The Charmaine Chapman Society of the United Way of Greater St. Louis has launched its annual Divine 9 fundraising challenge, bringing together members of historically Black sororities and fraternities to support local families in need.
Named for the late Charmaine Chapman — the first Black woman to lead a major United Way chapter — the society was inspired by St. Louis American Publisher Donald M. Suggs and has grown to become one of the largest Black philanthropic groups in the nation, with more than 400 members.
According to the United Way, 43% of households in the St. Louis region struggle to afford basic needs such as housing, utilities, food, transportation and healthcare…