The National Pan Hellenic Council celebrates 95 years of service
NPHC Founder's Day
MARYLAND – The National Pan-Hellenic Council, also known as the NPHC celebrates 95 years of service today, and a local member explains the importance of why this means so much to the African American Community.
Hateful History
In the early 1900’s African Americans were denied essential rights and privileges including in education. With racial isolation and social barriers on many college campuses, African Americans felt the need to align themselves with others sharing common ideals.
Umbrella of Unity
Founded May 10,1930 at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The NPHC is an umbrella organization that brings unity amongst the diverse groups. Sororities Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta. Fraternities Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Omega Psi Phi were the chartering members. A year later fraternities Alpha Phi Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma came on board and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity were the last to join.
Crucial Contributions
University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s NPHC Advisor and Kappa member Aaron Cook says the contributions from various members throughout history is astounding. “Carter G. Woodson is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. also, the founder of Negro Week, which became Black History month.”
He continues, “You have Robert Abernathy who is a fraternity brother of Kappa Alpha Psi, the great Dr. Martin Luther King which is Alpha Phi Alpha, and you also have Jesse Jackson- Omega Psi Phi. So, there’s a lot of great members out there who dedicated their lives to changing the course of African American History.”
Successful Sorors
Notable Sorority Women include, Shirley Chilsom of Delta Sigma Theta, Esther Rolle of Zeta Phi Beta, and Hattie McDaniel of Sigma Gamma Rho, just to name a few, and just recently we had a Divine 9 member in the White House. Vice President Kamala Harris is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
The NPHC says in part, “The Black Greek-lettered organization movement took on the personae of a haven and outlet, which could foster brotherhood and sisterhood in the pursuit to bring about social change through the development of social programs that would create positive change for Blacks and the country. Today the need remains the same.”
Advancing African Americans
NPHC Advisor Aaron Cook says this is the definition of Black Excellence. “A lot of them have overcome great adversities. In their missions’ statements, their purposes have really been to advance Black Culture, Black people and to really be a help for people in the community.”
NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for more information visit their website.
