Leading Through Black Excellence: The Divine 9
Leading Through Black Excellence is a new Black History Month series, presented by
the Austin Peay State University African American Employee Council. Throughout February,
we will highlight examples of “Leading Through Black Excellence,” both on and off
our campus. Individuals and organizations were nominated, and we are pleased to share
their incredible stories through this new venture. For more information, please visit
our website. www.apsu.edu/aaec.
In the early 20th century, African American college students were tired of the racial discrimination and existing within a system of oppression. Much like the establishment of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), they formed their own Greek fraternities and sororities in order to foster a collective purpose and interest in serving the black community. Service and activism are the cornerstone for many Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs), also known as the Divine 9 (D9). Over the last century, these same organizations have chartered chapters at universities and within communities, both nationally and internationally, to spread their mission. Austin Peay, like many other universities, have since welcomed BGLOs on its campus as early as 1973. The Divine 9 at APSU promote unity, academic excellence and service to the Clarksville community. If you are interested in learning more information about these organizations, feel free to attend the Open House tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m. via zoom. Registration is required via this link: https://apsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUofumhrzkpGdW8mRQWTkru6jNRE9PL4Vwf
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities. The fraternity aims to stimulate the ambition of its members, prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom and dignity of the individual, encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood and aid downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status.
- Founded nationally Dec. 4, 1906, at Cornell University
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind.” Alpha Kappa Alpha seeks women who will promote, uphold and extend its policies and programs. In return, the Sorority is a conduit through which individuals can grow and develop, personally and professionally, while simultaneously providing "Service to All Mankind”
• Founded nationally Jan. 15, 1908, at Howard University
• Chartered locally at APSU May 1, 1976 (Kappa Rho Chapter)
• Campus advisor – Ms. Sue Fort
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
The fundamental purpose of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is achievement in every field of human endeavor. This fraternity strives to unite college men of culture, patriotism, and honor in a bond of fraternity; to encourage honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor; to promote the spiritual, social, intellectual and moral welfare of its members; to assist the aims of colleges and universities; and to inspire service in the public interest.
• Founded nationally Jan. 5, 1911, at Indiana University
• Chartered locally at APSU May 25, 1975 (Theta Beta Chapter)
• Campus advisor – Mr. David Davenport
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity is a professional organization of educated men with similar ideas and like attainments. The fraternity’s founders chose Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift as the cardinal principles that every prospective candidate must possess.
• Founded nationally Nov. 17, 1911, at Howard University
• Chartered locally at APSU May 6, 1977 (Rho Kappa Chapter)
• Campus advisor – Ms. Lynne Halliburton
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded by 22 collegiate women on the campus of Howard University. The sorority performed their first public act by participating in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington, D.C. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs (Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement) in local communities throughout the world. The organization was founded on the principles of Scholarship, Service and Sisterhood. These ideals have withstood the test of time and are exemplified through the programs they sponsor.
- Founded nationally Jan. 13, 1913, Howard University
- Chartered locally at APSU Jan. 20, 1973 (Iota Upsilon Chapter)
- Campus advisor – Dr. Ashlee Spearman
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
Founded to create an organization that viewed itself as “a part of” the general community rather than “apart from” the general community. The organization believes that each potential member should be judged by his own merits, rather than his family background or affluence…without regard to race, nationality, skin tone or texture of hair. The fraternity desires to exist as part of an even greater brotherhood which would be devoted to the “inclusive we” rather than the “exclusive we”. Phi Beta Sigma is the Brother Organization to Zeta Phi Beta
• Founded nationally Jan. 9, 1914, at Howard University
• Chartered locally at APSU May 20, 1982 (Alpha Rho Chapter)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta was founded on the simple belief that sorority elitism and socializing should not overshadow the real mission for progressive organizations - to address societal moral ills, prejudices, poverty and health concerns of the day. Zeta Phi Beta is the sister organization to Phi Beta Sigma.
• Founded nationally Jan. 16, 1920, at Howard University
• Chartered locally at APSU May 28, 1985 (Gamma Nu Chapter)
• Campus advisor- Ms. Sheila Bryant
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
It is the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S. and globally through community service. Our goal is to achieve greater progress in the areas of education, healthcare and the leadership development. Our members, affiliates, staff and community partners work to create and support initiatives that align with our vision. We visualize a world in which all women and their families reach their full potential in all aspects of life and are able to create unlimited opportunities for future generations. These values align with our vision and mission and represent the intent of our Founders. For the women of Sigma Gamma Rho, this means to always: Sisterhood, Respect, Honesty, Accountability, Integrity, Excellence and Communication. Soaring To Greater Heights Of Attainment Around The World, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., as a leading national service organization, had met the challenges of the day and continues to grow through Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service.
• Founded nationally Nov. 12, 1922, at Butler University
• Chartered locally at APSU Nov. 22, 1992 (Nu Zeta Chapter)
• Campus advisor- Mr. David Davenport
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.
The Fraternity’s purpose centers around the development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Citizenship, Fidelity and Brotherhood among Men with a motto of “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!”
• Founded nationally Sept. 19, 1963 at Morgan State College (Now Morgan State University)
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