The Divine Nine, also known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), comprises a group of nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations (BGLOs). These fraternities and sororities were established during a time of racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. Let’s delve into their rich history: The United By Pearls Divine Nine inspired Bears pays homage to these history making organizations.
Disclaimer: (No Trademarked items have been used)
1.Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ):
Founded: December 4, 1906, at Cornell University.
Significance: First BGLO and the sole one founded at an Ivy League institution.
Principles: Personal excellence, kinship, racial uplift, community service, civic engagement, and philanthropy.
Notable Member: W.E.B. Du Bois.
2. Alpha Kappa Alpha (ΑΚΑ):
Founded: January 15, 1908, at Howard University.
Significance: First BGLO founded by African American women.
Principles: Sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Notable Member: Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States.
3. Kappa Alpha Psi (ΚΑΨ):
Founded: January 5, 1911, at Indiana University.
Origins: Emerged from a support group called Alpha Omega.
Principles: Achievement, brotherhood, and service.
Notable Member: John Milton Lee, one of the founders.
4. Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ):
Founded: November 17, 1911, at Howard University.
Principles: Manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.
Notable Member: Langston Hughes, renowned poet.
5. Delta Sigma Theta (ΔΣΘ):
Founded: January 13, 1913, at Howard University.
Significance: First BGLO founded by African American women.
Principles: Sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Notable Member: Shirley Chisholm, first Black woman elected to Congress.
6. Phi Beta Sigma (ΦΒΣ):
Founded: January 9, 1914, at Howard University.
Principles: Brotherhood, scholarship, and service.
Notable Member: George Washington Carver, scientist and inventor.
7. Zeta Phi Beta (ΖΦΒ):
Founded: January 16, 1920, at Howard University.
Significance: Second BGLO founded by African American women.
Principles: Sisterhood, scholarship, service, and finer womanhood.
Notable Member: Zora Neale Hurston, acclaimed author
8. Sigma Gamma Rho (ΣΓΡ):
Founded: November 12, 1922, at Butler University.
Principles: Sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Notable Member: Mary McLeod Bethune, educator and civil rights leader.
9. Iota Phi Theta (ΙΦΘ):
Founded: September 19, 1963, at Morgan State University.
Significance: The youngest BGLO.
Principles: Scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity, and brotherhood.
These organizations have left an indelible mark on education, civil rights, and community development. Their legacy continues to inspire and uplift generations of Black students and professionals.
