NPHC Week on Northwestern State University’s campus is a celebration designed to showcase the unity, service and history of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and its nine historically Black Greek organizations, known as the Divine Nine (D9). This week offers NPHC organizations the opportunity to educate others about their rich legacies, promote their values and engage the campus and local community through events that highlight leadership, service and culture.

D9 comes together to host a variety of fun and educational events for NPHC Week, meant to spread awareness about NPHC organizations while welcoming stories from all walks of life.

Christian Holmes, a senior communication major and the president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., named NPHC Week’s step show as one of his favorite events. “It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase our talents to the community while also preserving the art of stepping, which is a vital tradition in D9 culture,” Holmes said.

Another one of Holmes’ favorite memories was participating in the NPHC panel. “It was a meaningful experience to sit down with peers, share my perspective and answer questions about NPHC. It felt impactful to help others understand our purpose and the values that guide our organizations,” Holmes said.

Caiden Matthews, a senior business administration major and the grand polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., boasted about the ‘Meet the Greeks’ event during NPHC Week. “It was exciting to have all the NPHC organizations come together in one space and interact with students who were curious about joining or learning more about D9,” Matthews said. “The energy on the Kyser Brickway was amazing, and it felt great to answer questions, share my experiences and build connections with students who are passionate about leadership and community.”

Other events, like the NPHC Unity Picture and Service Day at the Boys and Girls Club, also stand out because they emphasize the importance of togetherness and giving back. “It was fulfilling to connect with the youth and make an impact on their lives, even in small ways,” Matthews said. “The event allowed us to show the importance of service, which is a core pillar of NPHC, while also leaving a lasting impression on the community. Seeing how excited the kids were to engage with us made it a truly rewarding experience.”