The Divine Nine Guide: History, Traditions, and Influential Members
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The Divine Nine Guide: History, Traditions, and Influential Members of Black Greek Letter Organizations
The Legacy of the Divine Nine
Black Greek Letter Organizations have shaped leadership, culture, service, and community for over a century. Collectively known as the Divine Nine, these fraternities and sororities represent a legacy built on scholarship, activism, and lifelong brotherhood and sisterhood across generations.
Founded between 1906 and 1963, these organizations have produced leaders in education, politics, business, entertainment, and civil rights. Their influence continues to extend across campuses, communities, and global networks today.
This guide explores the history, traditions, and cultural impact of each Divine Nine organization. It highlights key historical moments and influential members whose contributions continue to shape communities worldwide.
Whether you are a member, student, alum, or simply learning about Black Greek life, this series offers a starting point for understanding these historic organizations.
What the Divine Nine Represents
The Divine Nine refers to the nine historically Black Greek letter organizations that belong to the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
These organizations were founded at universities across the United States during the early twentieth century. They share a commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, and community engagement that remains central today.
Divine Nine Founding Years
The nine organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council were founded between 1906 and 1963. Each organization’s founding year is an important part of its identity and tradition.
Divine Nine founding years:
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. — 1906
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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. —1908
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Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. —1911
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Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. —1911
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. —1913
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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. —1914
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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. —1920
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Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. —1922
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Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. —1963
These founding years are widely recognized across Black Greek life and are often used in step shows, probates, and fraternity and sorority traditions.
Each organization has its own unique history, traditions, colors, and symbols while sharing a common commitment to uplifting communities.
Divine Nine History and Culture Series
Below you’ll find two articles dedicated to each organization in the Divine Nine:
• a historical overview
• a spotlight on notable members
Together, these articles explore both the history and cultural influence of each organization.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Articles in this series:
5 Things You Might Not Know About Alpha Phi Alpha
5 Influential Members of Alpha Phi Alpha You Might Not Know
Alpha Phi Alpha, founded in 1906 at Cornell University, was the first intercollegiate fraternity established for African American men. The organization has produced leaders across civil rights, politics, education, and entertainment.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Articles in this series:
5 Things You Might Not Know About Alpha Kappa Alpha
5 Influential Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha You Might Not Know
Founded in 1908 at Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha became the first sorority created for African American women and remains one of the largest sororities in the world.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Articles in this series:
5 Things You Might Not Know About Kappa Alpha Psi
5 Influential Members of Kappa Alpha Psi You Might Not Know
Founded in 1911 at Indiana University, Kappa Alpha Psi emphasizes achievement in every field of human endeavor and has produced leaders in politics, athletics, and the arts.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Articles in this series:
5 Things You Might Not Know About Omega Psi Phi
5 Influential Members of Omega Psi Phi You Might Not Know
Omega Psi Phi was founded in 1911 at Howard University and is known for its four cardinal principles: manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Articles in this series:
5 Things You Might Not Know About Delta Sigma Theta
5 Influential Members of Delta Sigma Theta You Might Not Know
Founded in 1913 at Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta has a long tradition of political activism, public service, and community engagement.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Articles in this series:
5 Things You Might Not Know About Phi Beta Sigma
5 Influential Members of Phi Beta Sigma You Might Not Know
Phi Beta Sigma was founded in 1914 at Howard University with a mission centered around brotherhood, scholarship, and service.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Articles in this series:
5 Things You Might Not Know About Zeta Phi Beta
5 Influential Members of Zeta Phi Beta You Might Not Know
Zeta Phi Beta was founded in 1920 at Howard University and has a long tradition of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Articles in this series:
5 Things You Might Not Know About Sigma Gamma Rho
5 Influential Members of Sigma Gamma Rho You Might Not Know
Founded in 1922 at Butler University, Sigma Gamma Rho is unique among the Divine Nine for being founded at a predominantly white institution by seven educators.
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Articles in this series:
5 Things You Might Not Know About Iota Phi Theta
5 Influential Members of Iota Phi Theta You Might Not Know
Iota Phi Theta was founded in 1963 at Morgan State University during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
Why the Divine Nine Still Matter Today
For over a century, the Divine Nine has shaped leadership across every major field. Members have influenced civil rights, government, business, entertainment, and education.
Their commitment to scholarship, service, and community remains central today.
For many HBCU students and alumni, membership represents both achievement and lifelong responsibility.
A Continuing Legacy
The history of the Divine Nine reflects a larger story of perseverance, excellence, and cultural impact. From college campuses to global communities, these organizations continue to shape leadership across generations.
This series will continue exploring the traditions, stories, and influential members who define Black Greek life and its lasting impact on culture and history.