On Thursday, Sept.16, from 6-7 p.m., the National Pan-Hellenic Council held its Fall Greek Speak Event.
Nationally, NPHC is composed of historically black sororities and fraternities, which include: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Iota Phi Theta. Together, these sororities and fraternities are otherwise known as the Divine Nine.
Every semester, NPHC Greek Speak is held on Samford’s campus, where interested students can get more information about different NPHC sororities and fraternities.
Phired Up Director of Growth-Cultural Based Fraternal Organizations Tenea McGhee began the event by discussing the significance of NPHC organizations and encouraged each participant to figure out how to enhance their organizations and their personal growth.
Then, representatives from Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Alpha Phi Alpha shared information on how to join their organizations, updates on past activities, and details about activities they plan to have in the future.
There were many students at the event, including sophomore history major Mikiah Dumas.
“I really enjoyed NPHC Greek Speak. It was nice to see everyone dressed up professionally and it felt like a welcoming atmosphere. I was able to learn a lot and everyone I talked to was friendly and more than willing to help me,” Dumas said.
Alpha Kappa Alpha President Ambria Underwood and President of NPHC for Delta Sigma Theta Kylar Pettway discussed how having an NPHC chapter at Samford has impacted their college experience.
“As a black student at a predominantly white institution, I love having NPHC represented! It makes me proud to know that my sorority is being represented in a space where some may not know we exist,” Underwood said .
Pettaway said the organizations are part of the nation’s history.
“I love that NPHC organizations are present on campus! I believe that these organizations remind us of how far we have come in terms of race relations. They are a part of Black history in the United States and I am glad we get to share this part of our culture with the campus community,” Pettaway said.
Underwood went on to elaborate about how there is still more growth that needs to happen for NPHC.
“I look forward to seeing NPHC grow during my time here on campus because although we are represented, we still do not have all of the fraternities and sororities that fall under the NPHC organization,” Underwood said.
Underwood went on to add that the potential for growth is there.
“I know growth within NPHC will not happen overnight and I appreciate the initiatives that The Office of Greek life is taking by hiring a NPHC growth coach to help us grow our organizations,” she said. “I also love how here at Samford we encourage all members of sororities and fraternities to get to know each other within their councils but also within other councils. Although all of these initiatives are taking place we still have a long way to go within the growth of NPHC.”
If you are interested in joining an NPHC sorority or fraternity at Samford, visit https://www.samford.edu/greeklife/recruitment and click on the National Pan-Hellenic Council tab for more information.
Staff Writer
