What is Divine 9? PART 1
Learn about the first 4 Black Greek Organizations that changed the world
Have you ever heard of the Divine 9? Do you know who they are? Do you know the history they made? For those who do, fantastic. For those who do not, I will tell you. In the early 1900s, several Black college students had to endure unimaginable scrutiny through abuse, segregation, and severe racism from society and their universities, which led to the birth of nine Black fraternities and sororities. The first five were:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded in 1906 at Cornell University.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1908 at Howard University.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was founded in 1911 at Indiana University.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded in 1911 at Howard University.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 at Howard University.
They all strive for Black excellence and help grow the Black community. I have interviewed representatives of each Divine 9 about its importance, the brotherhood and sisterhood, why they chose their fraternity or sorority, and advice they would give to students considering joining the brothers and sisters of Divine 9.
Our very own Traveon Jefferson, the Black Student Services Program Specialist, is one of the representatives of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Jefferson chose his fraternity because of the positive influence of his mentors. Traveon feels that being a part of the Divine 9 meant that he was part of a larger, interconnected community with similar values and goals. This unity allows them to share a purpose and collective strength, leading them to be a powerful force to make positive change, personal growth, and enrich membership. Being a part of the brotherhood means greatness for Traveon. In his words, he is “standing on the shoulders of giants” for being a part of the first fraternity founded at a college campus and committed to a distinguished group of men whose mission stems from scholarship, service, and brotherhood that transcends the collegiate experience. Brotherhood is lifelong, and it's about sharing life and always having someone in your corner. Being an Alpha means everything to Traveon, with the same values of being in his brotherhood. It means to be a leader in his community.
Next is our very own Student Life Director, Donte Miller. Donte chose Alpha because he was a leader, and the other leaders on the campus were Alphas. He didn’t know much about “Greek Life,” but seeing their work on campus inspired him to check out the organization. Miller believes that the Divine 9 is an international culture. He says, “It’s pride, joy, love, excitement, connection, and comradery.” Donte feels the same in the brotherhood, always having someone with his back, which is not restricted to a region. He has brothers everywhere across the world. For Donte, it means holding yourself to a higher standard and maintaining a moral character.
Akilah Vazquez is the representative for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA). She chose her sorority because when invited to an informational session about the AKAs, she learned about the phenomenal young Black women who had a vision for other educated Black women becoming the sorority’s founders. She admired the legacies of the sorority, such as Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks. Even though her journey to be an AKA took 27 years, her feelings about being a part of the first Black sorority never wavered. She discovered that the women she aspired to be, influenced her life, and had close relationships with were AKA, making it not a decision but fate. Being a part of Divine 9, she is part of an organization of educated Black men and women who collaborate to support the Black community. She says, “We are better together than apart, and we all want to improve health education and stop disadvantages and oppression in our community.” Sisterhood, to her, is having a community of women who may or may not have a bond but a common purpose. It is having sisters, friends, mentors, and a community that will be there for you in life and service. Vazquez is proud to be an AKA and part of the first Black collegiate sorority. Being an AKA to her is being a beacon of strength, empowerment, and service. She feels a sense of responsibility to stand on the shoulders of those who came before her and a role model to those who come after her.
My father, Allen Thomas, is a representative of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. His interest in fraternities started with the movie School Daze. The movie motivated him to look into fraternities, and he discovered that Kappa Alpha Psi was just like him. Being a part of Divine 9 means a lot to him, and it means being a part of something great. It is being a part of a group of like-minded individuals doing good in the world. Being a part of the brotherhood to him means that he will never be alone. No matter where he goes, he will always have a brother he can depend on. He says being a Kappa means being part of an organization that overcame hardships at an all-white college to help other Black Americans thrive.
Donald White is the representative for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., aka ‘Q’. As a first-generation college student, he did not know much about fraternities but met the Kappas when he went to college. He first thought he would be a Kappa because that was the only one he knew at the time, and he liked to uphold the “pretty boy” standard of Kappa but decided not to because he did not like some of the people in the fraternity. Later, when he needed support, the head of the chemistry department took him under his wing, and he happened to be an Omega. Due to his chemistry major, he started connecting with other Q’s. The Divine 9 may have little rivalry at the college level, but later, after school, Divine 9 is family to him. No matter the fraternity or sorority, it is a family with brothers and sisters that have your back—upholding the laurels of the fraternities and sororities in servicing the Black community. His brotherhood means everything even though he has no blood brothers; he does have brothers in the Omegas. They are thick as thieves. Like all of my interviewees, he believes that the Omega’s are the best fraternity ever due to their checks and balances system, which ensures everyone is held accountable and upholds the mission statement of Omega Psi Phi.
