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The Divine Nine
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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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