What is Divine 9? PART 2
Learn about the final 5 Black Greek Organizations that changed the world
In a previous article I told you about first five Black fraternities and sororities of the Divine 9 with the help of representatives, and now I’m going to tell you about the final four of the Black fraternities and sororities that strive for growth in the Black community in service and education: The Divine 9. The final four of the Divine 9 are:
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was founded in 1914 at Howard University
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1920 at Howard University
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1922 at Butler University
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. was founded in 1963 at Morgan State University
They all strive for Black excellence and help grow the Black community. I have interviewed representatives from each of the Divine 9 on 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 the Divine 9.
Pacific Alumna and Assistant Director of the Community Involvement Program Clarence Henderson is the representative for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He chose his fraternity under the influence of his close friend and mentor, who worked at Pacific, and asked him if he wanted to be a part of the initiative to bring positive change and Black fraternities to Pacific. Besides the influence of his mentor, he was also drawn to the mission statement of Phi Beta Sigma, which promotes fellowship, justice, equal rights, and service to the community. Soon after, five young Black men started a Phi Beta Sigma chapter here at Pacific in 2003. His beliefs of being a part of the Divine 9 align with the other representatives. Its benefits include community, leadership development, networking, cultural pride, opportunities, academic support, personal growth, and lifelong connections with like-minded brothers and sisters. The brotherhood of his fraternity, in his words, “Is living by our motto ‘Culture for Service, Service for Humanity’”. It means focusing on issues that greatly impact the African American community and its youth—being a part of the initiatives that the fraternity implements with prompting minority-owned businesses, increasing GPA and graduation rates of Black youth, and improving the wellbeing of minority groups. Being a part of Phi Beta Sigma means being a part of the solution on a larger scale with a band of brothers who support and fight for the cause. Henderson states, “Being a Sigma has magnified my true passion for serving and being a true agent of change” on what Sigma has done for him and what it means to be a part of this fraternity.
Val Wilson is one of the representatives for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Wilson chose the sorority because of the women. The finest women that she met throughout her career were Zetas. They exemplified high-quality women, and that resonated with her. She sees the Divine 9 as special and unique in its own way that consists of nine different organizations built on similar principles, and she says it is an honor and privilege to be a part of the Divine 9 that shares love for the community and holds you accountable.The sisterhood to her is always having a sister no matter where you are and having a lifelong bond. No matter your location, you will always have family because when meeting another Zeta, they will never be strangers. Being a Zeta to her is always being a part of and about Zeta and sorority business. The founder's principles and morals will forever be at the forefront of everything you do in this lifetime. She says that being a Zeta, you now represent yourself and your sisters, those who came before, and those who come after.
Shaione Simmons is the second representative for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She chose Zeta based on the women she met, her connections, and the work she saw them do on campus. The Divine 9 as a whole means to her to be a part of a collective with a common goal and purpose to unite and give back to the community. People always come together for the greater good, no matter the differences. It is a feeling of pride to come together and showcase the greatness of the Divine 9. The sisterhood and being a Zeta to her is the same as having any other sister. You will have good and bad days, but at the end of the day, you will always have a sister you can count on, no matter where you are. It means always having a sister no matter where you are and connecting with someone with the same values.
Menique Madison is the representative for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. aka ‘SGRho.’ She chose her sorority under the influence of her workplace mentor, who was a member of the sorority, and she embodied what an SGRho woman is with class, style, grace, intelligence, and sophistication. Being a part of the Divine 9 as a whole means to be well-educated individuals who cherish scholarship and service in the community. Madison’s sisterhood is loving and being genuine to her sister's best interest. She says that being an SGRho means giving back to the community and guiding women of all ages to reach their true potential.
For the last of the Divine 9, Richard Gibson is the representative for Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. He gained his interest in Iota through a presentation in high school, and he was drawn in by their “display, unique connection to the black struggle and the United Negro Improvement Association movement,” which caught his eye. Being a part of the Divine 9 means being a part of a larger family to him. It strives to improve the community and socio-economic status of the Black community. The brotherhood is bound by unity and pride of identity in his fraternity. He feels his brotherhood has a circle of men with whom to grow. Like all of these representatives in their perspective fraternities and sororities, being an Iota means the world to him. Being an Iota to him means being “knowledgeable, understanding, and growing as a man. It means being a mentor and helping properly pass on the values of manhood to our youth.”
All representatives believe that students considering membership in any Divine 9 organization should research and ensure that its mission statement aligns with their beliefs, values, and goals. Choosing an organization that best fits you is crucial, whether 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 one must decide which way works best for you. You cannot walk away from this lifelong commitment, whether you are active or inactive. Henderson’s advice outside of researching is to embrace your history, have pride, actively serve and engage, be a positive example, and give it your all. Wilson says to ensure you know why you join the organizations because this is a lifetime commitment. Make the decision personal.
Final Statements from each Representative:
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.”
Clarence Henderson says, “Bringing back Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. to the University of the Pacific from 2002-2004 is something I am extremely proud of and something that our campus community needs today. I am excited for the opportunity to pursue establishing another active chapter on campus where students can build community, gain support, and engage with the African American population of the Stockton community and its surrounding areas.”
Val Wilson says, “It was truly an honor to talk to you about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. because we truly are the finest of them all.”
Shaione Simmons says, “These are your college years; enjoy them. Don’t put extra pressure on yourself to join an organization. Take your time. The Divine 9 is always going to be there.”
Menique Madison says, “Join because you really want to recognize we are all human. Serve where you can and be kind.”
Richard Gibson says, “Iota Phi Theta is pivotal in maintaining a person’s identity and allowing them to be who they are while coming together as a collective for a common goal. Membership with Iota brings lifelong friendships and a sense of accomplishment in helping others.”