Phi Beta Kappa, the first American college fraternity, was organized on the campus of the College of William and Mary in 1776. Men and women are members of this college honorary scholarship society. Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities have played a major role in American college life since 1776. Black college fraternities and sororities did not emerge until the early 1900's. Unlike their white counterparts, the black groups have remained very active at the graduate level. Since their founding, these groups have played a major role in the cultural, social and civic life of their communities.
The member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council are:
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Howard University, 1911
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Cornell University, 1906
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Indiana University, 1911
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Howard University, 1914
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Morgan State University, 1963
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Howard University, 1908
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Howard University, 1913
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Howard University, 1920
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Butler University, 1922