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This digital exhibit uncovers what was found out about the inactive Black Greek Life organizations that used to thrive on campus at University of the Pacific.

ABOUT

Our Research Journey

This project was inspired by an activity in the archives where we, Kristel, Amaya, and J'son looked through a folder involving Black Student Union material. While looking through the folder, we noticed Black Greek organizations that used to thrive on campus. For a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, we wondered why are these organizations no longer active and where would they be now. Our research could not be found through a simple internet search engine, most of our data had to be found physically through several trips in the archives. We have also held interviews with some members and the executive director of University of the Pacific's campus life.

Throughout this digital exhibit, we will display what we've learned about each Black Greek Life Organization (BGLO) that was affiliated with the University of the Pacific as well as the reasoning for them no longer being active on campus.

Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. (1906)
Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. (1908)
Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. (1913)
Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity, Inc. (1914)
Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, Inc. (1920)
Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority, Inc. (1922)
Iota Phi Theta, Fraternity, Inc. (1963)

WHAT IS THE DIVINE NINE?

The BGLOs at University of the Pacific are included in the Divine Nine.

The Divine Nine, also known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), are BGLOs that were founded on college campuses in the United States, primarily in the early 20th century, and played an important role in providing support, leadership development, and a sense of community for Black students. These organizations are well-known for their dedication to research, community service, and the advancement of African American culture and heritage. They have a substantial presence on college campuses and continue to have an impact on their members and the communities they serve. Each organization has its own distinct history, traditions, and values.

The Divine Nine includes:

The ones that are underlined are the Greek organizations that were active at University of the Pacific and had documents in the archives. There may have been other BGLOs that were appeared on campus but there was not any information on them to be found. Feel free to click on one to learn more about them.

BLACK GREEK FORUM

May 2, 1984

There was not much context on these documents in the archives folder, however it seems like six BGLOs were invited to a meeting to promote and improve continuity of BGLOs at University of the Pacific by Ramon Hendrix. We could not find who Ramon Hendrix is and whether this meeting has helped them flourished throughout the campus. At the time, it looks like there were only eight organizations part of the now Divine Nine. The second photo displays the talking points and goals of the meeting of creating an enriching college experience in a supportive atmosphere, as well as rejecting physical and psychological harassment for pledging. This can be assumed as a conversation over potential hazing practices.