Black Greek Letter Organizations are an often overlooked part of OSU’s campus.
Beginning with the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., there are five chapters on campus. They are part of the National Pan-Hellenic Conference, an “umbrella council composed of historically African American fraternities and sororities.”
While all have different guiding principles, their common themes are service and friendship. For many, this draws them to the organization.
Community service is a central part of their mission. Giving back to OSU strengthens a sense of campus-wide community and fosters a positive reputation for their organizations. As part of their service, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. helps students and their families on move-in day.
Predominantly Black organizations define a stronger sense of community on campus. NPHC is one of 15 organizations on campus specifically for Black students. However, these organizations are open to anyone who wishes to join. With more than 500 student organizations registered on campus, historically Black organizations make up a small percentage of the population.
Some of them are relatively small.
Keelon Viney-Young, the president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., said his goal is to make everyone feel welcome.
“For me, it’s always important to anybody coming to a space that they’re not used to,” Viney-Young said. “They’re going to find a sense of community. I feel like organizations like fraternities or sororities, give you time and space to foster community.”
Each organization does its part to serve and share its values with the OSU community and beyond. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. performed, in collaboration with other Historically Black Colleges and Universities, at the OKC Thunder halftime show. Recently, all five sororities and fraternities performed their strolls during halftime of the OSU vs. Kansas men’s basketball game.
For more information on OSU’s five historically Black sororities and fraternities, visit lcl.okstate.edu/gogreek/ and click on the “National Pan-Hellenic Council” tab.
