The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), widely known as the “Divine Nine,” was founded on May 10, 1930, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The Council was created during a time when African American students faced racial segregation, limited campus resources, and exclusion from many student organizations. In response, Black fraternities and sororities rose to become powerful sources of academic support, leadership development, cultural pride, and community service. The chartering organizations were:

 

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908)

• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  (1911)

• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913)

• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920)

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In 1931, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1906) and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914) joined the council, followed by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922) in 1937. The NPHC incorporated under the laws of the state of Illinois in 1937. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (1963) joined the NPHC as its ninth affiliate member in 1997.

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Today, the NPHC represents nine historically Black fraternities and sororities, each with a rich legacy of service, scholarship, and lifelong brotherhood/sisterhood. With thousands of collegiate and alumni chapters across the United States and around the world, the NPHC continues its commitment to education, civic engagement, leadership, public service, and community empowerment. What began as a response to inequality has grown into a powerful global network dedicated to uplifting communities and shaping future generations of leaders.

 

Mission & Objectives

The purpose of the NPHC shall be to foster cooperative actions of its members in dealing with matters of mutual concern. To this end, the NPHC promotes the well-being of its affiliate fraternities and sororities, facilitates the establishment and development of local councils of the NPHC and provides leadership training for its constituents.