National Pan-Hellenic Council

The black Greek-letter movement commenced in 1906 on a predominantly white college campus so that black students could have a meaningful cultural interaction and work together to render service to improve the conditions in their local communities. Over an eighty-six year period, 1906-1992, the nine affiliate NPHC organizations were formed.

Each of these organizations evolved during a period when blacks were denied essential rights and services afforded to others. These organizations were destined to foster a growth of brotherhood and sisterhood and to serve as conduits by which plans could be formulated and coordinated to address the problems of racism and sexism. In 1930, it was recognized that there was a need to form an umbrella organization that would provide coordination of philosophies and activities.

This umbrella group, which became known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council, was formally organized in May 1930 at Howard University, Washington, D.C. The charter members were Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi Fraternities, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities. In 1931, Alpha Phi Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternities joined the council; and in 1937, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Gamma Phi Sigma Fraternity completed the list of organizations comprising the NPHC. Early in 1937, the organizations were incorporated under the laws of the state of Illinois and became known as “The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated.”

The nine affiliate organizations have pledged to devote their collective resources and services in an effort to enhance communities throughout the nation and the world. Despite the diversity inherent in the individual groups, the NPHC provides the forum and impetus for addressing issues of mutual concern. The organizations soon discovered that both nationally and locally the effect of their educational, social, and economic programs were greatly improved by uniting and coordinating efforts through the NPHC and the local councils.