Black History Month: The Divine 9
DELMARVA – Continuing our Black History Month journey, we now look to understand the importance and significance of African American Fraternities and Sororities.
National Pan Hellenic Council
Founded in May of 1930, the National Pan Hellenic Council, or NPHC, brought together the Black Greek-lettered organizations, more commonly known as the Divine 9. Many of those members have been influential in American history whether it be entertainment, education, or whether they are politicians or preachers, they’ve changed the community in one way or another.
Scholarship, Service, Brother, and Sisterhood. These principles are what the NPHC organizations were founded on to encourage excellence within the Black community during a time when they had few rights, lots of pride, and most importantly a desire to be educated. On the Eastern Shore, some make history daily, and others, give back.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The first fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha was founded in 1906. They gained members who embodied those very principles like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and local Chef Darrin Clark, who says for 37 years A-Phi-A has made him a better Black man. “Those outside of our culture don’t understand the significance of every organization, and what it meant for civil rights, leadership in the community, overcoming hardships.”
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Activist Coretta Scott King and Local legend Mary Gladys Jones were both women of AKA, founded in 1908. Latoya Jenkins is the Vice President of Enrollment Mangement and Student Affairs at The University of Maryland Eastern Shore. As a new initiate, she is proving Greekdom is revered throughout adulthood in the Black community. “This has been a new process, while I always have given back to my community and helped others, I am now a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.”
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Founded January 1911, Kappa Alpha Psi brethren include Pastor Ralph Abernathy, NBA Start Oscar Roberson and UMES NPHC advisor Aaron Cork. He’s been a Nupe for over a decade and says the Divine 9 is Black History… “A lot of them have overcome great adversities. In their missions’ statements, their purposes have really been to advance Black Culture, Black people and to really be a help to people in the community who need that structure.”
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Creator of Negro History Week Carter G. Woodson is a member of Omega Psi Phi, founded November 1911. Salisbury resident Earlee Corbin Jr. just “crossed the burning sands” saying Ques don’t just hang ‘owt’, they give back.” Just being around like-minded gentlemen and willing to care so much about our community to do whatever it takes to push our community forward.”
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Founded in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta has produced Politicians Shirley Chisholm and Wor- Wic Community College Dean of Students Dr. Kimberly Purvis. As a member for over 30 years, she addresses common misconceptions, and says Greek life is just that, for life! “They are based on parties and stepping, and things of that nature. But they are so much more than that, as a matter of fact, you truly don’t learn the essence of the organization until you’re out of college.”
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Scientist Hosea Williams, and Magazine Curator for Inspire One Samuel Henry, are both members of Phi Beta Sigma, founded in 1914. Henry says he pledged Sigma 31 years ago, and it changed his life. “It focused me. It helped me to understand there’s something greater than me. It helped me understand that I need to give back to my community. Help the next generation.”
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Speaking of the next generation, founded in 1920, Zeta Phi Beta was the first to create auxiliary groups to help at risk youth succeed and change communities. Prominent members of the sorority include Actress Esther Rolle or Comedian Sheryll P. Underwood. No matter who it is, D9 women have made history and helped the country.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
The final sorority of the Divine 9 is Sigma Gamma Rho, founded in 1922. Members include historical greats like singer and actress Hattie McDaniel. Salisbury business owner Yodit Geramu has been an SGRho for the past 25 years and has seen the good and bad in the Greek world. However, she says the NPHC has the power to change the entire black community
“There’s a lot of support between organizations; there’s also a lot of competition between organizations. That competition is not towards a common goal. And I think not having that common goal stops of from really realizing the potential, I mean the real potential… like the ability to create an NPHC bank.”
Iota Phi Theta, Fraternity, Inc.
Founded 1963, Iotas complete the Divine 9. Members range from Representative Bobby Rush to UMES NPHC president Jullian Thomas, who explains why this is so important. “I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself…. the reason I chose Iota Phi Theta is because of their values and community service.”
Greek Unity
Each organization has different hands signs, distinct verbal calls, various colors, their own secret handshakes. However, what they do have in common is they serve their communities and encourage Black excellence. Each of these groups are non- hazing organizations and promote Greek Unity. For more information about Black Greek organizations, visit the NPHC’s website.
