Fraternity & Sorority Life
NPHC Plaza
History and Significance
Built on a promise, the expression "forty acres and a mule" referenced land that was
to be divided into 40-acre plots shortly after the Civil War and provided to freed
slaves as reparations for slavery. It was agreed that each family would receive forty
acres and would be supplied army mules to work their land; however, the federal government
failed to follow through with this order.
In 1865, African Americans believed that ownership was the best way to secure the
feeling and recognition of freedom and
opportunity. The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) use plots today as a symbolic
representation of their belonging to college and university campuses across the nation.
Through the unified efforts of the USF NPHC, Student Government, Office of the Provost,
Student Success, and with the support of the ßÙßÇÂþ» Student Body we have constructed
the USF National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza.
USF is the first, non-Historically Black College and University (HBCU), state institution
in Florida to build physical representation for this underrepresented population.
There is a deep historical significance to this development that celebrates and honors
the achievements of the NPHC members along with their contributions to college/university
campuses and surrounding communities both locally and nationally.
The Ribbon Cutting event was held on February 1, 2019. Thank you to all of the participants
and attendees for making this such a memorable occasion.
Funding for the NPHC Plaza was provided by:
- All nine NPHC undergraduate chapters; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
- ßÙßÇÂþ» Student Government
- USF Administration