The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) was nationally established in 1930 to bond and support what we know today as the Divine Nine (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity); the most prominent black sororities and fraternities in the world. These black organizations began on the campus of Cornell University in 1906 with Alpha Phi Alpha then would move to Howard University, the birthplace of five of the member organizations, with the remaining organizations being founded on the campuses of Indiana University, Butler University (Ind.) and Morgan State University (Mary.). In the midst of racial prejudice, African-Americans strove to exert their force as a community and produce admirable and influential members of society. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi and Zeta Phi Beta were all initially involved in the founding of the NPHC. Over the years, with the additions of new member organizations, the NPHC strengthened and encouraged its parts to start contributing to America as a whole. Not only have each of these organizations been positive and prominent influences in America since their inception, all of them have held events together in order to show the unity within the Emory black community. Although our mission statements and goals may differ from organization to organization, we all seek to achieve several common objectives. We provide such a force in the community that enriches the college experience at Emory for not only black students, but all students. In the words of distinguished Alpha man, Thurgood Marshall, "None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody – a parent, a teacher, an Ivy League crony or a few nuns – bent down and helped us pick up our boots." We, the NPHC, are here to pick up the boots of our fellow council members and Emory Community, to hold each other accountable, to make a difference – together.
Having this unity of Black Greek Organizations strengthens the entire black community. The Divine Nine contributes to an infrastructure of a cohesive black community. One that is unrivaled in its ability to uplift African-Americans. However, in situations where member organizations are absent from the NPHC, the "machine" is unable to operate at maximum capacity. Our honorable founders created the NPHC member organizations to work in conjunction with one another, and we would be remiss to overlook how we help to define and support each other. The Divine Nine is a family; we acknowledge that each member of our family is vital and adds value to who we are. As we continue to make strides in the name of our council and our individual organizations, we will continue to bring awareness to the value of our presence here at Emory until we are fully united and restored to who we are: "The Divine Nine."The NPHC writes this statement to the Emory community to extend our skills and talents to anyone in the community who would like our support; in an effort to create a better experience for all students. Our council nationally and historically ushered in the ideal of "community service and philanthropy" to the undergraduate college Greek experience. Holding with that tradition we are open to collaborating with any person(s) interested in furthering our movement to create a better college environment and to develop more well-rounded students here at Emory.
Although the NPHC was established at Emory just three years ago, we strive to be a driving force for change in the lives and the experiences of fellow Emory students. We end this Statement by assuring everyone that Emory's National Pan-Hellenic Council sees the grievances of our community. We charge ourselves and everyone to address what we all see and encourage all to play a vital role in the change. "I am, because we are." – African Proverb
Best,
The National Pan-Hellenic Council
Written by Hugh Hunter and Catherine Muse
Edited by Christina Cross, Erin Swearing, Courtney Miller
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