February marks the start of Black History Month. According to History, each Black History Month has a theme. This year’s theme, “‘A Century of Black History Commemorations,’ focuses on a century of national commemorations of Black history.” The theme also includes celebrating the month’s 100th year and the history, life, and culture of black people.
Some people only know what the “Divine Nine” is through social media like TikTok, thanks to the popular sound “She’s with the Nupes now!” and strolling videos to the song “Wipe Me Down” by Trill Family.
The Divine Nine comprises four sororities and five fraternities.
The Divine Nine is known as the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities that form the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), established in 1930 at Howard University, providing community, mentorship, and service for Black students excluded from other Greek life, emphasizing scholarship, service and sisterhood/brotherhood.
USI has Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. USI also shares the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority with the University of Evansville.
Xavia Burton, director of Pathways, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Burton has been an AKA for over 16 years.
She said that as an AKA, it’s a commitment to fill in the gaps within communities by providing services such as scholarships for high school students, feeding the unhoused, free textbooks and books for kids.
“We believe we are stronger together than we are separately,” Burton said.
She said there is a slight difference between a college AKA and an AKA once you are in the professional world. The focus is the same, but once in the real world, one focuses on the outside community rather than the college community.
Burton smiled while saying, “We believe that 40 women together are stronger than one, and that’s why we go out collectively to make an impact.”
She said those interested can reach out to the chapter’s president and not be afraid to ask questions.
“When you are considering joining, it’s a lifetime membership. Also, if you choose to join one day, you will be ready,” Burton said. “There aren’t any silly questions whenever you are considering a lifetime membership. If the organisation you are thinking of joining fits for you as a young professional, then I would absolutely ask questions, and one day, if you choose to join, then you will be ready.”
Burton also shared how she knew being an AKA was for her.
“I wanted to join the NPHC and the AKA’s because of my campus, and also, whenever I was growing up, there were so many women in my life who were AKA’s (grandmothers and aunts), and they were sweet, caring, and kind and as a young woman growing up, they felt relatable,” Burton said. “So whenever I got to college, I had an inkling of what I wanted to do, so whenever I went to the interest meeting, I knew I was ready to join.”
Will Monroe, junior theater performance major, is a part of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He joined in April 2024 during the spring semester.
“We service the community by doing community service like helping freshmen move into their dorms, feeding the homeless, and doing things on campus to make campus life better,” Monroe said.
Monroe said his fraternity isn’t for everyone, but there are other fraternities in the Divine Nine.
“I chose my fraternity because I knew it wasn’t for everybody. We hold ourselves to a different standard than most, and we always try to do everything to 110%,” Monroe said.
Monroe said the Divine Nine are a different culture than normal fraternities and sororities.
“There’s a lot of soul and history in what we do. All of us [Divine Nine] are trying to achieve the same thing, whether that be service to the community or making the country better,” Monroe said. “It’s about growth, and you have to have a lot of discipline to be in the D9; it’s not an easy thing, but I will say being a part of any of the Divine Nine, you will reap the benefits of that.”
Monroe said he joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity because he felt more connected to the fraternity. His father is also a part of the fraternity.
The Divine Nine is just a small part of black history and culture. The strong and continuing legacy of 120 years will continue to grow and shine for generations to come.