In honor of Black History Month, Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) is pleased to recognize several prominent Black community leaders and organizations making a difference across Senate District 21.
In the Antelope Valley, Senator Wilk is spotlighting the local chapters and their presidents of the “Divine Nine” Sororities and Fraternities, for significant place in history and for their years of service, leadership and mentorship.
“Since their beginnings over 100 years ago, the Divine Nine and its members have played a pivotal role as change makers for justice and equality in our country. From the Civil Rights movement to today, their influence is woven into the very fabric of our culture,” said Senator Wilk. “Greek life gives students family, community, and purpose. And it also provides graduates with business and personal connections that last a lifetime and span generations. The Divine Nine’s philanthropic efforts and dedication to service are incredibly worthy of recognition, and it is my pleasure to recognize their presence in the Antelope Valley. Congratulations!”
The Divine Nine is a nickname given to the group of nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations called the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHF). They began in the early 1900s, in response to the racism Black students experienced on university campuses.
Collectively today, they are made up of nearly 4 million members.
There are six Divine Nine chapters in the Antelope Valley that will be recognized throughout this month and next:
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Lancaster-Palmdale (CA) Alumni Chapter, President Michael Trimble
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Iota Iota Chapter, President Arrin Young
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Chi Kappa Omega Chapter, President Donna Thomason
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Lancaster (CA) Alumnae Chapter (AV Deltas), President Claudine Phaire
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Beta Alpha Gamma Zeta Chapter (AV Zetas), President Shamar Walker
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Chi Sigma Lancaster Alumnae Chapter, President Denicia White
Honorable mentions go to the three Divine Nine organizations without chapters in the Antelope Valley:
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
- Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.