Four ways to meaningfully engage with NPHC

In honor of Black History Month, Pi Beta Phi encourages all members to learn more about the historically Black fraternities and sororities within the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). If you're looking for ways to get involved, below we outlined four ways to meaningfully engage with the NPHC organizations on your campus or in your community.  

1. Educate members about the history and continuing impact
   of NPHC organizations.  

Understanding the history of other organizations is an essential step to forging stronger relationships with fellow fraternity/sorority members. Share information and resources with your chapter members to help broaden their understanding of NPHC member organizations' history, values and signature events. Below is a basic introduction to NPHC, which you can use as a jumping off point. 

The NPHC, also known as The Divine Nine, dates back to the early 1900s. At a time when African Americans were being denied essential rights and privileges afforded to others—including acceptance to college campuses and membership in predominantly white organizations—these historically African American fraternities and sororities offered membership experiences for all students regardless of race, ethnicity or creed and a safe space for black students to gather and create community on college campuses.  

There are nine member organizations: 

  • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  

  • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

  • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. 

  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

  • Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 

  • Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 

  • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 

  • Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. 

2. Attend and support service events hosted by NPHC organizations 

Service is a core tenet of fraternity and sorority life. Attending and supporting NPHC sponsored service events not only shows camaraderie with all fraternity/sorority organizations, but also is an example of living our core values. Ask NPHC chapters on your campus how you can support their service efforts and encourage other Pi Phis to get involved. 

3. Plan an event for your chapter to meet and connect with NPHC chapters 

When planning your chapter’s social calendar, reach out to NPHC chapters about a joint social event between your chapters! This is a fun and easy way to build relationships with other chapters and promote a stronger fraternity and sorority community on your campus. 

4. Celebrate your campus’s NPHC organizations the way you would NPC or IFC chapters 

Be intentional about including NPHC organizations in your campus fraternity and sorority community! Post about their founders’ day, share information promoting upcoming events and show some love when chapters announce new members after membership intake.  


How does your chapter meaningfully engage with NPHC organizations on campus? Share your story at pibetaphi.org/submit.  


Published February 19, 2022

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