Greek Life at Prairie View A&M University

Greek life just came back to the campus of Prairie View A&M University. All of The Devine Nine will be on the Yard. Hopefully by you reading this blog you will understand more about each Fraternity and Sorority and what they have to offer. Greek life here on campus is very important to us. It provides so many opportunities later on in life. It helps build character. Even if you don't decide to pledge the Divine Nine you can also consider other Fraternities and Sororities that bes fit you and who you want to become.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated

Here is Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, incorporated Probate at Howard University Spring 2010

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Here is a video of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Probate at Prairie View A&M University Spring 2011

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated Probate

Below is a Video of Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated spring 2009 probate and the University of Houston in Houston, Texas

Probate

Probate is when you get your "letters". You are apart of the Fraternity or Sorority. During a designated time period you are put through many test to see how much you know o how much you want to become apart of a certain fraternity or sorority. During this process nobody should know what is going on or if you are considering to pledge. After that time period the Greek's have a probate. This is where the school friends. family and others come to see who has crossed.

More about the Divine Nine

The Divine Nine are taken more seriously at HBCU's( Historically Black Colleges Universities) than at any other higher learning institute. The main reason for this is due to the number of African American students that attend HBCU's. Black colleges and Universities have tradition they like to keep alive at there facilities. For an example Greek Life. Some students parents were Greeks so it's the student's job to keep the  tradition alive in their family. If a student's parents were Greek they are called "legacy." It is know that no matter what your situation if your parents are legacy's then you are automatically apart of the fraternity or sorority.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated is the youngest of the "Divine Nine" Black greek organizations and the last to accepted in to the National Pan-Hellenic Council. On September 19, 1963, at Morgan State College ( now Morgan State University), 12 students founded what is now the nation's fifth largest, predominately African-American social service fraternity: The Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated. Iota Phi Theta continues to grow and strengthen, so will its commitment to make meaningful contributions to society in general, with particular emphasis in the African-American community. Throughout America, Iota Phi theta has come to represent excellence in all areas. The Fraternity is, and shall forever remain dedicated to its founders vision of building a traditional, not resting upon one. Some famous Iota Phi Theta's are:

Kirby Wilson
Calvin Murphy
Michael Frisby
Raymond Grady


Official Colors: Charcoal Brown and Gilded Gold
Official Flower: Yellow Rose
Motto: Building A Tradition, Not Resting Upon One 

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated was organized November 12, 1922 in Indianapolis, Indiana by seven school teachers. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929. 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 address concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically. Some Famous Sigma Gamma Rho members are:
Virgie Fry
Mercedes Gilbert
Christine Houston
Isceola Johnson
Ann Fudge
Cathy Fudge

Official Color: Royal Blue  and Gold
Official Flower: Yellow Tea Rose
Motto: Greater Service, Greater Progress 
Symbol: Poodle

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded on the simple belief that sorority elitism and socializing should not overshadow the real mission for progressive organizations-to address societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty , and health concerns of the day. Founded January 16, 1920, Zeta began as an ideal conceived by five coeds at Howard University. The purpose of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is to foster the ideas of service, charity, scholarship, 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. Some famous Zeta Phi Beta's are:

Sheryl Underwood
Gwendolyn Brooks
Ester Rolle
Syleena Johnson


Official Color: Royal Blue & Pure White
Official Symbol: Dove
Official Flower: White Rose

Official Motto: "Scholarship, Sisterly Love, Service, Finer Womanhood."

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity , Incorporated, an international organization of college and professional men, was founded on January 9th, 1914 at Howard University  on the principal, Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service.  These principals are exhibited by the fraternity motto, "Culture for Service and Service for Humanity." Phi Beta Sigma has a membership of over 100,000 with over 600 chapters throughout the continental United States, Switzerland, Europe the Caribbean and Africa. Eight- seven years later, Phi Beta Sigma has blossomed into an international organization of leaders. No longer a single entity, the Fraternity has now established the Phi Beta Sigma Educational Foundation, the Phi Beta Sigma Housing Foundation, the Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union, and the Phi Beta Sigma Charitable Outreach Foundation. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated., founded in 1920 with the assistance of Phi Beta Sigma, is the sister organization. Some Famous Phi Beta Sigma's are:

J. Anthony Brown
Kurt Carr
Ray McDonald
Jerry Rice



Official Color: Royal Blue & Pure White
Official Symbol: Dove
Motto: "Culture for Service and Service for Humanity."

