The National History

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 a 57-year period, 1906-1963, the nine affiliate NPHC organizations were formed.

Each of these organizations evolved during a period when blacks were being denied essential rights and services afforded others. These organizations were destined to foster a growth of brotherhood and sisterhood and to serve as conduits by which action 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.

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