The History of the National Pan-Hellenic Council by Hannah Davis

On May 10, 1930, on the campus of Howard University, in Washington DC, the National Pan-Hellenic Council was formed as a permanent organization with the following charter members: Omega Psi Phi and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternities, and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities. The purpose and mission of the organization in 1930 was “Unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of Greek letter collegiate fraternities and sororities, and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organizations.”  In 1931, Alpha Phi Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternities joined the Council. Early in 1937, the organization was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois and became known as The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated.
Soon thereafter, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority joined The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated.  Iota Phi Theta Fraternity completed the list of member organizations in 1997. The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. consists of 9 predominately African American Greek letter organizations known as the Divine 9.

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Fostering cooperative actions of its members in dealing with matters of mutual concern, the NPHC continues to raise community awareness and action through educational, economic, and cultural service activities.  West Virginia University is proud to have seven active chapters of the nine international organizations of NPHC (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (chartered in 1984), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. chartered in 1969), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (chartered in 1973), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. chartered in 1983), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (chartered in 1987) , and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (chartered in 1993). The Council promotes academic excellence, unity, service within the community, and strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.  The National Pan-Hellenic Council fosters brotherhood and sisterhood, unity, promotion of academic excellence, and an emphasis on service not only on West Virginia University’s campus but in the surrounding community as well.