Written By Gloria Calhoun, M.Ed.

Black Greek Organizations, commonly referred to as the Divine 9, are fraternities and sororities that were founded at historically black colleges and universities. These organizations were created to promote brotherhood/sisterhood, service to the community, and academic excellence. The Divine 9 consists of nine organizations, which are Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and finally, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc..

Greek life is present in almost all universities in the U.S., and many students see it as an opportunity to connect with other students and build meaningful relationships. However, not all Greek organizations are created equally. Black Greek Organizations are specifically designed for Black students and community members to create a unique bond of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood” that goes beyond the four years of college. The bond is what makes these organizations unique.

When deciding to join a Black Greek Organization, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important things to remember is that each organization has its own unique personality and culture. However, the main difference is often based on whether the chapter is an undergraduate or graduate chapter.

Undergraduate chapters are typically made up of students who are currently enrolled in college, whereas graduate chapters are made up of professionals who have already completed their undergraduate degree. Graduate chapters are often composed of alumni from the undergraduate chapter and from other schools worldwide.

When choosing a chapter, it’s good to know what type of member you want to become. Undergraduate chapters are great for students looking to become active in their communities right away, and they take on a more social aspect of the organization, whereas graduate chapters are great for those who want to network and build connections with other professionals.

The undergraduate chapter is also the place where the foundation of the member’s relationship with the organization is laid. The campus life is the perfect place to make connections and build relationships, which are essential for the sustainability of the organization.

Graduate chapters, on the other hand, focus more on community service and mentorship. They often have alumni events where people can network, and they are also focused on providing mentoring to younger members. These connections can lead to career opportunities, internships, and long-term relationships that go beyond the college campus.

In conclusion, both the undergraduate and graduate chapters have their unique advantages, and it’s essential to understand both of them before joining these organizations. It is important to do your research about each organization and their chapters’ culture and goals to decide which one fits your needs and interests. Both groups are focused on academic achievement, community service, and creating connections that will last a lifetime. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make on which group is best for you. With whichever you choose, it is important to always remember the purpose of the organization and the bonds it fosters.

Reference

OpenAI.Simplified (2023). ChatGPT (April 20 version) [Large language model]. https://bit.ly/43R1SAm