If you attended an HBCU or even just visited one during homecoming season, then you’ve probably witnessed the exciting, influential power of the organizations referred to as “D9” or “The Divine Nine.” The Divine Nine is the moniker for the only nine black Greek-letter organizations (BGLOs) primarily dedicated to inducting and assisting young, rising members of the black community. Obviously, we understand that Greek life is prevalent on many college campuses, from HBCUs to predominantly white institutions. But you cannot deny that there is nothing sweeter than seeing your favorite fraternity or sorority strut their best stuff on a campus swimming with black and brown faces, like yours and mine. Photo: Giphy At HBCUs, the family-based culture thrives on events like tailgates, homecoming, and other football classics, as well as step shows and probates.
Black Greek-letter sororities and fraternities, also known as the Divine Nine, have been a pivotal part of black history since the early 20th century. Here's a look at their impact. Commonly referred to as the 'Divine Nine,' the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. Is comprised of nine historically African American fraternities and sororities.
These are the moments where students and alumni convene to celebrate our blackness — our power and our resilience — in song and dance. (Hello, swag surf!) For BGLO members, a highly popularized form of expression and celebration is called “strolling.” Similar to the popular line dances initiated at BBQs or wedding receptions, a stroll is a group routine created by members of a fraternity or sorority to represent their respective organization. Greeks use anything from popular dances and songs to organization-specific calls, hand signs, steps and more to choreograph these elite moves, which are ultimately passed down from line to line, generation to generation. Full disclosure: Sorry, — strolling is not all-inclusive. The members of these Greek organizations have earned the right to rep their set in step, so let’s remember to respect their sacred traditions. In other words, if you're not Greek, don't try this at home!
From the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s hair flip to the barks and hops of the men of Omega Psi Phi, here are my nine all-time favorite Greek stroll moments from The Divine Nine. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Source: Youtube 2. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Source: Youtube 3. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Source: Youtube 4. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Source: Youtube 5. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Source: Youtube 6. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Source: Youtube 7. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Source: Youtube 8.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Source: Youtube 9.
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Source: Youtube What are some of your favorite strolls? Drop them in the comments below!
America's black fraternities and sororities are a unique and vital part of 20th century African-American history. Since the creation of the first fraternity in 1906 at Cornell University, they hove provided young black achievers with opportunities to supped each other, while serving their communities and the nation.
But never before has information about African-American f America's black fraternities and sororities are a unique and vital part of 20th century African-American history. Since the creation of the first fraternity in 1906 at Cornell University, they hove provided young black achievers with opportunities to supped each other, while serving their communities and the nation. But never before has information about African-American fraternities and sororities been published for the general public. Now, 'The Divine Nine,' a meticulously researched history, tells the story of how these organizations have played a major role in shaping generations of black leaders.Today, America's nine block fraternities and sororities ore two and one-half million members strong and among the most powerful and influential groups in African-American society - with chapters at major universities and colleges across the country.
Many of America's most prominent business leaders, scientists, politicians, entertainers, and athletes took their first steps toward making a difference in the world in a fraternity or sorority. This extensive yet very accessible book celebrates the spirit of excellence shared by these and other renowned African Americans in brief, inspiring profiles.
'The Divine Nine' includes interviews with people like: ABC-TV's 'The View' co-host Star Jones, Los Angeles Laker Shaquille O'Neal, Weather anchorman Spencer Christian, Historian John Hope Franklin, Poet Nikki Giovanni, and more, and features inspiring profiles of: Hank Aaron, Maya Angelou, Toni Braxton, Bill Cosby, W.E.B. DuBois, Duke Ellington, Martin Luther King, Jr., Toni Morrison, Coretta Scott King, Dionne Warwick, and many others. Fully illustrated with photographs, 'The Divine Nine'chronicles an important yet previously neglected subject in African-American history, making it the first book of its kind, and one to he treasured for generations to come. The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities by Lawrence C. (Kensington Publishing Corp. 2000) (371.85). This volume focuses on the histories and ideals of the African-American fraternities and sororities whose members self-identify as being members of one of 'The Divine Nine.'
