The Divine 9 refers to the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations (BGLOs) that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). These organizations have played a crucial role in African American history, fostering leadership, scholarship, and service within the Black community.
Origins and Formation: The Divine 9 emerged during the early 20th century, a period marked by racial segregation and limited opportunities for Black students in higher education. The first of these organizations, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was founded in 1906 at Cornell University. Over the next decade and a half, eight more organizations were established:
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908)
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913)
- Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914)
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920)
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922)
- Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (1963)
Impact and Legacy: These organizations quickly became pillars of support and advancement for Black students on predominantly white campuses and at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). They provided a sense of community, promoted academic excellence, and developed leadership skills among their members.
Throughout the 20th century, the Divine 9 organizations were at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, with members like Martin Luther King Jr. (Alpha Phi Alpha) and Rosa Parks (NAACP Youth Council advisor) playing pivotal roles. The organizations also contributed significantly to various social causes, including voter registration drives, education initiatives, and community service projects.
Formation of the NPHC: In 1930, five of the organizations came together to form the National Pan-Hellenic Council, with the remaining four joining over time. The NPHC was established to foster cooperation and unity among these BGLOs, allowing them to tackle larger issues affecting the Black community collectively.
Modern Influence: Today, the Divine 9 organizations boast a combined membership of millions, including many prominent figures in politics, business, entertainment, and other fields. They continue to emphasize scholarship, service, and leadership, adapting to address contemporary challenges facing the Black community and society at large.
While the Divine 9 have faced criticism over issues like hazing and exclusivity, they remain influential institutions in Black culture and continue to evolve to meet the needs of new generations.
The legacy of the Divine 9 stands as a testament to the power of organized Black leadership and the enduring impact of these historic institutions on American society.