We can learn a lot from our ancestors when we know about what researchers have termed their FAN club – their friends, associates, and neighbors. For example, our relatives often joined community-based organizations such as farmers alliances, masonic lodges, and social clubs. Some even coalesced into gender-based groups known as fraternities and sororities. These were popular among Whites in the mid-19th and early 20th century, but their doors largely were closed to people of color at the time. As Blacks increasingly sought higher education opportunities amid a social climate characterized by prejudice and discrimination, they also yearned for ways to connect with like-minded people to develop their personal and social interests as well as to serve their communities. Nine groups of black men and women – sisters and brothers across and beyond biological lines – began forming their own fraternities and sororities, primarily during the first two decades of the 20th century and typically in the winter months. These groups organized in 1930 to establish a coalition around their common goals called the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Have you ever found in your ancestor’s personal effects something like unique items of clothing with signature colors, certificates, or lapel pins that point to their membership in such an organization? Maybe you already knew that your relative was a member of an NPHC fraternity or sorority…do you know what it meant to them? In this post, I’d like to give an overview of the history of each of these organizations with the hopes that it will help you identify ancestors who were members and the activities in which they may have engaged.
I didn’t know anything about fraternities and sororities as a child or even as a high school student. My mother, stepmother, and paternal grandmother all graduated from college, but none had been a member of a sorority. I later learned that two of my older cousins were members of Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta sororities. I didn’t hear or pay attention much to my dad’s social activities outside of his work as an insurance agent, but I eventually found out that he had pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated through Prairie View A&M University’s undergraduate chapter, Eta Gamma. He was one of thirteen of the members of its sixth line, Fall 1968’s Bodacious 13. When I was a high school student, I saw him become a more active member, attending graduate chapter meetings, volunteering at chapter-sponsored community events, and sporting his “parry” (i.e., paraphernalia). Even though I wasn’t influenced by my father’s involvement in his fraternity, I followed in his footsteps by becoming a member of the Xi Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated at Texas A&M University in the Fall of 1997.
Most of the fraternities and sororities have missions associated with education and community service. Five of nine of them were founded at Howard University, a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). Each has a unique motto, shield/coat of arms, set of induction rituals, and colors. Typically, members join as undergraduates, but some members become affiliated through a graduate chapter after having earned an undergraduate degree. Strutting and party walking, accompanied by calls peculiar to each organization, as well as step shows and regular student programming, are common aspects of student life on college campuses. Requirements usually involve a minimum GPA, high moral standards, and/or record of service; some people may become members through their “legacy” status, meaning that they qualify for membership because of their parent’s or grandparent’s membership in the organization. Although traditionally and primarily African-American in membership, each organization has chapters all over the world and members of a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds. Hazing, an ignominious aspect of membership in fraternities and sororities of all racial backgrounds that involves submitting would-be members to physical violence in order to win favor with current members, was commonly and informally accepted and practiced among NPHC member organizations. However, today, all fraternal organizations officially disavow the practice. Now that I’ve given you some basic facts about the so-called Divine Nine, let me give you a few specifics about each organization.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. This fraternity has the distinction of being the first black intercollegiate organization. Founded at Cornell University on December 04, 1906. Originally begun as a co-ed literary society, the fraternity developed as a social organ emphasizing “educational and..mutual uplift of its members”. Additionally, its official purpose is “to promote a more perfect union among college men; to aid in and insist upon the personal progress of its members; to further brotherly love and a fraternal spirit within the organization; to discountenance evil; to destroy all prejudices; to preserve the sanctity of the home, the personification of virtue and the chastity of woman.” Its founders are known as the 7 Jewels, and its members are colloquially known as “sphinx men” due to their use of the Egyptian Sphinx as one of its symbols. Its colors are black and old gold.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. This is the first of the four black intercollegiate sororities of the NPHC. It was founded with the ideal “by merit and culture” in mind on January 15, 1908, at Howard University. Incorporated on January 29, 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission is “to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards; to promote unity and friendship among college women; to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature; to maintain a progressive interest in college life; and to be of ‘Service to All Mankind’.” It informally is associated with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., together sometimes referred to as the First Family (because they were the first black Greek-letter fraternity and sorority). Its colors are salmon pink and apple green.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. First founded on January 05, 1911, at Indiana University, Kappa Alpha Psi was known as Kappa Alpha Nu until it officially changed its name on April 15, 1915. The organization represented an effort of black men at a predominantly white university to connect with each other, “to promote the spiritual, social, intellectual and moral welfare of [its] members,” and to emphasize Christian principles and achievement. Kappas, also known as “Nupes,” are known for their use of the cane during its stepping routines and their crimson and cream colors.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Omega Psi Phi was the first black fraternity to be founded at a historically black college or university (HBCU), Howard University. Following on the heels of Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi was founded on November 17, 1911. It intends “to attract and build a strong and effective force of Handsome men dedicated to its Cardinal Principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.” Members often are referred to as “Q dogs” and wear brands incorporating the omega greek letter. Their colors are royal purple and old gold.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This organization was formed as the result of an effort of a faction of Howard University Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members to change its name, symbols, color, and scope of activities. Twenty-two women went on to establish Delta Sigma Theta on January 13, 1913, and they incorporated on February 18, 1913. Delta Sigma Theta is “committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community,” and its colors are crimson and cream.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. This fraternity was founded on January 09, 1914, at Howard University, on the principles of “brotherhood, scholarship and service”. It touts itself as the first of the NPHC fraternities to develop alumni chapters and expand its membership internationally. Moreover, Phi Beta Sigma also has the distinction of being the only fraternity to have a constitutionally-bound relationship with a sorority, Zeta Phi Beta. Its colors are royal blue and white.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. This sorority was formed specifically as a result of Phi Beta Sigma’s efforts to align itself formally with a like-minded sister organization. Its members collaborated with Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler, Viola Tyler, Fannie Pettie, and Arizona Clever to establish the organization at Howard University on January 16, 1920. Dedicated to focusing on addressing societal problems over “social elitism and socializing,” Zeta Phi Beta was incorporated on March 30, 1923. It champions “finer womanhood,” and its colors are royal blue and white.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. A sisterhood that embraces “Greater Service, Greater Progress,” Sigma Gamma Rho was founded originally as a sorority for black schoolteachers on November 12, 1922. It first was established as a collegiate sorority for women pursuing other careers on December 30, 1929, at Butler University. Sigma Gamma Rho is the only NPHC sorority that was founded at a predominantly white institution. Its colors are royal blue and gold.
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. This organization was founded on September 19, 1963, at what is now known as Morgan State University, in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement in an effort to address the needs of an activist student body. The newest and smallest of the NPHC organizations, Iota Phi Theta’s purpose is to promote “the development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among men.” Its colors are charcoal brown and gilded gold.
No matter which of these organizations your relative or ancestor joined, you can take pride in their participation in an important aspect of black history and culture and of the African-American collegiate experience. Consider contacting these organizations, at the local and international levels, to understand more clearly what your ancestor’s contributions were.
The Genealogy Griot 