UGA recognizes historically Black fraternities, sororities

The University of Georgia held a commemoration ceremony on Friday, Oct. 15, to honor nine historically Black fraternities and sororities on the West Lawn of the Tate Student Center, where markers were installed to recognize the National Pan-Hellenic Council member organizations.

A crowd of spectators representing students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members gathered for the ceremony and to tour the marker installation. The markers, which are made of granite, bear the name and official seal of each fraternity or sorority, the date on which it was chartered and a brief history of the organization.

Established in 1930, the primary purpose of the NPHC remains community awareness and action through educational, economic, and cultural service activities. Throughout their history, these organizations have helped to build community among Black students at colleges and universities across the country.

The nine member organizations of the NPHC are Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.

“Today is significant. It’s historic,” said Daniels, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., who earned both her bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor from UGA. “This permanent site recognizing each of what I’ve always called the ‘Divine Nine’ says that we are an integral part of the University of Georgia, and that we belong here, that our voice is heard here, and that we are seen here at the university.”

Continue reading...

Image: Members of the Zeta Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, celebrating its 50th anniversary on April 6, 2019. Courtesy Ron Jones, via the Red&Black