Black Greek 101: Unlocking the Hidden World of Divine Nine Sororities and Fraternities

The Divine Nine, comprising nine historically African American fraternities and sororities, form a cornerstone of Black Greek-letter organizations (BGLOs) in North America, blending social fellowship with a profound commitment to community uplift. Rooted in the traditions of Black colleges and shaped by the challenges of segregation, these organizations have produced generations of leaders across politics, business, and culture. This guide explores their history, structure, values, and enduring impact on society and personal development.

The Historical Genesis: From Campus Exclusion to National Legacy

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were periods of intense racial segregation and limited educational access for African Americans. At predominantly white institutions, Black students were often barred from existing Greek organizations, denied housing, and faced social ostracization. In response, they forged their own spaces for brotherhood, scholarship, and support. The first of the Divine Nine, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University. Its formation by seven visionary men—Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy—established a template of academic excellence, social consciousness, and mutual aid that would define the BGLO movement.

Following Alpha Phi Alpha’s lead, eight other organizations were established over the next two decades, each with distinct missions but shared principles. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908, Howard University) became the first sorority founded by Black women. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (1911, Indiana University) emphasized achievement in every field of human endeavor. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911, Howard University) was the first to be founded at a HBCU. The wave continued with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913, Howard University), which would become synonymous with public service and social activism, notably during the Suffragist March and the Civil Rights Movement.

The Divine Nine: A Closer Look at the Nine Organizations

The term “Divine Nine” was popularized in the 1990s and refers to the nine BGLOs that are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), a collaborative umbrella organization. Each has a rich history, unique symbols, and a signature focus.

Fraternities

1. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1906): Founded at Cornell. Notable members include Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Michael Jordan. Its national programs include the “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College” initiative.
2. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (1911): Known for its emphasis on achievement and community service. It was the first Black fraternity chartered at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
3. Sigma Pi Phi fraternity (officially Lambda Pi Chi) (1914): A social fraternity founded at Boston University.
4. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911): Founded at Howard University. The first international collegiate fraternity founded by African Americans, with a constitution penned by the renowned sociologist and historian, Carter G. Woodson. Notable members include Countee Cullen, Charles Hamilton Houston, and James Weldon Johnson.
5. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914): Founded at Howard University with a focus on brotherhood, scholarship, and service. It was a co-founder of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Sororities

6. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908): The first Black women’s intercollegiate Greek organization. It has a global impact, with programs like “Healthy Communities” and “Educational Advancement.”
7. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913): Perhaps the most visible in civic engagement, with a legacy of activism. It was founded by 22 collegiate women at Howard University, just two months before the historic 1913 Women’s Suffrage Parade in Washington, D.C., where they marched as part of the Howard contingent.
8. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920): The first Greek-letter organization to charter a chapter in Africa (Monrovia, Liberia, 1948). It is known for its emphasis on social action and the “Amicae” program, which focuses on motherless boys.
9. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922): Founded by seven schoolteachers in Indianapolis. It has a strong legacy in arts, letters, and public service, with a focus on education and community uplift.
10. Lamda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. (1975): While not part of the original Divine Nine, it is a pioneering Latina sorority often mentioned in modern BGLO contexts.

The Pillars of Purpose: Values and Membership

At their core, these organizations are built on foundational principles. While each fraternity and sorority has its own specific motto and pillars, common themes include:

• Brotherhood/Sisterhood: A lifelong bond that creates a family-like network for support and connection.
• Scholarship:A commitment to academic excellence, with many chapters requiring a minimum GPA and offering scholarship programs.
• Service:An ethos of giving back to the community through volunteerism, fundraising, and civic engagement.
• Leadership:Development of leadership skills through holding chapter offices, planning events, and engaging in community advocacy.

Membership in a BGLO is not a casual decision. The process, often called “pledging” or “probation,” is designed to educate new members about the organization’s history, values, and expectations. It is a period of learning and growth, though it has historically faced scrutiny and misconceptions. Today, all nine organizations have national policies against hazing, and they emphasize that membership is about elevation, not subjugation.

Impact and Influence: Beyond the Step Show

The influence of Black Greek-letter organizations extends far beyond campus quads and step shows. They have been engines of social change and economic empowerment.

• Civil Rights: BGLO members were on the front lines of the movement. Members of Alpha Phi Alpha, like Medgar Evers, and Delta Sigma Theta, like Daisy Bates, were instrumental in organizing and participating in protests, marches, and voter registration drives.
• Economic Power: The “Divine Nine” have cultivated a network of Black professionals and entrepreneurs. Organizations like Kappa Alpha Psi and Alpha Kappa Alpha have long emphasized economic development and financial literacy.
• Cultural Influence: From music (Kendrick Lamar, member of Kappa Alpha Psi) to politics (Kamala Harris, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha), the presence of BGLO alumni is woven into the fabric of American culture.

As Dr. John Hope Franklin, a distinguished historian and member of Kappa Alpha Psi, once noted, “These organizations were not just social clubs; they were places where we learned to organize, to speak, to lead. They were our training ground for the larger battles of life and for the fight for equality.” This sentiment encapsulates the dual nature of the Divine Nine: they are spaces for joy and fellowship, but also for purpose and power.