Authors: Lawrence C. Ross Jr.
ISBN-13: 9780758202703, ISBN-10: 0758202709
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Date Published: February 2002
Edition: Reissue
Never before has information about African American fraternities and sororities been published for the general public, until now. A meticulously researched history, The Divine Nine tells the story of how these organizations have played a major role in shaping generations of black leaders.
America's black fraternities and sororities are a unique and vital part of 20th cnetury African American history. Since the creation of the first fraternity in 1906 at Cornell University, they have provided young black achievers with opportunities to support each other, while serving their communities and the nation. From pioneering work in the suffragette movement to extraordinary strides during the Civil Rights era to life-changing inner-city mentoring programs in the 1990s, members of these organizations share a proud and vital history of brotherhood, sisterhood, and service.
Today, America's nine black fraternities and sororities are two-and-one-half million members strong and among the most powerful and influential groups in African American societywith chapters at major universities and colleges across the country, including Stanford University, Howard University, and the University of Chicago. 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.
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 be treasured for generations to come.
Acknowledgments | ix | |
Introduction | xi | |
1 | The Fraternities | |
Chapter I | Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. | 3 |
Chapter II | Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. | 45 |
Chapter III | Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. | 73 |
Chapter IV | Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. | 101 |
Chapter V | Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. | 132 |
2 | The Sororities | |
Chapter VI | Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. | 163 |
Chapter VII | Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. | 213 |
Chapter VIII | Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. | 243 |
Chapter IX | Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. | 275 |
3 | Conversations | |
Chapter X | The Achievers Talk | 311 |
4 | General Information | |
Chapter XI | The National Pan-Hellenic Council | 423 |
Chapter XII | Membership Information | 431 |
Three Traditional Poems of the Fraternal Movement | 448 | |
Index | 451 |