NPHC Council of Presidents Announces Strategic Priorities Supporting Viability of the African American Community

The following is a press release that was sent to Watch The Yard by Henry Stewart CCO, Assistant Executive Director of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council of Presidents of the National Pan Hellenic Council Inc., representing the nine historically Black Greek-Lettered Organizations, announced today its annual strategic priorities that will guide its collective efforts to address systemic issues affecting the viability of the African American community.

Under the leadership of Dr. Everett B. Ward, the council’s newly-installed chairman and General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the council outlined its strategic priorities, including: voter engagement, 2020 Census, economic impact, minority business development, HBCU sustainability, and healthcare advocacy after its retreat and during the council’s Sept. 12th meeting at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. International headquarters.

“We are at a precarious time in the history of our nation,” said Dr. Ward. The serious nature of these issues in this current climate necessitates intentional strategic action. We are committed to using the power of our 1.5 million collective membership to engender positive societal change.

In addition, the Council named Dr. Ward, and Dr. David Marion, Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the council’s chairman and vice chairman, respectively. The Council is also comprised of Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beverly E. Smith, National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Valerie Hollingsworth Baker, International Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Andre Manson, Grand Polaris of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Reuben A. Shelton, III, Esq., Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Deborah Catchings- Smith, International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Michael E. Cristal, International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., as well as Vanetta Cheeks Reeder, National President of the National Pan Hellenic Council Inc.

Each of the nine BGLOs best practices and resources will be leveraged as part of this strategic approach to create favorable living conditions for African Americans nationwide.

“We, as a council, and as distinct organizations, recognize that we can have a critical impact on the circumstances of our communities through our collective action,” said Dr. David Marion, the council’s newly-installed Vice Chairman. “These strategic priorities will directly inform our efforts to create opportunity and advocate for equity.”

In other action, the Council also established a partnership with the National Council of Negro Women to provide financial support and technical assistance to that organization. All nine organizations also agreed to support NCNWs annual HBCU Hungry for Education Tour every fall.