What is the Divine Nine? How they're boosting Kamala Harris’ campaign
Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining substantial backing for her presidential bid from members of the "Divine Nine," a distinguished group of historically Black fraternities and sororities.
As a Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member, Harris has witnessed a significant mobilization from her sorority sisters and other Divine Nine affiliates.
This support is significant given the profound history of these organizations, which were established in an era marked by racial violence and segregation.
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What is the Divine Nine?
The Divine Nine refers to the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). These organizations have played a pivotal role in shaping the Black middle class for over 100 years.
Which organizations are part of the Divine Nine?
The Divine Nine includes the following fraternities and sororities:
- 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.
- Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Senator Kamala Harris, a Democrat from California, center, stands with attendees and participates in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. hymn at their Annual Pink Ice Gala in Columbia, South Carolina, U.S., on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019. Photographer: Eli
Notable members and historical significance
Members of the Divine Nine have been instrumental in major social movements and the fight for civil rights. Notable members include Martin Luther King Jr. (Alpha Phi Alpha), Thurgood Marshall (Alpha Phi Alpha), John Lewis (Phi Beta Sigma), and Dorothy Height (Delta Sigma Theta).
The Divine Nine were founded by the descendants of formerly enslaved people who went on to fight against lynching, push for women's suffrage, and drive the Civil Rights Movement.
These organizations have not only provided a support network for Black students but also played a critical role in fostering leadership and advocacy.
How is Kamala Harris connected to the Divine Nine?
Harris joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as an undergraduate at Howard University in 1986. Throughout her political career, she has benefited from the support of her sorority and other Divine Nine members, who have volunteered for her campaigns and helped garner support.
How are the Divine Nine supporting Kamala Harris's presidential run?
Following Harris's presidential candidacy announcement, Divine Nine members quickly organized to support her through emails, calls, and donations. The National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine) has committed to an unprecedented voter registration, education, and mobilization campaign to ensure strong voter turnout.
The mobilization of the Divine Nine is expected to boost voter turnout in Democratic areas with historically low participation, potentially aiding Harris's election prospects.
Additionally, this movement could help Democrats recapture the U.S. House, with the possibility of Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, becoming the first Divine Nine speaker of the House.
The Associated Press contributed to this story. It was reported from Los Angeles.