The Lifetime Commitment
AUSTIN — Throughout the summer, greek organizations in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) hosts several different greek picnics in their respective states and regions.
The NPHC consists of nine historically black greek letter organizations. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Those organizations in the NPHC is also referred to as the Divine 9 or D9.
When we discuss greek life and sororities and fraternities, the main image we think about is that it is a college thing only. There are even conversations some people will have with each other where the statement, “I was a (whatever fraternity or sorority that person was in) in college.”
But with the NPHC, all of those organizations are lifetime commitments; meaning once you become apart of a certain organization, you will always be identified as such.
Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are shown participating in strolling or uniformed dancing in a line. Photo courtesy: @capturedbyAP
“Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLO) are a beautiful lifetime commitment that consists of a bond that is not easily broken,” said Lauryn Cornish, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. “Non- Black Greek Letter Organizations are nothing of the sorts. I would say they are purely for college fun.”
Since there are nine greek organizations in the NPHC, NPHC members always strive to uphold unity, scholarship, and service.
Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are shown participating in strolling or uniformed dancing in a line. Photo courtesy: @capturedbyAP
Texas Greek Picnic (TGP) is one of those events where unity is really evident. There is literally representation from all nine greek organizations regardless if those members and or individuals are from Texas.
T.J. Stokes, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., traveled from Florida with his chapter to experience Texas Greek Picnic.
“I wanted to fellowship with more Omega men and other organizations,” said Stokes. “My experience was great.”
Stokes said that TGP showed that D9 organizations can come together and do great things in the community.
Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. from several different chapters and regions are pictured. Photo courtesy: Lauryn Cornish
Cornish said she really enjoyed the atmosphere of the picnic. “The unity within my organization is beautiful and of course, showed at the picnic. I believe other organizations may have felt the same about their respective organizations,” Cornish said.
Aisosa Aimufua, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., said TGP contributes to the black Greek community because it brings all of us together for one weekend to celebrate, network and build Greek unity.
Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are pictured during their first greek picnic. Photo courtesy: Lauryn Cornish
“I think TGP is important for the black greek community to show all organizations how powerful and strong the other organizations are. TGP gives a sense of equality and love that is not felt elsewhere,” said Cornish.
