NPHC History

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) was founded at Howard University as a national coordinating body for the nine historically African American Fraternities and Sororities which had evolved on American college and university campuses by that time. Blatant racism had prevented many African American students on historically white campuses from joining general fraternities and sororities. African Americans were denied admittance to large numbers of campuses which still prohibited blacks from attending.

Therefore, African American students on both types of campuses established fraternities and sororities to enhance their college experiences. These organizations did not then nor do they now restrict membership to African Americans. They have developed, however, a distinctive African American style in their activities both social and philanthropic. The NPHC is comprised of nine organizations representing over a million African-American men and women who are leaders in every aspect of American society. NPHC member organizations share a common bond of dedication to improving conditions for the African American community. African American Fraternities and Sororities are a powerful force!