Divine Nine

Divine Nine. The collective name for the nine historically African American fraternities and sororities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Founded in 1930 at Howard University, the NPHC serves as the umbrella organization coordinating these groups, which are renowned for their deep commitment to community service, academic excellence, and the cultivation of leadership. The term "Divine Nine" is a colloquial and widely embraced reference to these organizations, which hold a uniquely influential position in African American culture and the broader landscape of American higher education.

History and formation

The history of these organizations begins with the establishment of Alpha Phi Alpha at Cornell University in 1906, created in response to the racial segregation and exclusion faced by Black students at predominantly white institutions. This was followed by the founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha at Howard University in 1908, Kappa Alpha Psi at Indiana University in 1911, Omega Psi Phi at Howard University in 1911, and Delta Sigma Theta at Howard University in 1913. The later four organizations—Phi Beta Sigma (1914) and Zeta Phi Beta (1920) at Howard, Sigma Gamma Rho at Butler University in 1922, and Iota Phi Theta at Morgan State University in 1963—completed the set. The need for a coordinating council led to the formation of the National Pan-Hellenic Council during a meeting at Howard University, a pivotal event that formalized their collaborative efforts.

Member organizations

The nine member organizations are listed in order of their founding: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Each maintains its own distinct identity, colors, symbols, and national programs, but all operate under the shared principles of the NPHC. These groups are present at hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States and have established robust networks of graduate chapters, known as alumni chapters, in cities worldwide.

Cultural and social impact

The cultural impact of these organizations is profound, having shaped significant aspects of African American civic life, politics, and arts. They have been at the forefront of major social movements, including the Civil Rights Movement, with members like Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis playing leadership roles. Their community programs address critical issues such as voter registration, health disparities, and educational outreach. Culturally, they are famous for creating and popularizing stepping, a complex performance art that has gained international exposure through films like *School Daze* and groups like the Step Afrika! dance company. Their annual conferences, such as the Boule or National Convention, draw tens of thousands of members.

Notable members and achievements

Membership includes a veritable who's who of African American achievement. Notable figures include Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall (Alpha Phi Alpha), Vice President Kamala Harris (Alpha Kappa Alpha), novelist Toni Morrison (Alpha Kappa Alpha), and activist Whitney Young (Omega Psi Phi). In entertainment, members range from filmmaker Spike Lee (Omega Psi Phi) to actress Cicely Tyson (Delta Sigma Theta) and musician Dionne Warwick (Zeta Phi Beta). In sports, legends like Michael Jordan (Omega Psi Phi) and Jerry Rice (Alpha Phi Alpha) are members. Their collective achievements in establishing scholarship funds, building schools, and leading national public health initiatives like Go to High School, Go to College are monumental.

Governance and structure

Each organization is governed independently by its own National President and Board of Directors, operating through a structure of regional and local chapters. The umbrella organization, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, is led by a board composed of representatives from each of the nine groups. The NPHC facilitates joint initiatives, sets standards for inter-organizational conduct, and hosts collaborative events. Key governing events include the individual organizations' National Conventions and the NPHC's own meetings, which are crucial for policy-making and strategic planning. This dual structure allows for both autonomous action and powerful collective advocacy on issues affecting their communities and the nation.

Category:Student societies in the United States Category:African-American organizations