Coastal Carolina University’s Divine Nine play a powerful role in advancing Black leadership and service.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), or Divine Nine, is the governing body for the historically Black fraternities and sororities. NPHC contributes to Black American culture and was created to provide academic, social and community support for Black students.
The chapters on CCU’s campus include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Zak Watson a senior health sciences major is president of the Alpha Epsilon Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. He explained how each week of February, his chapter takes the time to recognize historical, prominent Black figures.
For the first week, they learned about Ronald E. McNair, an American astronaut, physicist and fellow brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
“When I say Omega, I mean, what it means to me is it’s more than just a fraternity or a chapter or letters. It’s black men with a purpose, who refuse to fall back. Building a legacy in service is its proof that Black excellence stands, and that is an unshakable truth,” Watson said.
Amonee Blair, president of the Rho Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a senior exercise science major, shared how her chapter remains committed to serving all mankind through community outreach. She emphasized that the chapter actively encourages young women to excel academically.
Blair highlighted upcoming initiatives for Black History Month and said members will visit local schools to educate and inspire students.
“We have some Black History Month events we’re doing at schools, talking about our organization and showing them kind of what it looks like and something they have to look forward to if they’re interested in college. It helps some children get interested in college,” Blair said.
Blair explained how NPHCs are not typically featured in media, like movies, so going to schools can be a great way to show who they are and allow people to learn more about them. It allows people to see there are other options as well, besides National Panhellenic Council (NPC) and Interfraternity Council (IFC).
Jamarion Harrell, president of the Beta Beta Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and a junior accounting major, highlighted his chapter’s founding principles of brotherhood, scholarship and service. He emphasized the importance of community involvement and mental health initiatives. “
Currently what we have coming up, we have a candling event, making candles to just promote mental health and our single wellness that we have,” Harrell said. “Also, barbershop taught for Black men to speak about mental health.”
Harrell said he is proud of how close his chapter is and how much they promote the importance of studying and schooling.
