University Libraries: Black History Month: Coastal Communities

Campus Initiatives for Black Students

African-American Initiative for Men (AAIM)
The African American Initiative for Men (AAIM) is a retention program administered by Intercultural and Inclusion Student Services. This initiative is designed to improve the academic and personal growth of men in the program
Women of Color
The Women of Color initiative is designed to enhance communication, camaraderie, and mentorship opportunities among all women of color. Students are provided a venue for all to come together and share common concerns and discuss issues that affect them on and off-campus. Empowerment sessions are one avenue used for students to express themselves, and to gain guidance and information.‌

Student Organizations for Black Students

African American Association
Afro-Am unites people of all backgrounds, promotes inclusion on Coastal's campus through programs, events, and forums, and presents the association’s ideas and view to the Coastal Carolina University community through programs, projects, meetings and forums.
Coastal Inspirational Ambassadors (CIA)
This organization offers positive and inspiring gospel music programs. The group seeks to perpetuate the tradition of gospel music and to recognize the importance of gospel in the preservation of African American history. The Coastal Carolina University Inspirational Ambassadors perform on campus and at events across the state and region.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Since its founding in 1909 by a multiethnic group of individuals, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has promoted equality for all individuals from all walks of life. The CCU chapter, which is open to all students regardless of ethnicity, was organized in 1997 and offers programs that seek to unite the campus community while educating students on both the importance and necessity of equality.
Teal Temptation
Teal Temptation is an organization that expresses urban culture, creativity and individuality through hip hop choreography and dance movements. Although dancing is the main objective, this organization creates and participates in many service projects and fundraising events and positive programs.

Historically Black Fraternities & Sororities

Fraternities
Sororities

Alpha Phi Alpha
The objective of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is to stimulate the ambition of its members; to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom and dignity; and to aid downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status. In 1976, the Nu Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. became the first of all service fraternities or sororities to form at Coastal.
Omega Psi Phi
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. purpose is to bring about union of college men of similar high ideals of scholarship, and manhood in order to stimulate the attainment of ideas and ambitions of its members; occupy a progressive helpful and constructive place in political life of the community and nation; and foster the humanity, freedom and dignity of the individual; and aid downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher economic and intellectual status.
Phi Beta Sigma
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is an international fraternity whose motto is “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity.” The founders wanted to create an organization that viewed itself as “a part of” the community rather than “apart from.” This fraternity’s objectives are to advance the ideals of brotherhood and service, promote education and scholarship, develop an appreciation of our culture, and foster programs which advance these objectives. The Beta Beta Iota Chapter was chartered at CCU in Fall 2004.

Currently Inactive

Kappa Alpha Psi
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was founded on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana by 10 men under the motto “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor”. The Pi Gamma Chapter at CCU was charted on April 16, 2006 and is inactive until May 2023.
Iota Phi Theta
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. was founded on September 19, 1963 at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Their motto is “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One.” Iota Phi Theta is eligible for charter at CCU.

For additional information on these or other greek-lettered organizations, please contact Fraternity & Sorority Life.

Alpha Kappa Alpha
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is an international sorority whose motto is “Service to all Mankind.” This group is highly involved in community service and promotes academic excellence and positive leadership. Members of CCU’s Rho Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority are involved in a variety of programs and activities campuswide. Alpha Kappa Alpha is interested in women who want to impact society in positive ways. The Rho Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was chartered at CCU on April 22, 1997.
Delta Sigma Theta
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is an international organization that provides an extensive array of service programs through its five-point program thrust: economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. Membership in Delta Sigma Theta is based on academic excellence and community involvement. The Sigma Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was chartered at CCU on April 21, 1996.
Zeta Phi Beta
Zeta Phi Beta was founded on the campus of Howard University on January 16, 1920. The Sorority's international programs such as Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) through Mind, Body and Spirit serve to empower people from all walks of life. As the sorority moves toward its centennial, it retains its original zest for excellence. It espouses the highest academic ideals and that has resulted in its members serving in groundbreaking roles in all fields of endeavor.
Tau Psi of Sigma Gamma Rho
It is the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S. and globally through community service, civil, and social action. Their goal is to achieve greater progress in the areas of education, health awareness, and leadership development. Their members, affiliates, staff, and community partners work to create and support initiatives that align with our vision.

For additional information on these or other greek-lettered organizations, please contact Fraternity & Sorority Life.

Organizations for Black Studies

Joyner Institute for Gullah and African Diaspora Studies
The Charles Joyner Institute for Gullah and African Diaspora Studies examines the historical migration and scattering of African populations to local geographical areas and the subsequent evolution of blended cultures, specifically Gullah. CCU’s location at the northern tip of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor puts it in a unique position for diaspora study and research. The work of the institute provides students with experiential learning opportunities, both at home and abroad, that center on interconnections among local, national, and global peoples and their societies. The Institute is also a catalyst for community involvement.