The Upbringing of Kappa Alpha Psi and Delta Sigma Theta On Northern Illinois University's Campus
In the year of 1968, both the Epsilon Omicron chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated and The Zeta Iota chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated were chartered on Northern Illinois University campus. At the time there were less than 300 Black students on campus, making the university predominately white and difficult to establish Black Greek Letter organizations on this campus. However, during the 1960s is when Black Greek Letter organizations began to make a rise and grow on NIU campus . During this time of black student rising, there were many obstacles that both chapters had to overcome to be chartered on NIU’s campus. At this time at NIU there were already two black greek letter organizations Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated that was chartered in 1964 and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated that was chartered in 1960 which caused issues for the charting of Kappa Alpha Psi. “The university turned us down, their reasoning was there was already a black fraternity on campus Alpha Phi Alpha and why couldn't we couldn't we belong to one which showed how racism was in that time” (Wilson,2015). Since these two chapters were already at NIU, the administration believed that all black students interested in Greek life should join those organizations. 1968 was a peak year for the civil rights movement through protest and fight towards administration; the Epsilon Omicron chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. was granted a charter. The document below is a picture of Delta Sigma Theta becoming a Student association recognized.
When the Zeta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority proposed to be at NIU, NIU wanted them to join the Panhellenic Council even though they had different rushing styles, and the Zeta Iota chapter had specifically proposed that they not be a part of the Panhellenic council. The Panhellenic council is a sorority council that is home to 26 different sororities both national and international. However, Delta Sigma Theta is a part of the National Pan- Hellenic Council. Since NIU required Delta Sigma Theta to be a part of the Panhellenic council they did not start as their true name, they had to start as Delta Chi Omega because they could not be established on campus without being a local body for at least one year. Once they were a local body they then were able to be established as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated at NIU. Pictured below is a letter of members from the Zeta Iota chapter requesting they not be a part of the panhellenic council.
Although the charter members faced challenges bringing the two organizations to NIU, the consistent effort to fight for black students created the trend of black organizations rising on campus. Organizations such as the National Black Choir and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People were also chartered. At this point in time NIU student life began to grow on campus. Black students were now able to make the best of their college experience by having the opportunity to join different Black Greek Lettered organizations which created a greater sense of belonging for black students. “Kappa made us feel like we belong, we displayed unity to the campus by having over 100 members on the yard”(Green,2015). However, even though life started to get better they still had to face obstacles as their organizations grew. In 1970 greek row was a vital piece to student life. Greek row was located on the street called Greenbrier that is located near the campus. The only Greek Lettered organizations that had a house were White Greek Lettered organizations. In 1973 Kappa Alpha Psi became the first black fraternity to have a house on NIU’s Greek Row which now gave black students a place to hang out outside of class. “We were the only ones with the house and we didn't mind sharing it because it was all for the black experience” (Stevens,2015). Pictured below is the first house of the Epsilon Omicron chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Fifty Six years has gone by since these organizations have been chartered on NIU campus, and their student life has changed significantly. To this very day these greek letter organizations offer community service opportunities, professional development and connections, and life long sisterhood and brotherhood for individuals. Through the years both organizations grew and began to be the vital point in student life for black students upholding the principles of scholarship, black excellence and serving the community through service. As time moved on both organizations grew significantly in numbers having over 250 members in both chapters. The social capital that these organizations had led to them creating annual events such as the sweetheart ball and Crimson and Cream ball which are still events that occur to this day in time still serving the same . In 2024 both organizations are still active and serving as leading factors in creating a sense of belonging for black students on campus.
References
- Phillip Powell: (2015, Oct 20). Epsilon Omicron Documentary [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9FOsn8WPBw&t=670s
- Julia Hudson (1980, Oct 16).Box 4
- Julia Hudson (Date unknown).Box 10
Authors
- Matthew McConnell, M.S.Ed. ‘26,
- Olivia Newman M.S.Ed. ‘ 26
- Tiffany Dixon M.S.Ed. ‘26
- Micheal Rojas M.S.Ed ‘ 26