umd sees full complement of nphc greeks reunited

In the spirit of Black History Month, the Diamondback at the University of Maryland is celebrating the reuniting on campus of all nine members of the Divine Nine historically black greeks. While chapters' fortunes have ebbed and flowed on campus, now all nine are represented at once, along with a tenth Latina sorority, under the auspices of the Maryland PHC. The final chapter to accede, Iota Phi Theta, also holds the distinction of being the first NPHC chapter formed at a majority-white school, in 1971. Phi Beta Sigma followed shortly thereafter, along with Zeta Phi Beta, the first NPHC sorority on campus. "There is such a historical significance for some of these chapters," said Corey Bailey, the university PHC coordinator.

In addition to those pioneers, the other groups represented are Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Sigma Gamma Rho, Omega Psi Phi, and Lambda Theta Alpha. "Suspensions hurt the PHC. Having everyone back puts everyone on a unified front," said the president of Kappa Alpha Psi, while the local NAACP issued a supportive message as well.

UMd Diamondback