The Divine Nine: Sororities and Fraternities on HBCU Campuses

Last Updated on December 28, 2024

The Divine Nine, also known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), represents a cornerstone of Black culture, education, and leadership. These historically Black Greek letter organizations have shaped communities, inspired leaders, and left an indelible mark on society. Understanding their history and contributions offers a glimpse into a legacy of excellence and empowerment.

History of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Divine Nine

The Divine Nine was founded during a time when African Americans faced systemic barriers to education and societal participation. These organizations provided a sanctuary for intellectual growth, civic engagement, and mutual support. Spanning over a century, the Divine Nine includes:

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1906)
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908)
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913)
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922)
• Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (1963)

These organizations were instrumental in creating spaces where members could excel academically and socially while fostering a sense of identity and purpose.

The Influence of the Divine Nine on American Culture

The Divine Nine boasts an impressive roster of notable members who have influenced various sectors, from politics to entertainment. Some distinguished members include:

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Alpha Phi Alpha): Civil rights leader who championed justice and equality.
• Kamala Harris (Alpha Kappa Alpha): First Black woman Vice President of the United States.
• John Lewis (Phi Beta Sigma): Iconic civil rights activist and U.S. Congressman.
• Sheryl Underwood (Zeta Phi Beta): Comedian and television host dedicated to philanthropy.

Highlighting their achievements underscores the organizations’ role in shaping leaders who drive change.

Modern Contributions of Black Greek Organizations

Today, the Divine Nine continues to uphold its legacy through philanthropy, advocacy, and community service. Some recent initiatives include:

• Scholarship Programs: Offering financial support to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Voter Registration Drives: Encouraging civic engagement within marginalized communities.
• Health Awareness Campaigns: Addressing issues like diabetes, hypertension, and mental health.

Additionally, membership statistics reveal a steady growth in participation, with thousands of new members joining annually. Recent philanthropic efforts have raised millions of dollars for scholarships and community projects, showcasing their significant societal contributions. These numbers highlight the enduring relevance and impact of these organizations in advancing education and equity.

A Closer Look at the Members of the Divine Nine

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA)

Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded in 1908 at Howard University to encourage its members to aspire to the highest levels of scholastic achievement, service, and friendship. As the oldest of the original NPHC Greek organizations, AKA has 1,061 chapters and more than 325,000 initiated sorority members in 11 nations and all states.

The sixteen women who started AKA in Washington, D.C., could never have imagined that their organization would become a vital part of college life in Japan, Germany, the Virgin Islands, and thousands of campuses across the United States. Notable members include Ava DuVernay, Cassandra Wilson, Jamilah Lemieux, Donda West, Mary Park Washington, Wanda Sykes, Regina Taylor, Mistie Adams, Lynn Whitfield, and Phylicia Rashad.

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (AΦA)

Alpha Phi Alpha was founded in 1906 at Cornell University in New York. AΦA is more than a Divine Nine member: it is the first black intercollegiate Greek fraternity in the nation. Its members have fought for civil rights and social justice through segregation, apartheid, the AIDS crisis, and multiple wars, and civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr., and W.E.B. Du Bois were proud members of the fraternity. Alpha Phi Alpha has over 290,000 members and more than 730 active chapters in the Americas, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia.

The Greek organization continues to support charitable initiatives like Head Start, Project Alpha, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Notable members include Thurgood Marshall, Chaka Fattah, Dick Gregory, Cornel West, Charles B. Rangel, Samuel Pierce, Corey Hébert, John Johnson, Mike Powell, Donny Hathaway, Andrew Young, and Robert F. Smith.  

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Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (KAΨ)

Kappa Alpha Psi was founded in 1911 at Indiana University, and in 1930 the fraternity joined the NPHC as a member organization. Although KAΨ was founded as a predominantly African-American Greek organization, it has always been an inclusive fraternity that welcomes members of all races and nationalities. KAΨ’s motto is “achievement in every field of human endeavor,” and its members continue to live up to their creed by supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the UNCF.

KAΨ is also known for its step shows: “Kappa Kane” and “cane stepping” have been some of the fraternity’s most popular traditions since the 1950s. The Kappas has over 160,000 members and more than 721 active chapters in the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Japan, the United States Virgin Islands, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Bahamas. Notable members include John Conyers, Marc Lamont Hill, Alcee Hastings, Lance Gross, Stan Lathan, Cedric “The Entertainer” Kyles, Charles M. Blow, Kevin Samuels, Marvin Sapp, and Robert L. Johnson.

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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (ΔΣΘ)

Delta Sigma Theta was founded in 1913 at Howard University, and since its inception, the sorority has been actively involved in civil rights and women’s suffrage campaigns. ΔΣΘ participated in the Women’s Suffrage March on March 3, 1913, and it is currently a member of the NAACP and the NCNW. The mission of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a private, not-for-profit organization, is to offer aid and support through established programs in regional communities around the globe. ΔΣΘ is also involved in several charitable initiatives, including the Go Red for Women Campaign and World Aids Day.