The volume never makes clear whether there are any other black Greek fraternal organizations in addition to these nine. The 'Divine Nine' consists of five fraternities and four sor The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities by Lawrence C. (Kensington Publishing Corp. 2000) (371.85). This volume focuses on the histories and ideals of the African-American fraternities and sororities whose members self-identify as being members of one of 'The Divine Nine.' The volume never makes clear whether there are any other black Greek fraternal organizations in addition to these nine.
The 'Divine Nine' consists of five fraternities and four sororities. Each of these organizations provided information to the author about what sets their group apart and what makes them unique and special. What follows is a list of the names of the 'Divine Nine' as well as what each organization reported to be their 'common call' (among members) and their organization's symbol. In the order in which they are listed by the author, here are the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities with the five fraternities listed first: Alpha Kappa Alpha, common calls 'A-PHI' or 'Ice Ice Baby,' symbol 'Alpha Ape'; Kappa Alpha Psi, common call 'Yo Yo!!' , symbol 'Playboy bunny symbol'; Omega Psi Phi, common call is 'a dog's bark', symbol 'any fierce dog'; Phi Beta Sigma, common call 'Blue Phi!' , symbol 'blue and white striped cane'; Iota Phi Theta, common call 'OW-OW!!!'
, symbol 'centaur'; Alpha Kappa Alpha, common call 'Skee-Wee!' , symbol is 'pearls and ivy'; Delta Sigma Theta, common call 'OOO-OOP!' , symbol is 'elephant with upraised trunk'; Zeta Phi Beta, common call 'EE-I-KEE!' , symbol is 'a dove'; and Sigma Gamma Rho, common call 'EE-YIP!'
, symbol is 'a French toy poodle.' This is interesting stuff which I knew very little about. My rating: 7/10, finished 3/27/15. Lawrence Ross attended both the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in History. Ross also has a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in screenwriting from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television. Ross began his writing career in the mid 1990s as the managing editor of Rap Sheet magazine, the west coast’s first h Lawrence Ross attended both the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in History.
Ross also has a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in screenwriting from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television. Ross began his writing career in the mid 1990s as the managing editor of Rap Sheet magazine, the west coast’s first hip hop magazine. He’d then move to the Los Angeles Independent newspapers, where as a reporter, he covered city government and community issues in Los Angeles, Hollywood, Culver City, and West Hollywood.
Ross’s first book, The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities, was published by Kensington Books in 2000. The first book written about all nine African American fraternities and sororities, the Divine Nine is a Los Angeles Times, and Essence magazine best seller. As a result, Ross has lectured at over 500 colleges and universities, speaking on issues of fraternalism, student development, and fraternity and sorority hazing. He’s written commentaries, and has been interviewed, by The Root, The Grio, Los Angeles Times, the BBC, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, MSNBC, CNN, and other publications.
In 2001, Ross’ second book, The Ways of Black Folks: A Year in the Life of a People was selected as a “Fall Must Read” by the National Association of Black Journalists. The Ways of Black Folks chronicled Ross’ travels to England, France, Ghana, Brazil, Jamaica, and Canada, as he searched for the commonalities in the African diaspora experience. His two novels, Friends With Benefits and Skin Game, were both chosen by Doubleday’s Black Expressions Book Club. And Ross’ fifth book, Money Shot: The Wild Nights and Lonely Days in the Black Porn Industry was published by Running Press, and is the first book written about African Americans in the adult film industry. In early 2016, Ross’s sixth book, Blackballed: The Black & White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses is being published by St. Martin’s Press.
Blackballed explores the present and historical issues of racism on hundreds of American college campuses, and how that ties into today’s #BlackLivesMatter campaign. Ross lives in Los Angeles with his wife, April, and their son Langston.