The History of D9

DIVINE 9: Historically Black Greek letter organizations

The first fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa, was founded on December 5th, 1776; a little over six months after America had declared independence from England. This society was formed for both social and revolutionary reasons. Certain debates on taxation and freedom during this time period could only be held in secret. In December of 1779, the establishment of chapters at Yale and Harvard were authorized by the parent chapter. Due to prejudice against secret societies, the Harvard chapter revealed the secrets of PBK in 1831. It was exposed that the Greek letters FBK stood for Filosofia Biou Kubernhthz, meaning, Philosophy the Guide of Life. Soon afterwards, Phi Beta Kappa became the most prestigious honor society in North America. In the early years, fraternities, and later sororities, were referred to as “societies.” These societies were founded based on intellectualism and secrecy, making induction into these organizations very exclusive and difficult. This is why many real sororities and fraternities have a GPA requirement and encourage community involvement.

Seventy-five years later, in 1851, the first women’s society, Alphenean Society (later renamed Alpha Delta Pi), was founded. However, it wasn’t until 1867 when the they became nationally recognised as Pi Beta Phi. In 1882, the first sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, was nationally recognized. The term “sorority” was coined by a local latin professor named Frank Smalley of Syracuse University.

April 12, 1861 marked the beginning of the Civil War, which lasted 4 years. Although slavery had become a thing of the past, discrimination against such beautiful people was still very evident and still is today. Despite these struggles, the first African-American literary society, Alpha Phi, was founded in 1872, only seven years after the war ended. The first successful and oldest African-American fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi, was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 15, 1904 by four black professionals: two doctors, a dentist, and a physician. During the time it was founded, black professionals could not join the professional and cultural associations organized by the white community. On December 4, 1906, however, the first African-American intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The fraternity was founded by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood amongst the African descendants of this country. Over the next decade and a half, the first 8 organizations to make up the National Panhellenic Council would be formed: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (1906), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (1908), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (1911), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (1911), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (1913), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity (1914), Zeta Phi Beta (1920), and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (1922). The youngest of the Divine 9, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, was founded in 1963.

The National Panhellenic Council was founded in 1930 to serve as a governing body for the 9 historically national black fraternities and sororities. The NPHC would foster cooperative actions of its members in dealing with matters of mutual concern. In the beginning societies, fraternities and sororities were created by groups with like minded interests. Some focused more on debate and politics while others focused on education, religion, or professionalism. Many of these African-American fraternities and sororities were founded on much of the same interests but focused mainly on public service and civil rights. These same African-American organizations were also the fathers to the fun part of being in a fraternity or sorority, i.e. step shows, events, inventing calls and open hand signs. The members of these organizations were people just like us who simply needed a voice and a platform to bond and succeed.

D9 on IMVU

IMVU’s initial release on April 15, 2004 opened a world [literally] of endless possibilities. Upon the start of IMVU, members began creating fraternities and sororities within IMVU; making them very similar to those in real life. While some members created their own sorority or fraternity, coming up with original names, symbols, and colors, others got their inspiration from real fraternities and sororities. Their main inspiration comes from the organizations within the Divine 9, with Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Kappa Alpha holding the most chapters. Through research, there have been at least 5+ chapters per organization between the two of them. There are many reasons why these chapters have been created but one sticks out above the rest: holding common interests as those in the Divine 9. One IMVU member in particular, NellyIIYRNII, stated,

“Alpha's roots derives from Egypt and the storyline of that history got my attention. Placing us in a different caliber of light. We are different from the other chapters because of how we carry ourselves as men; not to say any of my other Greek Brothers are less than. What separates the D9 from other Greek organizations in real life is the fact that for years its focus has been on empowering and uplifting young African-Americans that today’s society have forgotten…”

While these same organizations were historically known to be African-American Greek organizations only, over time many have allowed members of other races to join in. Some may argue and many may disagree with this decision. Whites being inducted into black fraternities and sororities was never something that wasn’t allowed, it was simply unheard of during those times. Times are different and things are very slowly changing. Therefore, although very rare, seeing other races join one of the Divine 9 organizations can be controversial, yet all races are welcome. The Divine 9 has historically been Greek organizations with members of primarily African-American background, the matter of race has not been a primary influence regarding who can be a member both in real life and IMVU. Although the Divine 9 was created to give African-Americans a community of their own, its main focus was public service and civil rights. The Divine 9’s main focus has always been equality, intelligence, and the acceptance of men and women of any race who are seen fit to uphold the appropriate title of brother and sister.

From day one, these organizations were more about bringing intellectual black minds together. They made these organizations in a response to the white fraternities and sororities that they were not allowed into. So, in a sense, this was the black version of the honor society they were racially banned from. Community, unity, and education were their main points. as they still are. Upon research, it’s pretty evident that these organizations contributed to their times; participating in the Civil Rights’ Movement and such (Rosa Parks was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.). The NPHC was established in 1930 by the first 5 organizations to council and monitor activities and common thoughts between these organizations. Every one of the fraternities and sororities have different mission statements, but similar aspects; intellectuality, unity, and strength amongst blacks. The Divine 9 was founded by young African-American men and women who saw that their community needed positive and inspirational leaders. With this knowledge, they have made a name for themselves in black history and, most importantly, in the future of America.