What is the Divine Nine (NPHC)?
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a council of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities—often called the Divine Nine—that have shaped HBCU life for over a century. These organizations blend scholarship, service, leadership, cultural expression, and lifelong brotherhood/sisterhood. On campus you’ll see them everywhere: mentoring programs, voter registration drives, scholarship galas, community service, step shows and probates, homecoming traditions, and alumni giving. Off campus, the same energy scales up through city-wide alumni chapters, national campaigns, and global relief work.
NPHC life is rooted in service and scholarship. Every organization carries its own founding story, symbols, and signature programs—but they share core values: academic excellence, leadership development, community uplift, and respect for ritual. While the culture is vibrant and public at times (step shows, strolls, plots), membership education and rituals are private by design. The line between those worlds is important—celebrate the art, protect the sacred.
The Nine at a Glance (alphabetical)
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) — Founded 1908 at Howard University. Service, scholarship, and sisterhood with a long tradition of campus leadership and community programs.
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΑΦΑ) — Founded 1906 at Cornell University. Brotherhood, academic excellence, and advocacy; strong mentoring and civic engagement.
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (ΔΣΘ) — Founded 1913 at Howard University. Public service and social action; major emphasis on educational and economic development.
- Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (ΙΦΘ) — Founded 1963 at Morgan State University. Modern-era origins; community activism and brotherhood with a service-first lens.
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (ΚΑΨ) — Founded 1911 at Indiana University. Achievement in every field of human endeavor; mentorship and leadership pipelines.
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (ΩΨΦ) — Founded 1911 at Howard University. Manhood, scholarship, perseverance, uplift; robust youth and community programs.
- Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (ΦΒΣ) — Founded 1914 at Howard University. Culture for service and service for humanity; civic and collegiate impact.
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (ΣΓΡ) — Founded 1922 at Butler University. Greater service, greater progress; education and health equity initiatives.
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (ΖΦΒ) — Founded 1920 at Howard University. Scholarship, service, sisterhood, finer womanhood; auxiliaries and community partnerships.
Note: Colors, mottos, hand signs, and ritual details are reserved for members and official channels. Keep the overview high-level in print; link readers to chapter/alumni pages inside Buzz where appropriate.
How Membership (Intake) Works—The Basics
- Eligibility: Each chapter sets GPA, credit-hour, and service requirements. Many hold interest meetings (“rush”) each term.
- Intake: Follow official chapter communications only. Universities and NPHC orgs maintain strict anti-hazing policies.
- Graduate/Alumni Chapters: Not just for undergrads—many members join after college through local alumni chapters.
- Service First: Campus/community service, study hours, and leadership roles are part of the culture.
- Respect Privacy: Membership education is private; probates/new member presentations are the public celebration.
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