The Divine Nine is the nickname of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), a group of nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations. These nine organizations have a significant place in Black American history and culture. Collectively, they comprise nearly 4 million members.
The Divine Nine organizations have existed since the early 1900s and have contributed significantly to Black American culture. They are committed to public service, scholarship, brotherhood, and sisterhood. These traditions have trickled down through generations of members and even infiltrated pop culture. The Divine Nine’s impact on Black American life and culture is apparent.
The Divine 9 Expansion at CSU Bakersfield focuses on increasing the presence and impact of historically Black Greek-letter organizations from the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) on campus.
The Office of Special Programs & Student Retention Initatives supports the expansion of these organizations to provide students with additional avenues for leadership development, academic excellence, and community service. Through collaborations with NPHC chapters, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Greek life experience at CSUB.
NPHC Organizations
Below is a link to each NPHC Organization's national website and the local contact information.
Founded: 1906 at Cornell University
Colors: Black and Old Gold
Nickname: Alphas
Mission: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
National Website: https://apa1906.net/
Local Alumnae Chapter: Kappa Eta Lambda Alumnae Chapter
Local Alumnae Chapter Email: jamal.powell06@gmail.com
Founded: 1908 at Howard University
Colors: Salmon Pink and Apple Green
Nickname: AKA
Mission: To cultivate and encourage high scholastics and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “service to all mankind.”
National Website: https://aka1908.com/
Local Alumnae Chapter: Kappa Omega Omega Alumnae Chapter
Local Alumnae Chapter Email: akabakersfield@gmail.comFounded: 1911 at Indiana University
Colors: Crimson and Cream
Nickname: Kappas, Nupes
Motto: Achievement in every field of human endeavor.
National Website: https://www.kappaalphapsi1911.com/
Founded: 1911 at Howard University
Colors: Royal Purple and Old Gold
Nickname: Omegas
Motto: Friendship is essential to the soul.
National Website: https://oppf.org/
Local Alumnae Chapter Email: Tau Alpha Alpha Alumnae Chapter
Local Alumnae Chapter Email:
Founded: 1913 at Howard University
Colors: Crimson and Cream
Nickname: Deltas
Mission: An organization of college educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community.
National Website: https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/
Local Alumnae Chapter: Bakersfield Alumnae Chapter
Local Alumnae Chapter Email: bakersfieldalumnae@gmail.com
Local Undergrad Chapter:Founded: 1914 at Howard University
Colors: Royal Blue and Pure White
Nickname: Sigmas
Motto: Culture for Service and Service for Humanity
National Website: https://phibetasigma1914.org/
Local Alumnae Chapter: Rho Rho Sigma Alumnae Chapter
Local Alumnae Chapter Email: rhorhosigma.president@gmail.comFounded: 1920 at Howard University
Colors: Royal Blue and White
Nickname: Zetas
Mission: A community-conscious, action-oriented organization. To foster the ideas of service, charity, scholarship, civil and cultural endeavors, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. These ideals are reflected in the sorority’s national program, for which its members and auxiliary groups provide voluntary service to staff, community outreach programs, fund scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change.
National Website: https://zphib1920.org/
Founded: 1922 at Butler University
Colors: Royal Blue and Gold
Nickname: SGRho
Mission: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s aim is to enhance the quality of life within the community. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the hallmark of the organization’s programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically and economically.
National website: www.sgrho1922.org/
Local Alumnae Chapter: Gamma Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter
Local Alumnae Chapter Email: bakersfieldsgrho@gmail.com
Local Undergrad Chapter: Eta Lambda
Founded: 1963 at Morgan State University
Colors: Charcoal Brown and Gilded Gold
Nickname: Iotas, Centaurs, Outlaws, Theta Man
Mission: The mission of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. is to develop and maintain scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity, and brotherhood among men.
National Website: https://iotaphitheta.org/
Steps for NPHC Expansion:
This is for NPHC Expansion organizations only:
Any NPHC Organization seeking to expand at CSU Bakersfield will follow the Fraternity & Sorority Life Expansion Policy. It is recommended that interested organizations contact the Office of Special Programs and Student Retention Initiatives to confirm the campus's readiness for expansion and, thus, the anticipated review cycle.
- Review the Fraternity & Sorority Life Expansion Policy
- Complete the Expansion Interest Form
- Submit the Expansion Packet with the requested supporting information
- Complete the Information Session or Presentation with the Director of Special Programs and Student Retention Initiatives and the Director of Student Involvement
- Download the Fraternity & Sorority Life Expansion Checklist to assist with the additional required information after the Initial Request for Expansion has been reviewed