As Election Day approaches, historically Black Greek Letter organizations are stepping up to ensure the community’s voices are heard loud and clear at the polls. Known collectively as the Divine Nine, these organizations have a storied history of social action and civic engagement, playing a pivotal role in mobilizing voters and addressing issues that affect African American communities.
Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO, emphasizes the importance of this engagement, stating, “It’s important for us to engage, that our constitution applies to all citizens and everyone is legally entitled to cast an effective ballot.” The message is clear: participation in the democratic process is essential, and every eligible voter should take responsibility to make their voice heard through the ballot box.
Across the nation, these organizations are organizing voter registration drives, hosting forums with local candidates, and ensuring that voters are well-informed about the issues at stake. In Jacksonville, for instance, local chapters have been actively registering voters and encouraging them to bring friends, family, and coworkers to the polls. These initiatives highlight the collective effort to boost turnout and reinforce the power of the vote.
The Divine Nine’s commitment to civic engagement goes beyond just getting people to the polls. Their efforts aim to address broader social disparities, including economic and healthcare inequities. By mobilizing voters, they are not only shaping the outcomes of elections but also working towards a more equitable society.
Retired political science professor Dr. Marcella Washington underscores the importance of these efforts, noting that while these organizations have long reached out to marginalized groups, there is still work to be done in addressing the needs of the working-class African American community. This sentiment is echoed by leaders who stress the need for continued activism and voter education.
In addition to their grassroots efforts, the NAACP is offering free rides to the polls, ensuring that transportation barriers do not prevent anyone from casting their vote. This multifaceted approach underscores the collective determination to make democracy work for all.
As the election draws near, the Divine Nine and their allies remain steadfast in their mission to ensure every voice is heard and every vote counts, reinforcing the enduring legacy of civic participation within the Black community.
About the Divine Nine:
The Divine Nine refers to nine historically Black Greek letter organizations, each with a rich legacy of cultural significance and civic engagement. These organizations include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., founded in 1906 at Cornell University, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., founded in 1908 at Howard University. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. were both established in 1911, at Indiana University and Howard University respectively. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. followed in 1913, also at Howard University, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was founded in 1914 at the same institution. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., another Howard University creation, was founded in 1920. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was established at Butler University in 1922, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., the youngest of the nine, was founded in 1963 at Morgan State University. Together, these organizations have been at the forefront of promoting leadership, community service, and activism within the Black community.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Jessica Hill
