The National Pan-Hellenic Council was established in an age when racial segregation and disenfranchisement plagued African Americans, the rise of each of the black fraternities and sororities that make up the NPHC bore witness to the fact that despite hardships African Americans refused to ascend to a status of inferiority. The NPHC was formed as a permanent organization on May 10, 1930 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. and was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois in 1937.

The UT Arlington NPHC was formed in the mid 1990's as more and more of the "Divine Nine" NPHC organizations solidified their presence on campus. Currently, UT Arlington is home to six (6) of the nine NPHC organizations (the exception being Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.). Today, the primary purpose and focus of member organizations remains community awareness and action through educational, economic, and cultural service activities. The individual member is also expected to align with a graduate/alumni chapter, following graduation from college to perpetuate the purpose of the council.