The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) is an umbrella organization for nine historically black, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. Each of the nine NPHC organizations evolved during a period when African-Americans were being denied essential rights and privileges afforded other college students.

NPHC was formed as a permanent organization on May 10, 1939 on the campus of Howard University, in Washington, D.C. NPHC was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois in 1937. Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta were the 5 founding members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) in 1930. The council's membership expanded as Alpha Phi Alpha (1931), Phi Beta Sigma (1931), Sigma Gamma Rho (1937), and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (1996) joined the NPHC.

The council promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.

Today, the primary purpose and focus of member organizations remains community awareness and action through educational, economic, and cultural service activities. The individual member is also expected to align with a graduate/alumni chapter, following graduation from college to perpetuate the purpose of the council.