Marking a Legacy: Charlotte Commemorates Historic NPHC Organizations

By Bernie Petit and Lyndsay Richter
Photos by Amy Hart and Kat Lawrence

Historically Black fraternities and sororities have been a driving force on UNC Charlotte’s campus for more than 50 years.

Their enduring legacy of service and unity echoes from the Star Quad, located at the center of campus between the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center and J. Murrey Atkins Library, and reverberates throughout the greater Charlotte community and beyond.

To honor the lasting impact of these National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternity and sorority organizations, UNC Charlotte recently installed commemorative markers around the Star Quad’s perimeter.

“NPHC organizations are more than just a part of campus life – they are testament to the strength, perseverance and brilliance of the African American community,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Kevin W. Bailey at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in November.

“They provide a sanctuary and community for Black students to find others who share their experiences and understand their struggles. More than that, these organizations offer a space for leadership development, personal growth, academic achievement and mentorship, which leads to student success.”

Founded in 1930, the NPHC consists of nine historically Black sororities and fraternities, collectively known as the “Divine Nine.” UNC Charlotte’s first Greek-letter organization was an NPHC organization, Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., chartered in 1970.

In the Star Quad plaza, nine bronze markers recognize each member organization by name, crest, founding date and motto, and include the chapter’s charter dates and letters. An additional marker provides historical context for the overall installation.

A Connected Community

For Robert Rowell ‘81, the commemorative markers symbolize the pivotal role that the Black Greek-letter organizations played in the growth and spirit of UNC Charlotte.

“It represents, personally, that we were there, that we played a major part in the institution,” said Rowell, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

During his time on campus, UNC Charlotte was home to roughly 8,000 students. Being part of a historically Black fraternity or sorority meant sticking with and supporting fellow NPHC members.

Every service project, intramural game and shared moment helped build a more connected NPHC community that extended beyond social gatherings.

“I don’t limit myself just to being an Alpha man,” he said, adding that his relationships with his extended Black fraternity and sorority family continue today. “I play golf and hang out with my Q’s, with my Kappas; we were all one big, happy family.”

The campus markers, Rowell said, reflect cherished memories of camaraderie, service and the evolution of UNC Charlotte.

A Significant Place

Krista Manns ‘95 describes the commemorative markers as a unifying symbol for the University’s historically Black Greek-letter organizations.

“To identify a location on campus that brings all the organizations together, it was just incredibly exciting to see,” said Manns, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Her college experience was marked by leadership and community, shaped significantly through her involvement with the sorority’s Kappa Kappa chapter.

“All of the leadership skills that I have, I got them from being a member of the Kappa Kappa chapter,” she said.

Beyond leadership, Manns highlights the lasting friendships formed during her time on campus. Together with one of her best friends, Toya Corbett – also an AKA – she created the Friends Giving Scholarship in 2019. The scholarship, which supports students in the SAFE program, celebrates the bonds and support networks that make the transition to college life smoother.

Manns also pointed out the significance of the markers’ location: NPHC members adopted the name “Star Quad” years ago to refer to the centrally located brick plaza surrounding a concrete-inlaid compass rose design. The plaza and surrounding gathering space continue to host many NPHC traditions, such as new member activities and the popular annual yard show. 

Ultimately, the commemorative markers serve as a permanent reminder of the Divine Nine.

“If you look across all the organizations,” said Manns, “while the colors and letters may be different, you can’t deny that the service that those organizations have poured into the campus community over the last 50 years has been significant.”

The NPHC Markers

Last fall’s unveiling ceremony, which took place during Niner Nation Week, drew more than 600 students, staff, alumni and community guests.

Alumni members from each of the nine organizations participated in the ribbon cutting:

• Robert Rowell, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
• Krista Manns, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Ryan Walker, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
• Gregory Massey, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
• Emma Allen, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Milton Brown, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
• Chanda Wright, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Sabrina Brown, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
• Darrell McGill, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Following the ribbon cutting, student members from each chapter unveiled the markers:

• Greg Williams, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
• Zyan Rhynehardt, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 
• Tommie Neely, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 
• Khalil Moore, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
• Kayla Walker, Delta Sigma Theta Fraternity, Inc. 
• Kendrick Grant, Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity, Inc.
• Erica Canady, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• John Barnes, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. 
• Jazmine Chance, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and National Pan-Hellenic Council

Special guests included Dontá L. Wilson ‘97, vice chair of the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Demond Martin ‘97 and Kia Martin ‘98, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Sorority, Inc, respectively; and Joyce Davis Waddell ‘73, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., in addition to Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Beth Crigler and other University leaders.