Black History at UA

The University of Arizona has a rich and diverse history as the oldest state institution of higher education in Arizona. Critical to the history of UA are the contributions of Black faculty, staff, and students. Explore highlights of this history below.

University of Arizona is home to 8 historically Black Greek Letter organizations out of the traditional Divine Nine organizations. Learn more about the Fraternity and Sorority Programs at UA with cultural affiliations.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.*

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.*

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.*

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.*

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.*

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.*

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.*

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.*

*These organizations have chapters at the University of Arizona.

African American Student Affairs (AASA)

The mission of African American Student Affairs (AASA) is to facilitate a support system that helps students achieve academic excellence and an enriching African American cultural experience at the University of Arizona. AASA provides opportunities for students to learn more about leadership, social justice, and creating community.

The Department of Africana Studies offers an interdisciplinary major and minor, a minor in hip-hop cultures, and a variety of internships and study abroad opportunities. The department embraces new technologies and is a leader in online offerings and digital humanities.

The faculty encompasses diverse academic backgrounds producing a fertile and exciting interdisciplinary dynamic evident in both teaching and research. Africana Studies encourages students from all backgrounds to investigate the historical and contemporary experiences of Africana peoples and how they are shaped by gender, class, race, and other important ideas.

MLK Building

The University of Arizona’s African American Cultural Resource Center was established in 1991, a year and a half after students protested in front of the administration building for more resources and attention to be dedicated to supporting diversity and the unique needs of Black students on campus. From that protest, the students established an area dedicated to developing leadership, promoting social justice, and improving academic skills. The building that housed the newly formed cultural unit, formerly belonging to the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, was renamed the Martin Luther King Jr. Building and is now affectionately referred to as “the MLK”.