Ethnic-based Greek-lettered organizations are an underestimated force usually left in the shadows of their bigger, predominantly white counterparts. They range from social, academic, cultural-emphasis, and service type organizations, much like the better known IFC and Pan-Hell orgs.
The historically black fraternities and sororities, also known as the “Divine Nine” were mostly founded about 100 years ago at the turn of the century to provide brother and sisterhood among African-Americans in a nation still severely polarized by race. In the recent 30 years since then, other organizations founded by Asians, Latinos/as, South Asians, and other minority communities have begun to spring up throughout universities across the country as more and more begin to pursue higher education and find a lack of Greek life that celebrates a mix of their beloved cultures.
These next social sororities may not have enormous houses, but their sisterhood remains strong, spanning anywhere from a couple dozen of chapters to over 1000. They generally do a lot to promote diversity and service work with their respective communities and support each other. Among that, no one can deny the sorority girls of any of these houses are among the most gorgeous women around.
αΚΔΦ
The largest Asian-American interest sorority, the “phoenixes” have expanded from UC Berkely in 1990 to 48 chapters in just 25 years. They work with the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, as well as promoting Asian awareness.
ΑΚΑ
Founded 107 years ago, we have the oldest Greek-lettered, social organization by Black women at the historically Black college of Howard University. Not just limited to the States, some of the over 980 chapters include sorors (sisters) in Canada, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Germany, South Africa, South Korea, and Japan.
ΓΦΩ
Only a few months from their 24th birthday, the ladies at GPhiO might be small in chapter size, but that doesn’t stop them from making this list. These “Swans” work to help the National Diabetes Foundation to combat the disease through awareness and fundraising.
ΔΣΘ
The largest organization on the list, the international Delta ladies represent about 1000 chapters. Founded 102 years ago, the below picture only shows a fraction of the lovely ladies of ΔΣΘ. They work to form community with large corporations and their respective local regions.
ΖΦΒ
Also founded at the historically-black college of Howard University in D.C., these “White Doves” can be found in over 850 chapters throughout USA, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe. This sisterhood puts great emphasis on the need of service to the community.
ΘΝΞ
Founded on the notion of bridging cultural-gaps in 1997 at UNC, these “Butterflies” define themselves as a multi-cultural sorority. They work with the national organization Girls For A Change, seeking to empower young girls to be leaders and bring social change in their communities.
ΛΠΧ
Derived from the first letters of the words “Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad,” (Latinas Promoting Culture) these beautiful Latinas work to promote awareness of the Latino culture in America. The first Latina organization founded at an Ivy League (Cornell), this next group of “Butterflies” are nearing their 27th year mark.
ΛΤΩ
From its founding at Montclair State University to 24 chapters and colonies at present, this multicultural sorority also is approaching their 27th year. Known as “Mermaids,” these ladies focus on ensuring the welfare of children throughout the nation.
ΣΓΡ
The “Poodles” are the only of the four national historically-black sororities founded at a historically-white campus (Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.) They have since expanded in over 92 years to several states and countries with over 500 chapters, colonies, and alumnae chapters.
ΣΙΑ
With 70 chapters, colonies, and grad chapters established in only 25 years, this next Latina-based sorority uses its forces to promote community service, education, and culture. They are known as “Unicorns” and “Pegasi.”
ΣΛΓ
Founded almost 25 years ago at the University of Iowa as a Latina-based sorority, they have since grown to over 140 chapters, colonies, and alumnae associations as a multicultural sorority. The “Purple Panthers” help to create national programs to empower women as leaders of their community.
ΣΛΥ
Recently turned 27, the “Black Persian Cats” of SLU are another beautiful Latina-based sorority. The more than 50 undergraduate and grad-professional chapters of “Señoritas Latinas Unidas” (United Latina Ladies) work to fund literacy among Latino children.
ΧΑΔ
Here is the oldest Asian-based sorority in America. Originally founded by Japanese descended students who were rejected from majority-white sororities, the sisters now come from all sorts of different ethnic backgrounds. They promote Asian culture through food and fashion.
ΩΦΒ
At almost 26 years old, the “Hummingbirds” can be found on 60 Universities throughout the United States. Their main focus is to work to raise awareness of violence against women, although they can be seen promoting various other philanthropies.
