The Divine Nine
Explore the founding stories, institutions, and enduring legacies of the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities that comprise the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Explore the OrganizationsA Living Legacy
The Divine Nine represent generations of achievement and service. Each organization has its own founding story and identity, while together they form a powerful network committed to advancing communities and developing leaders.
The Organizations
Presented in founding order, from 1906 through 1963.
December 4, 1906
Cornell University — Ithaca, New York
Founded by seven college men who sought a strong bond of brotherhood and mutual support, Alpha Phi Alpha became the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men. Its early work emphasized scholarship, fellowship, character, and the uplift of humanity.
January 15, 1908
Howard University — Washington, D.C.
Founded by Ethel Hedgemon Lyle and pioneering collegiate women, Alpha Kappa Alpha was established to cultivate scholarship, sisterhood, leadership, and service. It is recognized as the first Greek-letter organization founded by African American college women.
January 5, 1911
Indiana University — Bloomington, Indiana
Originally founded as Kappa Alpha Nu, the fraternity was created by Black students seeking achievement, fellowship, and social advancement in a challenging campus environment. The name was changed to Kappa Alpha Psi in 1915.
November 17, 1911
Howard University — Washington, D.C.
Founded by three undergraduate students with faculty adviser Ernest E. Just, Omega Psi Phi was the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically Black college. Its cardinal principles are Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.
January 13, 1913
Howard University — Washington, D.C.
Founded by 22 collegiate women, Delta Sigma Theta was organized around scholarship, sisterhood, public service, and social action. One of its earliest defining moments came when its founders participated in the 1913 Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C.
January 9, 1914
Howard University — Washington, D.C.
Founded by A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, and Charles I. Brown, Phi Beta Sigma was created with an inclusive vision centered on brotherhood, scholarship, and service to humanity. The fraternity has long emphasized community engagement and social responsibility.
January 16, 1920
Howard University — Washington, D.C.
Founded by five coeds, Zeta Phi Beta was established to advance scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood while directly addressing social needs. Its founders envisioned a community-conscious, action-oriented organization committed to positive change.
November 12, 1922
Butler University — Indianapolis, Indiana
Founded by seven young educators, Sigma Gamma Rho is the only historically Black sorority of the Divine Nine founded at a predominantly white institution. Its legacy is rooted in education, service, and the advancement of women and communities.
September 19, 1963
Morgan State College — Baltimore, Maryland
Founded by 12 students during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Iota Phi Theta was established to promote scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity, and brotherhood. Its founders emphasized building a new tradition of service and achievement.
Stronger Together