The sorority has over 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, West Africa, Southern Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Korea. Notable members include, Mary McLeod Bethune, Shirley Chisholm, Violet Edward, Dorothy I. Height, Natalie Cole, T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Nikki Giovanni, Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd, and Loretta Lynch. 

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Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (ΩΨΦ)

Omega Psi Phi was founded in 1911 at Howard University and joined the NPHC as a Divine Nine member organization in 1930. Manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift are the cardinal principles that have guided its members for over a century. ΩΨΦ is the first black fraternity to be founded at a HBCU, and its members have become famous for their involvement in business, politics, civil rights, the arts, sports, and education.

The fraternity has over 250,000 members and more than 750 active chapters in the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, South Korea, Japan, Liberia, Germany, and Kuwait. Notable members include Langston Hughes, Benjamin Mays, Michael Jordan, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Earl Graves Sr., Ronald McNair, John Salley, Steve Harvey, Terrence J. Bolden, Jr., and Charles F. Bolden, Jr.

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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (ΦBΣ)

Phi Beta Sigma was founded in 1914 at Howard University to encourage “brotherhood, scholarship, and service” among young African-American men. ΦBΣ is known for starting many Greek traditions, including alumni chapters, youth mentoring clubs, and fraternity credit unions. ΦBΣ members are committed to their education and their communities, which is why ΦBΣ is actively involved in programs like Project S.W.W.A.C. (Sigmas Waging War Against Cancer) and the Bigger and Better Business Initiative.

The fraternity has over 200,000 members and more than 750 active chapters in the United States, Canada, the District of Columbia, Germany, Switzerland, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, South Korea, Japan, and countries in Africa. Notable members include William Tolbert, George Washington Carver, Huey P. Newton, John Lewis, Hosea Williams, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Blair Underwood, Ben Vereen, Terrence Howard, Al Roker, Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Hines Ward, and Richard Sherman.

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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (ZΦB)

Zeta Phi Beta was founded in 1920 at Howard University as a sister organization to Phi Beta Sigma. ZΦB has always been involved in social causes, including the National Educational Foundation and Z-H.O.P.E. (Zetas Helping Other People Excel). Since the beginning, Zeta has been steadily moving into the national spotlight with programs that show care for people in the U.S. and around the world.

It was the first National Pan-Hellenic Council organization to have a national headquarters, the first to start a chapter in Africa, the first to form auxiliary groups, and the first to be legally linked to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. The sorority has over 100,000 members and 850 chapters in North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Notable ZΦB members include Syleena Johnson, Tonea Stewart, Dorothy L. Goosby, Mistie Williams, Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, Beatrice Welters, and Zora Neale Hurston.

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Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (ΣΓΡ)

Sigma Gamma Rho was started at Butler University in 1922. In 1937, it became a member of the NPHC as one of the Divine Nine. Its members work hard for social causes that help their communities. Sigma Gamma Rho has been a home for thousands of college students and working women who were looking for a place to share inspiring life stories, learn new things, overcome life challenges, thrive in society, and help the community through sisterhood, scholarship, and service. ΣΓΡ is involved in a wide range of programs, such as ACT Against AIDS, Buckle Up America, and the National Marrow Donor Program.

The sorority has more than 500 chapters in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. Notable members include Deshauna Barber, Joyce Carol Thomas, Aisha N. Braveboy, Gwen Cherry, Nina Turner, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Gwen Cherry, MC Lyte, Kelly Price, and Fantasia Monique Barrino-Taylor.

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Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (ΙΦΘ)

Iota Phi Theta was founded in 1963 at Morgan State University during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. The twelve men that started ΙΦΘ were non-traditional students who were influenced by civil rights leaders like Malcom X and the Black Panthers. ΙΦΘ became heavily involved in social causes, activism, and service, including the boycott of a segregated shopping mall in Baltimore, MD. Today, Iota Phi Theta maintains its promise to make important contributions to society in general, with a focus on the African-American community. “Building a Tradition, Not Resting on One,” which was the motto of the group's founders, will always be important to them. 

The Iotas have more than 30,000 members and more than 300 chapters in 40 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, Colombia, South Korea, and Japan. Notable members include Congressman Bobby Rush, Terrence T.C. Carson, Harry C. Alford, Brian K. Johnson, Maurice Flowers, Calvin Murphy, Anthony Downing, Ashley Bell, Spencer Christian, and Lawrence Thomas.

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Are you considering joining a Divine Nine fraternity or sorority?

Choosing the best Greek-letter organization (BGLO) for YOU is ultimately more important than the most popular BGLO at your university because there are so many options available to HBCU students. Read “Greek Life: 5 Tips for Choosing Black Fraternities and Sororities” for more advice and pointers. 

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