The Unique Achievements and Contributions of Black Greek-Letter Organizations

Black fraternities and sororities, also known as the "Divine Nine," have played a crucial role in shaping the educational, social, and cultural landscape for African Americans. These organizations were established to address the exclusionary practices of mainstream institutions and to create a space for Black scholars to unite, uplift their communities, and advocate for civil rights. Each fraternity and sorority in the Divine Nine has made unique contributions and has its own legacy of leadership, activism, and service. Here is a closer look at each of these historic organizations and their impact:

1. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1906)

Founded at Cornell University, Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men. Its members, including civil rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall, have been instrumental in fighting for racial justice. Alpha Phi Alpha has launched impactful initiatives such as "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People," aimed at increasing voter registration and civic engagement, and "Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College," encouraging academic excellence.

2. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908)

Alpha Kappa Alpha is the first Black Greek-letter sorority, founded at Howard University. Known for its commitment to community service, AKA has been a trailblazer in education and health initiatives. The sorority launched the "Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Endowment Fund" to provide scholarships and fund programs in the arts and education. AKA members, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, have demonstrated leadership across various sectors. Their "HBCU for Life" initiative continues to support historically Black colleges and universities.

3. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)

Kappa Alpha Psi, founded at Indiana University, is distinguished by its commitment to mentorship and community service. The fraternity's "Guide Right" program, which includes the Kappa Leadership Development League, helps young men prepare for college and careers. Members like Ralph Abernathy and Johnnie Cochran have shaped civil rights and law, and Kappa Alpha Psi is also known for its "St. Jude Sunday of Hope," raising millions for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

4. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)

Omega Psi Phi, founded at Howard University, is noted for its emphasis on social justice and public service. One of the first Black fraternities to establish its own endowment fund, Omega Psi Phi has continuously supported scholarships, disaster relief, and health initiatives. The fraternity was influential in the early civil rights movement, with members like Jesse Jackson and Benjamin Mays pushing for equality and education. Omega Psi Phi’s annual "Achievement Week" encourages leadership and community development.

5. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913)

Delta Sigma Theta, also founded at Howard University, has been a powerhouse in political activism and social advocacy. With over 1,000 chapters worldwide, the sorority made its mark early on by participating in the 1913 Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C. The sorority’s "Five-Point Programmatic Thrust" covers educational development, economic development, international awareness, physical and mental health, and political involvement. Deltas like Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, have led efforts to challenge systemic barriers.

6. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914)

Founded at Howard University, Phi Beta Sigma stands out for its focus on inclusiveness and "Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service." The fraternity is deeply involved in social change, with programs like the "Bigger and Better Business" initiative, which promotes economic empowerment for African Americans. Phi Beta Sigma’s commitment to education is also evident in their "Project S.E.T." (Sigma Education Taskforce), which provides mentorship to students across the country. Notable members include Congressman John Lewis and activist A. Philip Randolph.

7. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920)

Zeta Phi Beta, the sister organization to Phi Beta Sigma, was founded at Howard University and is renowned for its community service and its dedication to social causes. The sorority’s "Z-HOPE" (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) program serves women, youth, and the elderly. Zeta Phi Beta also focuses on health initiatives, such as partnerships with the March of Dimes, and has been a strong advocate for education and social justice. Notable Zetas include civil rights attorney Esther Rolle and author Zora Neale Hurston.

8. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922)

Sigma Gamma Rho, founded at Butler University, has a rich history of uplifting marginalized communities. It was the first Black sorority established on a predominantly white campus. The sorority has a deep commitment to education, sponsoring scholarships and supporting initiatives like "Operation BigBookBag," which provides school supplies to underfunded schools. Sigma Gamma Rho also leads the "Swim 1922" campaign to teach African Americans how to swim and reduce drowning rates, a cause often overlooked in minority communities.

9. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (1963)

Iota Phi Theta was founded during the height of the civil rights movement at Morgan State University, and its creation was directly inspired by the struggles for racial equality. Known for being a socially conscious fraternity, Iota Phi Theta’s initiatives include programs like the "Afro-American Society" and collaborations with organizations like the NAACP and the National Urban League. The fraternity is also deeply involved in community service, providing mentorship and scholarships to underrepresented youth.

Conclusion

The Divine Nine fraternities and sororities have not only nurtured African American leaders but also transformed communities through service, scholarship, and advocacy. These organizations continue to be at the forefront of promoting educational excellence, economic empowerment, and social justice, making them vital pillars of the African American experience. Their contributions to civil rights, political change, and cultural uplift demonstrate the enduring power of collective action and leadership.