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Divine Nine Members are Impacted by Their Organizations Divine Nine Members are Impacted by Their Perspective Organizations

By Jailah Pettis

NPHC Plot
© 2023 (c) Jailah Pettis

JAILAH PETTIS: These men are members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated and they are strolling with their brothers.

PETTIS: Their fraternity is one of nine Greek organizations founded for people of color.

PETTIS: And now known as the Divine Nine.

ROOSEVELT WRIGHT: “You know we used to do a thing in Omega it’s so hard to be Omega. You know you just don’t walk into this you know what I mean; there’s a process a test. Just like when you take a course, you have final exams of course you pass the test or you fail”.

PETTIS: Retired college professor Roosevelt Wright says joining a fraternity made a difference in his life.

PETTIS: It’s a tradition that continues today.

PETTIS: I am a Fall 19 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

DEANDRE SEARCY: I am a Fall 21 initiate of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

SHIANN JOHNSON: I am a Fall 21 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

PETTIS: But joining these organizations is a process.

PETTIS: Rituals are sung and information is presented during new member presentations also known as probates. \

PETTIS: “D9 organizations date back to 1906 and notably 1908 when my organization Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded on the campus of Howard University”.

PETTIS: Here in Syracuse, the National Panhellenic Council serves as a foundation for African American students.

SEARCY: “Because we are like family like of course you have the different organizations but we all come together and I feel like that’s most important just coming together especially with everything going down in Florida. It’s important that we come together and it’s important that we get out there and vote, but I would say Greek unity”.

PETTIS: Brotherhood, sisterhood, academia and serving the community is what all of the organizations promote through the National Panhellenic Council.

PETTIS: Greek organizations have given members a sense of belonging.

PETTIS: THE Divine nine is very meaningful to the Black community and has impacted one member in more ways than one.

JOHNSON: “It has brought me out of my shell, it has helped with my strength, weaknesses and it also helped with networking. Also, just like stepping into like finding out who I really am”.

PETTIS: Campuses host yard shows to bring the Greek community together.

PETTIS: These organizations not only create comradery, but they provide role models.

Wright: “So, what I’m indicating is that basically all of my real role models and men who basically gave me an opportunity were men of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity”.

PETTIS: Our Founders’ principals continue to live on through all of us.

PETTIS: In Syracuse Jailah Pettis, NCC News

SYRACUSE, N.Y.(NCC News) — The season for New Member Presentations is upon us for the Divine Nine. Greek fraternities and sororities make up the Divine Nine also known as the National Panhellenic Council. New member presentations mark a rite of passage for members as they cross into a new journey of their perspective organization. The council was created for African American students and the oldest Black fraternity dates back to 1906. All of these organizations were founded by people of color for people of color to come together as a safe space. The Divine Nine has impacted many members in different ways ranging from mentors to finding out who they are as individuals.

“We are Sorors and we’re striving, we have to work sometimes we have to cry.”

This phrase is part of a ritual sung by the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. All of the organizations in the Divine Nine have songs that are unique to their fraternity or sorority. These songs were created by our founders and continue to live on through us.

“They push everything as such as voting or like the things that go on in the world. I feel like Greek life pushes that especially to like our community because there are, you know, a lot of children that look up to us” said Deandre Searcy.

Greek life for D9 organizations promote brotherhood, sisterhood, academia and being of service to the community. Not only are members active within their undergraduate and graduate chapters but service is a lifelong commitment. In addition, Greek unity is what all nine of the organizations strive for through the NPHC(National Panhellenic Council). Each year the NPHC at Syracuse University hosts a yard show call “Quad Freak“.  This show brings each of the organizations together for them to unite and showcase their history through information, stepping and coming together for a unity stroll. Events such as this is a way for each fraternity and sorority to create community and comradery.

 

 

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