Before stepping into their roles as chapter leaders, Abrianna Holt, Ty ‘Shawna Price and Tiara Watkins were reserved students who often kept to themselves. The thought of participating in conferences, organizing events and speaking publicly felt daunting. However, the enticing pull of sisterhood led the girls to join sororities within the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), introducing them to leadership, service and a sense of belonging.

“NPHC is very important in implementing that idea that Black people are here and we’re seen,” Holt said. “At NKU, the Black population here is small, and especially with the risk of DEI being taken out, it’s very important that we have Black faces on campus.”

NPHC, comprising seven chapters on NKU’s campus, provides a supportive community for Black students. Established during a tumultuous time of racial injustice, the council was founded in Washington, D.C., at Howard University in 1930. 

As predominantly white institutions dominated the country, Black students yearned to create a haven for themselves. Over time, nine Greek-letter organizations—collectively known as the Divine Nine—began to emerge. Today, these growing groups strive toward ideals such as cooperation and academic excellence. 

For these reasons and more, Holt decided to join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the oldest sorority for Black women, when she began her college career at NKU.

“With being the first Black sorority, we mainly came about because we weren’t allowed to have our own spaces where we can be sisters and congregate and have similar paths and goals,” Holt said.

Now a senior in the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program and in her first year of law school, Holt has led her sorority as chapter president for nearly two years. Before taking on the role, she served as vice president, learning the ropes with the support of her advisor and the former chapter president.

“To be a leader doesn’t always mean you have to lead everything. You can also listen to your other members’ perspectives. You really have to be a good listener,” Holt said.

She guides her chapter through service acts, such as organizing donations at thrift stores. On campus, the sorority gives out free exam kits full of notebooks, pens and treats, equipping students with the motivation and tools to study. 

Holt believes NPHC isn’t just about joining a sorority or fraternity—it’s about building a tight-knit community. Other sorority leaders echo this sentiment.

“We’re in our own organizations, but we’re one,” Price said about NPHC. “Yes, I’m a Zeta, but I know I can always come to Alpha Kappa Alpha for something, or Sigma Gamma Rho. We’ll always be there for each other.” 

Price, a junior majoring in social work, had dreamed of joining a sorority long before attending university. Growing up with sisters, she knew she would miss the special sisterly bond that she had grown accustomed to all her life. She found Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.’s principle of “finer womanhood” to be particularly appealing.    

“Being in a sorority that wants to uplift women and build their leadership and their grades, that’s something that really resonated with me,” Price said. “Zeta Phi Beta stood out to me because it seemed like a sorority that I wouldn’t have to change who I am, but rather help me grow into a better version of myself.” 

Serving first as chaplain for NPHC and then vice president, Price now spearheads community service projects on and off campus. For National Women’s Month, Zeta Phi Beta partners with March of Dimes to throw a baby shower. The donations collected are to help new mothers and premature babies. 

Upon beginning her freshman year, Watkins was wide-eyed and wary of the countless events and gatherings NKU had to offer. As she navigated her new college life, she wasn’t sure where to start. However, after attending an NPHC event, Watkins watched strong Black women give back to their peers, campus and community and felt an immediate connection.

“It was very inspirational. This is where I want to see myself; this is where I want to be,” she said.

Now a sophomore marketing major, Watkins serves as the vice president of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., the most recently-added Divine Nine sorority. Founded in 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho was established by seven African American women educators at Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind. Unlike the other NPHC sororities, which were founded at historically Black colleges and universities, Sigma Gamma Rho was founded at a predominantly white institution.

“Sisterhood, scholarship and service are our principles; we uphold them in everything we do,” Watkins said.

Sigma Gamma Rho hosts several events each year to honor the legacy of its founders and promote leadership among women in their community. Some of their most notable events include Project Cradle Care and Sister Circle.

Project Cradle Care is hosted annually on Founders’ Day (Nov. 12). This past year, members visited Christ Hospital in Cincinnati and delivered two care baskets to families with newborns born that same day. The baskets included diapers, wipes, pacifiers, maternity items and other essential products for both the baby and mother.

Watkins describes Sister Circle as “a safe space where Sigma Gamma Rho members come together to discuss mental health, including struggles with attending a university, being women of color and processing other challenges.”