List of African-American fraternities facts for kids

African-American fraternities and sororities are special groups for college students, mostly for Black students. These groups are called "social organizations." They help students connect with each other while they are in college and even after they graduate. Many of these groups were started by Black American students, teachers, and leaders at different colleges in the United States.

A Look Back: Their History

The very first Black fraternal organization was Prince Hall Freemasonry (PHA), which started way back in 1775. It wasn't a college group, but it was an important start.

The first Greek letter college group for Black students was Alpha Kappa Nu, founded at Indiana University in 1903. Then came Gamma Phi at Wilberforce University in 1905. Also in 1905, Pi Gamma Omicron was founded at Ohio State University.

A student named CC Poindexter from Ohio State University later went to Cornell University. There, he helped start the Alpha Phi Alpha Society. This group became the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. It was officially formed on December 4, 1906. Alpha Phi Alpha was the first Black "intercollegiate" fraternity. This means it had chapters at more than one college.

The success of Alpha Phi Alpha inspired many other Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) to form. Today, many of these fraternities and sororities are part of a larger group called the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). These groups are known for helping their communities through public service and working for civil rights.

Some Black fraternal organizations, like the Swing Phi Swing and Groove Phi Groove fellowships, do not use Greek letters in their names.

The first professional Black Greek letter fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi, was started in Pennsylvania in 1904. This group was for professionals, not just college students.

Important Black Greek Letter Organizations

Many Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) have been formed over the years. Some of the most well-known are part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). These groups are often called the "Divine Nine."

Fraternities

Here are some of the well-known fraternities:

• Alpha Phi Alpha: Founded in 1906, it was the first intercollegiate Black fraternity.
• Kappa Alpha Psi: Started in 1911.
• Omega Psi Phi: Also founded in 1911.
• Phi Beta Sigma: Formed in 1914.
• Iota Phi Theta: Established in 1963.

Sororities

Here are some of the well-known sororities:

• Alpha Kappa Alpha: Founded in 1908, it was the first intercollegiate Black sorority.
• Delta Sigma Theta: Started in 1913.
• Zeta Phi Beta: Formed in 1920.
• Sigma Gamma Rho: Established in 1922.

Other Organizations

Some Black social organizations do not use Greek letters in their names. They still offer a similar experience of brotherhood or sisterhood.

• Groove Phi Groove: This group is for males and was founded in 1962.
• Swing Phi Swing: This group is for females and was founded in 1969.

See also

• National Pan-Hellenic Council
• Greek letter society effect on youth identity