The Divine Nine, also known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), represents a coalition of nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations that have been at the forefront of leadership, service, and cultural advancement for over a century. Founded during times of social and racial inequities, these organizations became pillars of empowerment, academic excellence, and lifelong brotherhood and sisterhood for African Americans.

Each organization within the Divine Nine carries a unique history, mission, and legacy, but together they share a commitment to fostering community upliftment, educational achievement, and social justice. Whether through scholarship programs, mentorship, activism, or global initiatives, the Divine Nine continues to leave an indelible impact on campuses, communities, and beyond.

This page is your guide to exploring the rich histories, values, and contributions of these nine incredible organizations. Dive in to learn more about the legacy they carry and the future they continue to shape.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Where & When: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, December 4, 1906

By Whom: Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, Vertner Woodson Tandy

Colors: Black and Old Gold

Motto: "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All"

Purpose: To develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, and provide service and advocacy for communities.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Where & When: Howard University, Washington, DC, January 15, 1908

By Whom: Ethel Hedgeman Lyle and 15 Founders

Colors: Salmon Pink and Apple Green

Motto: "By Culture and By Merit"

Purpose: To cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship among college women, and improve the social stature of African Americans through service.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Where & When: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, January 5, 1911

By Whom: Elder Watson Diggs, Byron Kenneth Armstrong, Ezra Dee Alexander, Henry Tourner Asher, Marcus Peter Blakemore, Paul Waymond Caine, George Wesley Edmonds, Guy Levis Grant, Edward Giles Irvin, John Milton Lee

Colors: Crimson and Cream

Motto: "Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor"

Purpose: To unite college men of culture, patriotism, and honor in a bond of fraternity and to encourage honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Where & When: Howard University, Washington, DC, November 17, 1911

By Whom: Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, Frank Coleman, Ernest Everett Just

Colors: Royal Purple and Old Gold

Motto: "Friendship is Essential to the Soul"

Purpose: To uplift and inspire individuals to achieve academic excellence and contribute positively to their communities.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Where & When: Howard University, Washington, DC, January 13, 1913

By Whom: 22 collegiate women

Colors: Crimson and Cream

Motto: "Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom"

Purpose: To promote academic excellence, provide scholarships, support the underserved, and advocate for social change through public service.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Where & When: Howard University, Washington, DC, January 9, 1914

By Whom: Abram Langston Taylor, Leonard Francis Morse, Charles Ignatius Brown

Colors: Royal Blue and Pure White

Motto: "Culture for Service and Service for Humanity"

Purpose: To promote brotherhood, scholarship, and service and to address social and economic challenges facing African American communities.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Where & When: Howard University, Washington, DC, January 16, 1920

By Whom: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, Fannie Pettie Watts

Colors: Royal Blue and White

Motto: "A Community-Conscious, Action-Oriented Organization"

Purpose: To foster scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood while addressing societal issues through community service.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Where & When: Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, November 12, 1922

By Whom: Seven educators: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian Irene White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Martin, Cubena McClure

Colors: Royal Blue and Gold

Motto: "Greater Service, Greater Progress"

Purpose: To enhance the quality of life for women and their families through education, public service, and leadership development.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Where & When: Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, September 19, 1963

By Whom: Albert Hicks, Lonnie Spruill Jr., Charles Briscoe, Frank Coakley, John Slade, Webster Lewis, Charles Gregory, Louis Hudnell, Elias Dorsey Jr., Michael Williams

Colors: Charcoal Brown and Gilded Gold

Motto: "Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!"

Purpose: To unite men in brotherhood, leadership, scholarship, citizenship, and fidelity while serving the African American community.

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