Many at N.C. Central University are under the impression that the fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council — the so-called "Divine Nine" — are the only Greek letter organizations on campus. They're not.
There are also Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Incorporated and Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Incorporated.
Similar to the Divine Nine, Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma aim to create fellowship among their members.
Members of the Epsilon Lambda and Zeta Sigma chapters say the band organizations are often underestimated simply because they are not a part of the Divine Nine.
According to Patrick Jones, president of the Zeta Sigma chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, however, the band organizations have something that the Divine Nine do not.
"We have, in my opinion, an unrivaled level of pride," said Jones.
Simone Taylor, president of the Epsilon Lambda chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, said the benevolence of chapter members upon her arrival at NCCU immediately sparked her interest in joining.
"The ladies made sure we were OK, and offered their help for anything we needed," said Taylor.
"This really made me feel welcome in an environment where I initially felt like an outcast."
According to Taylor, the sorority provided freshman band members with "survival kits" that included member contact information and other useful information. She said members also offered rides to band members without transportation — a service she referred to as the "Turtle Taxi."
"The Epsilon Lambda chapter works within and outside the band to ensure the Marching Sound Machine is always progressing," she said.
The chapter will continue Music to Life, a program that highlights accomplishments of women in music. The program was held last spring after a three-year hiatus.
The Zeta Sigma chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi also has been working to establish a stronger name for their organization on campus.
Last spring, the chapter held its second Miss Kappa Kappa Psi pageant, which Jones called a huge success.
The program is open to all females on campus, regardless of affiliation with the band, to rally support for the fraternity and the Marching Sound Machine.
Kappa Kappa Psi was founded on the campus of Oklahoma State University in 1919. The Zeta Sigma Chapter, founded in 1974, was the first chapter to be chartered on an HBCU campus in North Carolina.
Famous members of the fraternity include Count Basie, Neil Armstrong, and former President Bill Clinton.
Tau Beta Sigma was founded in 1946 at Oklahoma A&M College. The Epsilon Lambda Chapter was chartered at NCCU in 1974. Notable members of the sorority include Queen Latifah and Alicia Keys.
"We are a legit Greek organization, not a club or a fellowship." Jones said of Kappa Kappa Psi.
"We deserve the same amount of respect as the other organizations."
Of Tau Beta Sigma, Taylor said, "We are still a nationally recognized and incorporated Greek organization. We just want everyone to truly understand that, and recognize and respect how we carry out our purpose."
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article! Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now