AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The National Pan-Hellenic Council, or the Divine Nine is a council of nine historically African American fraternities and sororities. According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Divine Nine emerged during a period characterized as a low point in American race relations.
“Well, the history of the Divine Nine in black culture, it’s of course, the Divine Nine was founded earlier up. So, therefore, it’s been a part of our culture,” said Thomas Jones member of Omega Psi Phi Lambda Chi Chapter. “It has been a part because we were not accepted in the other fraternities and sororities. So, therefore it created some unity among African Americans.”
National Museum of African American History and Culture said the council was established on principle, racial uplift, and community service. Allowing black students to have a connection with their community.
“I think that the Divine Nine kind of gives our kids a mentorship in going on to college and furthering their education. Whether to be in trade or whether that be academically,” said Marcus Brown member of Omega Psi Phi Lambda Chi Chapter.