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated was founded January 13, 1913 by twenty-two college women at Howard University. Theses students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to persons in need. The first public act performed by the Delta founders involved their participation in the Woman's Suffrage March in Washington D.C., March 13. Delta Sigma Theta was incorporated in 1930. The Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has a membership of over 200,000 predominately African-American, college-educated women. Some famous Delta Sigma Theta's are:

Keshia Knight Pulliam
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Cicely Tyson
Natalie Cole
Wilma Rudolph


Official Colors: Crimson and Cream
Official Symbol: Fortitude
Official Motto: Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated was founded November 17, 1911 at Howard University. The initials of the Greek phrase meaning "friendship is essential to the soul," the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. The phrase was selected as the motto. Manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift were adopted as the cardinal principals. Omega continued to flourish, largely because Founders Love, Cooper,Coleman and Just were man of the very highest ideals and intellect. Some famous Omega Psi Phi men are:
Bill Cosby
Steve Harvey
Jesse Jackson
John Salley


Official Colors: Royal Purple and Old Gold
Official Flower: African Violet
Official Symbol: Lamp, Dog
Motto: Friendship is Essential to the Soul

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated Originally chartered and incorporated as Kappa Alpha nu on April 15, 1911 at Indiana University, the name was changed to Kappa Alpha Phi effective April 15, 1915. At this time the fraternity acquired a distinctive Greek letter symbol and Kappa Alpha Psi officially become a Greek letter fraternity. The organization now has over 100,00 members in both alumni and undergraduate chapters across the nation. Membership in Kappa Alpha Psi s a lifelong dedication to the ideas and lofty purpose of kappa Alpha Psi, which considers for membership only those aspirants whose personal, social and academic qualifications are acceptable to both the college and Fraternity. Some famous Kappa Alpha Psi members are:
Tavis Smiley
Marvin Sapp
Smokie Norful
Ed Bradley
Cedric 'The Entertainer' Kyles
It is also rumored that our President is also a part of Kappa Alpha Phi


Official Colors: Crimson and Cream
Official Symbol: Kappa Diamond 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) is the first Greek letter organization in the United States established by Black college Women. Established January 15, 1908 at Howard University, the organization has now grown to a membership of over 170,00, with graduate and undergraduate chapters representing every state and several foreign countries. Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sisterhood composed of women who have consciously chosen this affiliation as a means of self-fulfillment through volunteer service. Alpha Kappa Alpha cultivates and encourages high scholastic and ethical standards; promotes unity and friendship among college women; alleviates problems concerning girls and women; maintains a progressive interest in college like ; and serves all mankind. Some famous African American women who are apart of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc are:
Dr. Maya Angelou
Ella Fitzgerald
Star Jones
Coretta Scott King
Gladys Knight
Jada Pinkett-Smith

Official Colors: Salmon Pink and Apple green
Official Symbol: Ivy Leaf

Mission Statement:"Service To All Mankind"

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York By seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The founding fathers  of this fraternity also know as the "Jewels" are Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert harold Ogle, and Verthner Woodson Tandy. The Fraternity initially served as a support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell.
While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct educational, economic, political, and social injustices face by African Americans. The following are well know members of The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity:
Martin Luther King Jr.
Thurgood Marshall
W.E.B. DuBois

Colors: Black and Old Gold
Official Symbol: Sphinx
Mission Statement: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

The Divine Nine

The Divine nine are nine historically Black Greek letter organization (BGLOs) that make up the National Pan -Hellenic Council. Each of these fraternities and sororities is rich in history. Many of these organizations were founded in college-educated Black families in the United States. Below are the Divine nine listed in order form the day they were founded. 

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Founded 1906, Cornell University
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Founded 1908, Howard University
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Founded 1911, Indiana University
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Founded 1911, Howard University
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Founded 1913, Howard University
Phi Beta Sigma Theta Sorority, Founded 1914, Howard University
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Founded 1920, Howard University 
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Founded 1922, Butler University
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Founded 1963, Morgan State University