The Divine 9: A Legacy of Excellence, Unity, and Service
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The Divine Nine (D9) refers to the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations (BGLOs) that have profoundly impacted the African American community, higher education, and society at large. These fraternities and sororities have not only provided a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood but also paved the way for social change, activism, and academic achievement. Each of these organizations has its own unique history, but they share common goals of promoting excellence, leadership, and service to the community.
We’ll explore the origins of the Divine Nine, how these organizations came to be, and the lasting impact they have had on society.
The Beginnings of Black Greek-Lettered Organizations
The formation of BGLOs is rooted in the broader history of African Americans in the United States. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, African Americans faced systemic racism, segregation, and exclusion from many of the institutions that were accessible to their white counterparts, including mainstream fraternities and sororities. As a result, Black students at historically white colleges and universities sought spaces where they could form bonds, support each other, and build networks of influence in a segregated society.
The first BGLO, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was founded in 1906 at Cornell University by seven visionary Black men who wanted to create an organization that would support their academic and social success. They wanted an outlet to foster leadership and cultivate brotherhood amidst the climate of racial adversity they faced. This marked the beginning of a wave of fraternity and sorority formations that would later become known as the Divine Nine.
The Divine Nine: The 9 Organizations
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1906)
Founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University, Alpha Phi Alpha is the first Black Greek-letter fraternity. The fraternity's motto, “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All,” encapsulates the organization's mission to foster leadership and support the African American community. -
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908)
Alpha Kappa Alpha, founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University, is the first African American sorority. The organization was created to provide a network for Black women to pursue academic and social success. Its motto, “By Culture and By Merit,” speaks to the organization’s focus on intellectual development and service. -
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
Kappa Alpha Psi, established on January 5, 1911, at Indiana University Bloomington, was created to promote achievement and excellence in Black men. Its motto, “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor,” highlights the fraternity's commitment to cultivating leaders and advancing African American communities. -
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
Founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University, Omega Psi Phi is known for its dedication to service, leadership, and scholarship. The fraternity’s motto is “Friendship is Essential to the Soul,” emphasizing the importance of strong bonds between brothers. -
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913)
Delta Sigma Theta, founded on January 13, 1913, at Howard University, was created with a focus on political activism and social justice. The sorority’s motto, “Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom,” embodies its commitment to scholarship, public service, and advocacy for African American women. -
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914)
Phi Beta Sigma, established on January 9, 1914, at Howard University, was founded with the belief that "Culture for Service and Service for Humanity" should be central to the fraternity's mission. It’s known for promoting brotherhood, scholarship, and service to the community. -
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920)
Zeta Phi Beta, founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University, was the first Black Greek-lettered sorority to establish chapters in Africa. The sorority's motto, “A Community-Conscious, Action-Oriented Organization,” reflects its dedication to service, community engagement, and advancing the cause of women. -
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922)
Sigma Gamma Rho, founded on November 12, 1922, at Butler University, is known for its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for women through education and service. Its motto, “Greater Service, Greater Progress,” speaks to the organization’s goal of fostering empowerment and leadership among women. -
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (1963)
Iota Phi Theta was founded on September 19, 1963, at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. As one of the newest members of the Divine Nine, Iota Phi Theta was established with the idea of creating a fraternity that not only prioritized brotherhood and unity but also was rooted in social activism. The fraternity’s motto is “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One.”
Why the Divine Nine Matters
Each of these organizations was created with the aim of addressing the unique social and cultural challenges facing African American students during their time of founding. Through these organizations, members have been able to build lifelong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, pursue academic excellence, engage in public service, and provide leadership for future generations. The Divine Nine organizations have produced countless influential leaders, scholars, activists, and public figures in politics, entertainment, business, and other sectors.
Additionally, the Divine Nine’s commitment to public service and social activism has ensured that these organizations remain relevant and impactful today. Their members continue to advocate for social justice, fight against inequality, and uplift the African American community through numerous philanthropic endeavors.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
The legacy of the Divine Nine is both rich and far-reaching. The collective efforts of these organizations have contributed to the civil rights movement, advocated for educational equality, and influenced policy change in local and national contexts. Through educational programs, community service initiatives, and political activism, the Divine Nine has played an instrumental role in advancing the well-being of the African American community and promoting greater social equity.
Whether through the establishment of scholarship programs, involvement in political campaigns, or providing disaster relief, these organizations have maintained a focus on serving their communities and creating positive change. Their alumni continue to inspire future generations to live up to the values of leadership, integrity, and service that were foundational to their creation.
The Divine Nine organizations have a deep and rich history that reflects the perseverance, commitment, and dedication of Black students who, despite adversity, came together to create institutions that would uplift and empower their communities. From their humble beginnings on college campuses in the early 20th century to their current positions as powerhouses of service, scholarship, and activism, the Divine Nine organizations continue to inspire and provide support to millions of individuals around the world. Their ongoing impact is a testament to the vision, resilience, and strength of those who believed in the power of unity, excellence, and service.
As we look to the future, the Divine Nine will undoubtedly continue to shape the lives of generations to come, reminding us of the power of unity, love, and service.