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The Divine Nine

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 10, 2008

The National Pan-Hellenic Council recognizes nine historically black international Greek letter fraternities and sororities, otherwise known as "The Divine Nine." The organizations evolved at a time when blacks were denied many civil liberties. All boast well-known members.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

•Founded in 1906 at Cornell University

•Notable member: the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights activist

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

•Founded in 1908 at Howard University

•Notable member: Jada Pinkett Smith, actress

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

•Founded in 1911 at Indiana University

•Notable member: Robert Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

•Founded in 1911 at Howard University

•Notable member: Carter G. Woodson, founder of Negro History Week (Black History Month)

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

•Founded in 1913 at Howard University

•Notable member: Ruby Dee, actress and social activist

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity

•Founded in 1914 at Howard University

•Notable member: Blair Underwood, actor

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

•Founded in 1920 at Howard University

•Notable member: Zora Neale Hurston, author of "Their Eyes Were Watching God"

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority

•Founded in 1922 at Butler University

•Notable member: Victoria Rowell, actress

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity

•Founded in 1963 at Morgan State University

•Notable member: Elvin Hayes, NBA Hall of Famer

Sarah Hoye

The Divine Nine

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