NPHC fraternities and sororities making a positive impact on campus

The National Pan-Hellenic Council was established on May 10, 1930, in an age of racial segregation that plagued African Americans. It includes nine historically African American fraternities and sororities, also known as “The Divine Nine.” This council was created for African American students to help improve social status and commission of the black community.

Southeast Missouri State University has five active NPHC organizations. These organizations are required to have at least five members to be considered an active group with official registry. Three of the five NPHC organizations on campus fall below the requirement standards to be considered an active group. These groups are not considered suspended and may still participate in recruiting new members.

“We support our groups that happen to have a smaller member count and encourage them in any way possible. We don’t have a suspension restriction of any sort,” DeAnte' Smith, director of Greek life and member of Alpha Phi Alpha said.

The African American population on campuses worldwide is at a low rate of 42 percent.

A big difference with NPHC groups compared to other Greek organizations is the way in which they gain members. The students do not have full control over their membership. Their national or regional headquarter staff put an intake window on the chapters via email letting them know when they can initiate new members. The alumni oversee the official initiation process and lay out a timeline for future participating members.

Members must follow specific deadlines during the initiating process. The national headquarters won’t change those deadlines or work around students’ personal schedule. This is where the conflict with membership numbers comes into effect with NPHC organizations compared to other Greek organizations on campus, Smith said.

It has also been misconstrued that race and ethnicity applies in the aspect of joining historically black organizations on campus. As required by campus recognition policies, neither NPHC nor its members, whether national or chapter organizations, discriminate on the basis of race or religion.

“Students on campus can always help support and bring awareness to our historically black organizations by following us on Facebook, Instagram or asking us about upcoming events on and off campus," Timaya Bills, a member of Zeta Phi Beta, said. "We don’t discriminate and would love for everyone to come to our events and get involved. When we plan for our weeks and weekends, we don’t just plan for the black community, we plan for everyone."

NPHC organizations also actively participate in community service activities. Recently, members of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority gave back to the community by removing the graffiti from the Cape Girardeau floodwall.

“We strive to educate and inspire students on campus. Hosting positive events that can be beneficial to students is our main goal," Tina Garrett, a member of Zeta Phi Beta, said. "We want others to see the positivity within our people and not the stereotypes."

The organizations nationally do not have funding issues that would cause any of their organizations to be considered inactive. The NPHC groups expect members to maintain and uphold to a specific financial status after graduation, so they do continue to actively pay their dues to keep their memberships active. This helps keep the organization chapters in good financial standing. The money that NPHC does raise through various fundraisers is donated to scholarship efforts.

"The main goal is to educate students," Smith said. "We strive to enhance opportunities for students and not the persuasion to join particular chapters."