrella organization of nine Black Greek- letter fraternities and sororities. The NPHC was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. on May 10, 1930, and incorporated in Illinois in 1937., NPHC member organizations are: ,

. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated; Founded in 1906 at Cornell University , . Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; Founded in 1908 at Howard University , . Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated; Founded in 1911 at Indiana University , . Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated; Founded in 1911 at Howard University , . Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; Founded in 1913 at Howard University , . Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated; Founded in 1914 at Howard University , . Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; Founded in 1920 at Howard University , . Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated; Founded in 1922 at Butler University , . Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated; Founded in 1963 at Morgan State College

, The purpose of the NPHC is to encourage "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." Each of the nine NPHC affiliate organizations were created for the purpose of fostering both brotherhood and sisterhood, promoting academic excellence and prioritizing service to the race., The adverse conditions under which Black people lived prompted the founders of the Divine Nine to create organizations whose impact would be felt both on college campuses as well as in the wider community. The Black Greek-lettered organization movement has, over the years, become an incubator for leadership, an avenue for political mobilization and a vehicle for sustained social change. Housing, health, educational and social programs are just a few of the issues around which nationally mandated programs were established with the intention of enhancing the lives of Black people wherever they may be in the world. Today, the goals and objectives of those that comprise the Divine Nine remain the same.