Famous Members of Black Greek Sororities or Fraternities Better Known as ‘The Divine Nine’

For over a century, Black Greek-letter organizations have provided academic and social support for students of color on college campuses.

Alpha Phi Alpha, the first Black fraternity, was founded at Cornell University in 1906. Just two years later, Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Black Greek sorority, was founded at Howard University.

Today, the number of organizations has grown to include The Divine Nine, the five fraternities and four sororities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council. But the mission remains the same, the organizations are dedicated to scholarship, service and building life-long bonds with fellow members.

Divine Nine members have gone on to achieve success in practically every field. In honor of Black History Month, check out some well-known members of the Divine Nine.

Kamala Harris - Alpha Kappa Alpha

Not only is she the first Black Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris is a member of the oldest Greek letter organization for Black women. Harris became a member of the first Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1986 while a senior at Howard University.

Mara Brock Akil - Delta Sigma Theta

Writer/producer Mara Brock Akil, creator of hit shows like “Girlfriends,” “The Game” and “Being Mary Jane” is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The Los Angeles native was initiated into the Theta Alpha chapter at Northwestern University.

Roland Martin - Alpha Phi Alpha

Journalist Roland Martin became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. while a student at Texas A&M University. Although Martin proudly reps his frat, he has been outspoken against the practice of hazing.

Barbara Jordan - Delta Sigma Theta

Texas native Barbara Jordan was the first Black congresswoman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the South. Jordan became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Texas Southern University where she majored in Political Science and History and graduated magna cum laude.

Will Packer - Alpha Phi Alpha

“Stomp the Yard” producer Will Packer is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Packer, whose father also pledged Alpha, was initiated at Beta Nu Chapter at Florida A&M University.

Cedric The Entertainer - Kappa Alpha Psi

We don’t for sure, but we’re pretty confident comedian and actor Cedric the Entertainer is one of the funniest members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Cedric pledged at Southeast Missouri State University in 1984.

Ben Crump - Omega Psi Phi

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has fought for justice for families in high profile cases including the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. who pledged at Florida State University’s Chi Theta Chapter.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly - Sigma Gamma Rho

Robin Kelly is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois where she serves as Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Jerry Rice - Phi Beta Sigma

NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice wasn’t just an amazing football player at Mississippi Valley State University, he also pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Colin Kaepernick - Kappa Alpha Psi

Football player and activist Colin Kaepernick pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. while a student at the University of Nevada - Reno.

Loretta Divine - Alpha Kappa Alpha

From Waiting to Exhale to Dreamgirls on Broadway to her Emmy award-winning role in Grey’s Anatomy, actress Loretta Devine is known for iconic roles on both stage and screen. Devine pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha at the University of Houston where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Drama in 1971.

Steve Harvey - Omega Psi Phi

Family Feud host Steve Harvey is known for his outfits as well as his comedy. But before he found fame, Harvey pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at Kent State University.

Congressman John Lewis - Phi Beta Sigma

A key figure in the civil rights movement, Congressman John Lewis dedicated his life to pursing racial equality for all. He became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. while pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Fisk University.

TC Carson - Iota Phi Theta

“Living Single” alum, TC Carson is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. from the University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign.

Toni Morrison - Alpha Kappa Alpha

“Beloved” author Toni Morrison became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., pledging while she was a student at Howard University.