Standout Divine 9 HBCU Chapters Doing Good In The Community

Source: Corbis

As students across the country settle into their first semester of college, we want to take some time to remember the “Divine 9”- nine historically African-American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. Many of them were founded in the early 1900s, and all of them are at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Famous Divine 9 members include Martin Luther King Jr, Dr. Maya Angelou, Jada Pinkett Smith, Phylicia Rashaad, Toni Morrison, Steve Harvey, Omari Hardwick and more.

In tribute to the rich legacy of these organizations, here’s our list of standout chapters at HBCUs, including famous alum, notable accomplishments, and a showcase of the great work these chapters have been doing for their college, local, and fellow Greek communities.

Post by Alpha Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Founded 1906, Cornell University

Alpha Rho Chapter, Morehouse University

Known for their annual Black & Gold pageant, the Alpha Rho Chapter at Morehouse College is one of the South’s most well-known Alpha chapters. Alpha Rho brothers are also involved in national projects such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentoring program, College Life to Corporate Life Initiative, and Go-To High School, Go-To-College. Many Alpha Rho Morehouse alumni have gone on to excel at the nation’s top graduate schools. Civil rights leader and activist Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the chapter’s most notable alums.

Post by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated- Xi Omega Chapter.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Founded 1908, Howard University

Xi Omega Grad Chapter, Washington DC Area

Founded in 1923, the Xi Omega chapter was the first graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. With over 350 members, the chapter is active in the Washington DC area. In September 2014, Xi Omega hosted a 5K Run/Walk and College Fair in partnership with the Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation. The chapter’s core service initiatives include emerging young leaders, health, global poverty, economic security, and social justice.

Post by The Alpha Phi (E) Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (VSU).

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Founded 1911, Indiana University

Alpha Phi Chapter, Virginia State University

In 2012, the Alpha Phi chapter alumni raised over $6 million dollars for Virginia State University and $200,000 in scholarship funds for students. Since its founding in 1935, more than 900 men have crossed into the organization. Honorable Alpha Phi alum include jazz legend Billy Taylor and entrepreneur Reginald Lewis. The Alpha Phi chapter is known in Kappa land as the “Beast of the East.”

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Founded 1911, Howard University

Beta Chapter, Lincoln University

In 2014, the Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi celebrated its 100^th year anniversary at Lincoln University. The Beta Chapter was among one of the first Omega Psi Phi chapters that were chartered in the early 1900s.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Founded 1913, Howard University

Alpha Chapter, Howard University

In 2013, the Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta won the 2013 Howard Homecoming Step Show. The ladies of the Alpha Chapter put on a Wizard of Oz costumed step showcase and represented for their fellow Crimsons and Creams. Check out video from their winning performance here.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Founded 1914, Howard University

Alpha Chapter, Howard University

For their Spring 2014 probate, the Alpha chapter of Howard University took it back old school, Black Panther style. Soon-to-be neos paid tribute to legendary Phi Beta Sigma member Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther party, wearing garb reminiscent of the 1960s civil rights era. 2014 also marks Phi Beta Sigma’s Centennial celebration.

Post by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.~Alpha Eta Zeta Chapter~Zeta Archonette Club.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Founded 1920, Howard University

Alpha Eta Zeta Chapter, Memphis, TN

The Alpha Zeta chapter is committed to the Zeta Phi Beta’s four founding principles: womanhood, scholarship, sisterly love, and service. The chapter’s DOVE foundation, which was created to enhance the quality of life for underserved populations in the Memphis community, hosts an annual health fair and back to school giveaway for local community members. Alpha Eta Zeta chapter currently sponsors the Pi Alpha Chapter of LeMoyne-Owen College, a HBCU in Memphis.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Founded 1922, Butler University

Spsilon Eta, Spelman College

The Epsilon Eta chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho joined thousands gathered in Atlanta in August 2014 to march in solidarity with protestors protesting against the Mike Brown Ferguson, Missouri incidences. Besides their commitment to social justice, the chapter is active in the Spelman College service and social scenes.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Founded 1963, Morgan State University

Alpha Mu Chapter, Central State University

In 2013, the Alpha Mu chapter of Iota Phi Theta fraternity received the National Chapter of the Year Award at the organization’s 34th International Conclave featuring the fraternity’s 50th Anniversary. Due to the fraternity’s lack of popularity on campus, chapter members used “out of the box thinking” to “take the yard by storm” that year. Alpha Mu focused on putting on educational forums that engaged students and collaborating with organizations such as the NAACP and Student African-American Brotherhood to expand the Iota brand on campus.

Rana Campbell is a freelance branding and content strategist who helps organizations and individuals succeed in the digital realm. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.