To many observers, the Greek letters and rhythmic chants of Black college students may seem like performance, but these displays carry a deeper significance tied to history, culture and community.

The Divine Nine is the name for nine historically Black Greek-letter sororities and fraternities that have shaped generations of leaders through their core values, such as service, scholarship and togetherness. 

Here at BHS, teachers and students are finding ways to connect with that legacy. Members of these organizations are in our classrooms, mentoring students and showing what real leadership looks like. 

Assistant Principal Aubrei Watson is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. You saw her demonstrating the AKA stroll during the Black History Month assembly this week. Culinary Instructional Assistant and Band teacher Gabrielle Greer-Jones, who is a part of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and Maverick Edwards, a former BHS student who now attends Twinsburg, is already involved with the Alpha Esquires. Each shared what the Divine Nine means to them– and how young people like us can start getting involved now. 

The Divine Nine, officially called the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), includes nine fraternities and sororities that were founded between 1906 and 1963. 

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, founded in 1906 at Cornell University; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, founded in 1911 at Indiana University; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, founded in 1911 at Howard University; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, founded in 1914 at Howard University; Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, founded in 1963 on the campus of Morgan State University; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, founded in 1908 at Howard University; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, founded in 1913 at Howard University; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, founded in 1920 at Howard University and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, founded in 1922 at Butler University.

These groups were created during a time when Black students were prohibited from joining other Greek organizations on college campuses.

They built their own communities based on the values of service, scholarship, leadership and brotherhood or sisterhood. Each group has its own traditions, colors and calls, but they all share the same goal, which is to provide mentorship, to uplift their communities, and to support the generations to come.

Members of the Divine Nine have made significant contributions to American society as a whole and to culture. Civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Alpha Phi Alpha) and Vice President Kamala Harris (Alpha Kappa Alpha) both belong to these organizations. 

On July 8th, 2024, a few weeks before announcing her run for president, Harris spoke at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated’s 71st Boule.

“To my line sisters, the 38 Jewels of Iridescent Splendor– oh, you are such an incredible part of my journey,” Harris said. “And I love you, guys.”

Nearly a century after the Divine Nine was founded, their commitment to service and education continues to inspire not only high school and college students but also adults at all stages of life.

Here at BHS, the influence of the Divine Nine shows up in big and small ways. Teachers and administrators who are members often bring the values that they took from their organizations and apply them in the school, and they’re helping students learn what these groups stand for. 

Watson says her path toward joining AKA started long before college. 

“I had some phenomenal women in my life who were members of Alpha Kappa Alpha,” Watson said. “My high school English teacher, Ms. Byrdsong, inspired both my love for teaching and my interest in the sorority.”

Her chapter takes that inspiration into the community through service events–everything from hosting baby showers for mothers in need at the Salvation Army to teaming up with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for their annual “06/08 Day” community clean-up. 

“Service to all mankind isn’t just our motto,” she said. “It’s what we do.”

Greer-Jones, who’s a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, also brings those same values to school. One of her favorite programs is Financial Fortitude, where sorority members help families learn how to manage money and build wealth. 

“Financial responsibility is one of my passions,” she said. “It’s about empowering people to make informed decisions that can change their futures.”

For students like Maverick Edwards, who is part of the Alpha Esquires, a mentoring program for young men in grades 7-12, the connection starts early. 

“It’s about brotherhood and giving back,” he said. “The Alphas I work with have taught me how to live with purpose and serve others.”

For educators like Watson and Greer-Jones, being part of a Divine Nine organization means carrying lifelong values into everything they do. 

“My sisters have become part of my village,” Watson said. “These are women I can call on for anything–professionally, personally and spiritually.” 

Watson said the bond she shares with other AKAs reminds her of the importance of community and accountability— lessons she tries to teach  BHS students every day.

Greer-Jones says joining Delta Sigma Theta helped her step outside of her comfort zone.

“As an introvert, being on a line with 42 women pushed me to connect and lead,” Greer-Jones said. “Now, I try to give my students the same encouragement– to speak up, to serve, to believe they can make a difference.”

Both educators agree that for students who would like to pursue one of these fraternities or sororities, they should start early. 

“We’re mentors first,” Greer-Jones said. “It’s not just about joining a sorority or fraternity– it’s about learning the value of service and scholarship.”

Edwards said those lessons already make a difference for high schoolers. 

“Through Alpha Esquires, I’ve met mentors who want me to succeed,” he said. “You don’t have to be in college to start learning what these organizations stand for.”

From mentorship programs for youth to leading community service projects, the Divine Nine continues to inspire people across all generations to give back and grow the community. 

Staff such as Watson and Greer Jones are proof that the Divine Nine’s values don’t stop after college– they continue through everyday teaching, mentoring and leadership.

And for students like Edwards, it’s proof that getting involved now can open doors for the future. 

“You don’t have to wait until college,” Edwards said. “Start learning about the organizations, volunteering and find mentors who care about your growth.”

The Divine Nine’s message is simple but powerful: lead with love, serve your community and lift others as you climb. That legacy started over a century ago– and it’s still growing right here in our school halls today.