Most of us know about the cliches of frat guys and sorority girls, but how much do we really know about Greek life? What many people don’t know, is that Greek life has been a part of college culture since the late 1700s. The first official fraternity was founded in 1776 in Virginia, named Phi Beta Kappa. Fraternities initially began as social groups for white christian males. These groups were made with the purpose of encouraging academic discussions, while hosting parties and other social events. Until the late 1800s, Greek life remained fairly small, with membership rarely surpassing 30 people. Fraternities were often kept a secret, with their traditions founded on ancient Greek and Roman philosophy and literature, many of them using Greek letters to represent their organizations. As time went on, these teachings became more and more forgotten, the origins unknown to most members. This is why in the modern day, many people don’t understand the where or the why behind many Greek life traditions. These groups began to include women eventually, but still were called fraternities up until 1882, when women from Gamma Phi Beta began to call themselves a sorority.
The Divine Nine
As African-Americans began attending universities, they were excluded from membership for greek organizations. Because of this, a group of young black men came together to create the first black fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, in 1906 at Cornell University. Over the years, more organizations were established, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) was formed as the collaborative council of the nine Greek-letter fraternities. Each of these organizations were founded with their own unique mission and values, but all share a commitment to scholarship, service, and brotherhood or sisterhood.
Alpha Psi Alpha
Established in 1906, Alpha Psi Alpha Fraternity Inc. is the first black greek letter fraternity founded at Cornell University. Their colors are black and old gold, symbolizing strength and success. Their symbol is the Great Sphinx of Giza, representing wisdom and mystery. Members are often referred to as Alphas, and they are known for their distinctive “sweetheart handshake” and their motto “Friendship is Essential to the Soul.” The organization has produced many influential leaders in politics, education, and the arts, including Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Paul Robeson.
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Established in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is the first black greek letter sorority founded at the campus of Howard University. They are known for their salmon pink and apple green colors, which stand for femininity and vitality. Their symbol is the ivy leaf, representing strength and endurance. Members are commonly known as “Sizars” and their motto is “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All.” They have produced many prominent members, including Coretta Scott King, Toni Morrison and Kamala Harris.
Omega Psi Phi
Established in 1911, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. was founded at Howard University. With royal purple and old gold as their colors, they symbolize nobility and achievement. Their symbol is the lamp, representing knowledge and enlightenment. Members are referred to as “Ques”, “Que Dogs”, or “Bruhz”, and are known for their signature hand signal as well as their “Omega Stroll.” Famous members include Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Steve Harvey.
Kappa Alpha Psi
Just 14 days after the founding of Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was established at Indiana University Bloomington. Their colors are crimson and cream, symbolizing courage and purity. Their symbol is the diamond, representing clarity and brilliance. Members are famously known as “Nupes” or “Kapps”, and their motto is “Achievement in every field of human endeavor”. Famous Alumni include Cedric the Entertainer, Colin Kaepernick, and Montell Jordan.
Delta Sigma Theta
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. was the second historically black sorority to be founded in 1913 at Howard University. Their colors are crimson and cream, symbolizing courage and purity. Their symbol is the fortitude, representing strength and resilience. Members are known as “Deltas” or “DST” and their motto is “Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom.” Their stroll is famously called the Duck Walk or the Elephant Walk. Notable Alumni include Shirley Chisholm, Aretha Franklin, and Angela Bassett.
Phi Beta Sigma
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. was the fourth historically black fraternity to be established in 1914 at Howard University. Their colors are royal blue and pure white, symbolizing truth and purity. Their symbol is the dove, representing peace and harmony. Members are called Sigmas, and are known as “the People’s Frat” because of its diversity in membership. Their motto is “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity.” Sigmas are unique in having a constitutionally-bound sister organization, Zeta Phi Beta. Famous members include civil rights leader John Lewis, former President of Ghana Kwame Nkrumah, and NFL player Jerry Rice
Zeta Phi Beta
Established in 1920 at Howard University, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. became the seventh in the Divine Nine. They are known for their royal blue and white colors, which stand for unity and purity. Their symbol is also the dove, symbolizing peace and serenity. The sorority is known as “The Five Pearls” and “Los Zetas”, with their members being called Zetas. Their motto is “A Community-Conscious, Action-Oriented Organization”, and have famous members like Dionne Warwick, Chaka Khan, and Syleena Johnson.
Sigma Gamma Rho
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. was founded in 1922 at Butler University, making it the youngest sorority of the Divine Nine. Their colors are royal blue and gold, symbolizing loyalty and success. Their symbol is the poodle, representing elegance and sophistication. Members are often known as Poodles and have the motto “Greater Service, Greater Progress.” Famous members include MC Lyte, Kelly Price, and Deshauna Barber.
Iota Phi Theta
Iota Phi Theta is the youngest fraternity to be established in the National Pan-Hellenic Council. It was founded in 1963, at Morgan State University. Their colors are charcoal brown and gilded gold, symbolizing strength and achievement. Their symbol is the centaur, representing strength and determination. Members are known as Iotas, and their motto is “Building A Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!” Famous members include Elvin Hayes, Calvin Murphy, and T.C. Carson.