Pacific Alumna Jackie Stewart is one of the representatives for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She decided to join Delta Sigma Theta first because it was the only one of the Divine 9 on campus. Secondly, she saw how the young women were around campus and their duty to public service, and she liked it. Her influence was the individual ladies in the organization with their tenacity for education and community service. Divine 9 and sisterhood to her means that you will never be alone no matter where you are, that you will always have a sister or a brother for life, and band together to help better the community. Being a Delta to her means that she is in an organization of college-educated women with a common goal: preserve culture, grow, and be a good person. She also appreciates that the organization was founded on Christian principles of helping your mind, body, and spirit.
Starting with a second Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. representative, even though this organization is a part of the first 4 of the Divine 9. She is a Pacific Alumna Catherine Lewis. She chose this sorority because, as a child, she admired the Delta Women for their dedication to their community. The passion for social activism and determination for meaningful change was inspiring to her. She chose this sorority because the women are “true leaders, empowering others to take action and make a difference in the world around them.” She believes that being a part of the Divine 9 as a whole means understanding that they need to work together to make change. By pooling their resources and talents, the Divine 9 can make the most effective change and reach their goals of empowering the community, using their education to empower change and create a better future. Her sisterhood and sorority is a community of like-minded women who uplift and support one another, and she feels fortunate and honored to be a part of this sisterhood and sorority. Lewis truly believes that her sisterhood is the greatest in the world because of their unbreakable bond that will always be supportive and inspirational.
All believe that students considering membership in any Divine 9 organization should research and ensure its mission statement aligns with their beliefs, values, and goals. Choosing an organization that best fits you is crucial, whether it is a choice or fate. All of these organizations were built on similar principles, but all stem from service to the community. They serve the community differently, and you need to decide which way works best for you. Jefferson advises making connections within the organizations. White advises you to get your grade right because scholarship is most important. Don’t make the organization make you. You make it. He says finding your identity first and bringing that to the organization is essential. Stewart advises you to select the organization that best suits you. Lewis advises that students reflect on the reasons for joining these organizations because the Divine 9 is not for everybody.
Final Statements from each Representative:
Traveon Jefferson says, “The legacy of being a part of the Divine 9 network of people is not just the historical significance, but should also be in efforts to make an ongoing impact as you continue to shape leaders of tomorrow and uphold principles, you have to be prepared to enrich the lives of people in a wider community. So, understand what it means to be a part of a Divine 9 organization. Understand the legacy. Understand that you carry the torch. Understand that you impact future generations. Understand the unique bond and support system that comes to not only your brotherhood or sisterhood but also a larger network of people that come from similar backgrounds.”
Donte Miller says, “It's important to note that oftentimes we’re small but mighty. Try to make sure we are diligent on these campuses, even here at Pacific. It's been a while since folks have been here. But we celebrate the issues and the Black people that came before us and after us. Brings the energy and livens the spirit of everybody.”
Akilah Vazques says, “There is a legacy that propels us forward. It is a true honor and privilege that I do not take lightly. I am a better woman and stronger Christian as I continue to uplift and empower my community and with other incredible women trailblazers who pave the way for us to stand where we are today.”
Allen Thomas says, “It was the best thing I did, and I have friends for life. As life takes its ups and downs, I know that I will always have a place to go with like-minded brothers to share with”
Donald White says, “We need to stick together. We are being attacked.”
Jackie Stewart says, “I think that the Divine 9 is a special group of individuals that will always help. 100% mentee. When we take care of business, we take care of business for all of mankind. We do what we can to uplift and inspire everybody. These organizations help to ground us, to group us, and lift us up out of the turmoils of the world that didn’t let us do those things. Now that we are able to be educated, we’re set apart because we're educated. We are still working and thriving in our community. Wherever I go, you can see Divine 9. These are million-dollar minds that are down to earth. We are about uplifting, enhancing, and inspiring the community. That way, it makes us and the world better. It's generational.”
Catherine Lewis says, “Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is one such organization that has a remarkable history of fighting for equal rights for women, particularly Black women, who were historically disenfranchised. Their activism and advocacy were not limited to voting rights. They fought against discrimination and segregation laws, played a vital role in the Civil Rights movement, and continued to support social justice causes such as educational and economic equality for marginalized communities. Their impact and influence on the Black community are significant and commendable.”