Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Lucien J. Metellus, Jr.
General President
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Danette Anthony Reed
International President and CEO
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Jimmy McMikle
Grand Polemarch
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Ricky Lawrence Lewis
Grand Basileus
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Elsie Cooke-Holmes
International President, Chair, National Board of Directors
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Hon. Chris V. Rey, JD, Chair
International President
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Stacie N. C. Grant, Vice Chair
International President
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Marica T. Harris
International Grand Basileus
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Sean D. Housen, Sr., Ed. D
International Grand Polaris
Phone
844-267-4247
Web
info@nphchq.com
nphchq.com
Headquarters
3951 Snapfinger Parkway
Suite 565
Decatur, GA 30035
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 5821
Philadelphia, PA 19128The Council of Presidents
National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.®
Joint Statement Opposing Censorship of American History at the
National Museum of African American History and Culture
April 9, 2025
For Immediate Release
The Council of Presidents of the National Pan Hellenic Council® (NPHC®), representing
the nine historically Black Greek-lettered Organizations and more than 2.5 million
members worldwide, strongly opposes any attempt to censor, distort, or dismantle the
telling of America’s full and inclusive history. Efforts to withhold funding from the
Smithsonian complex, especially the National Museum of African American History and
Culture, threaten not only a vital educational resource but also the very integrity of our
national narrative.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture serves as a cornerstone
in the preservation and celebration of African American history and culture. This history
is American history. From slavery to civil rights to the cultural innovations that continue
to shape the world, the museum ensures these stories are not forgotten, denied, or
politicized.
NPHC® also commends the outstanding leadership of Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III. As
the founding director of the museum and the first African American Secretary of the
Smithsonian Institution, Secretary Bunch has championed the power of historical truth
to unite, educate, and heal. His dedication to scholarship, accessibility, and equity has
elevated the Smithsonian mission and broadened its relevance to all Americans.
The NPHC® was founded on May 10, 1930, at Howard University in Washington, DC. The
purpose of the NPHC® is to foster cooperative actions of its members in dealing with
matters of mutual concern. Thus, NPHC® promotes the well-being of its affiliate
fraternities and sororities, facilitates the establishment and development of local
councils of the NPHC®, which collaboratively work together across the United States and
provides leadership training for its constituents. We believe that knowledge uplifts
communities, empowers individuals, and strengthens democracy. Secretary Bunch
continues in that tradition and reminds us that museums are not merely repositories of
the past. They are tools for building a better future.
The NPHC® calls on policymakers, educators, and citizens across the country to reject
false narratives that seek to divide us. We must support institutions that honor our
collective past and protect our shared future. The National Museum of African American
History and Culture plays a vital role in that mission, and we will continue to advocate for
its preservation and advancement.
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The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated® (NPHC®) is currently composed of nine
(9) International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®,
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.®, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,
Inc., Iota Phi Theta® Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho
Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. For more
information, visit www.nphchq.com.
