Historically Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) have long been pillars of scholarship, service and activism within the Black community. Founded in response to racial exclusion on predominantly white campuses, these organizations provided Black students with a sense of belonging and a foundation for leadership, academic excellence, and community empowerment.
Since their inception in the early 20th Century, BGLOs have significantly shaped the African American experience, contributing to the Civil Rights Movement with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., W.E.B. Du Bois, Thurgood Marshall, Shirley Chisholm, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou and Barack Obama.
The “Divine Nine”
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), or “Divine Nine,” is a coalition of nine historically Black Greek letter fraternities and sororities. These organizations were created to provide leadership, support and advocacy during a time of exclusion and segregation on college campuses.
The first BGLO, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was founded in 1906 at Cornell University to foster scholarship and brotherhood among Black students. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was established at Howard University in 1908, followed by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (1911), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914), Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920), Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922), and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (1963).
Each organization has played a role in uplifting the Black community by creating spaces for students to network, develop leadership skills, and advocate for social justice.
A Black Greek refers to a member of one of the Divine Nine, distinguished by their emphasis on leadership, scholarship, service, and community involvement. Members uphold a longstanding tradition that connects them to a broader legacy of activism and service within the African American community.
Sharhonda Chea, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., explains, “We were founded out of necessity. Our organizations were created to uplift, to educate, and to provide resources for our communities when access was extremely limited.”
Josephine Myers-Kuykindall, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., adds, “There’s prestige, obviously. Presidential candidate Kamala Harris is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. But most importantly, we do it from a service mindset.
That’s really important to me, along with sisterhood and friendship. We don’t have a lot of that in the African American community, so I work with young women because mentorship is key.”
BGLOs require a lifelong commitment, with members continuing to serve their communities and lead in various sectors after graduation. The focus on mentorship and leadership development is a key aspect of this investment, alongside the core values of brotherhood and sisterhood.
Jeffrey Keels, president of the Zeta Nu Sigma Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., notes, “The leadership side of these organizations really takes shape after college. The post-graduate experience, with its business networking and mentorship, is vital to our members’ success. But the brotherhood is something that keeps us grounded — it’s a constant, no matter where you are in life.”
Chea highlights the lifelong nature of BGLO membership, stating, “Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is a lifetime commitment. We stay engaged in the community, ensuring that we’re creating opportunities for those who come after us.”
Despite their rich history, BGLOs are often misunderstood. Many associate these organizations with partying and hazing, overlooking their core values. Chea clarifies, “People think we’re just about stepping, strolling, and social events. While those are important aspects of our culture, our organizations are grounded in scholarship, service and activism. We create programs that support families, uplift communities, and educate our youth.”
Keels adds, “Greek life is different down South than in Minneapolis. Where I grew up, Black Greek organizations were central to our identity and pride. But even outside of the South, the legacy of these organizations remains strong.”
Looking to the future, BGLOs remain committed to service, leadership and activism. Chea believes these organizations will continue to shape the next generation of leaders. “Our purpose is still the same: to serve, uplift, and lead,” she says. “We are committed to creating a better future for the next generation.”
Myers-Kuykindall echoes this sentiment: “All of these organizations are about building initiatives to close the gaps in our communities. We’re not waiting for someone else to do it. We’re taking action and making change.”
Keels acknowledges that some of today’s youth question the Divine Nine’s relevance. “This generation is different — not in a bad way. They focus on careers, stability, and their future.”
So the question arises: Are these organizations still needed? While young people may not face the same struggles as their predecessors, they remain engaged in activism, mentorship and service — often through careers and personal initiatives rather than a BGLO membership. In northern regions, limited exposure may also be a cause of reduced interest.
Yet, the fight for equity, justice and representation persists. Keels states, “Discrimination and injustice are still very real. Our initiatives benefit the next generation, whether they realize it or not.”
The challenge now is communicating the relevance of these organizations in a world where many young Black professionals already embody BGLO values in their daily lives. BGLOs remain crucial to maintaining a collective commitment to Black excellence and empowerment by providing structured mentorship, leadership development, and community service opportunities.
Kiara Williams welcomes reader responses at kwilliams@spokesman-recorder.com.