Greek History is Black History

As a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and the Divine 9, a group of the nine most prestigious Black Greek Organizations, I often get a lot of questions on my involvement and the status of these organizations. As an individual first then a member of my fraternity I try not to be biased and give my honest opinion and advice after hearing comments and questions from the public. One of the most interesting and thoughtful questions I was asked was: "How do Black Greek Organizations embrace the African American Culture and or help with the problems we see in our communities?"

When one asks this question he or she must understand first that Divine 9 history is Black history. These two forms of history actually coexist and many great leaders throughout the struggle have been a part of these organizations or received help from these organizations. For example, the picture above includes, Martin Luther King, Ralph Abernathy, Jesse Jackson and Hosea Williams who were all members of different Black greek organizations. Even considering court cases such as Brown v. Board, which were very important and were made possible by great men including Thurgood Marshall, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, you can clearly see the help of these fraternities and sororities in support whether monetary or involvement. Two of the best centers in NBA history, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlin, happen to be members of Kappa Alpha Psi. In almost every sector of the workforce there has been a member of a Divine 9 fraternity or sorority that has helped make great milestones for African Americans. But beyond the Greeks that were fortunate enough to reach fame, many members go on to make changes in their communities in whatever field they choose to go into.

  By embracing our founders and learning the history of our respective organizations and others, we embody Black culture and live on the legacy. A lot of people discuss Greekdom and sometimes it makes me think would our respective founders be proud of the things happening today. My answer is always ABSOLUTELY. These organizations continue to live out the legacy of service through partnerships in the community and guide right programs benefiting the youth. As Black individuals that made it to college and or have successful careers, it is our responsibility to service the community especially the communities we come from. It is our responsibility to motivate students that they can achieve anything they imagine and go on to help their communities in the future. Not only are we changing our communities through the youth but helping with causes that effect our communities and society as whole such as Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Cystic Fibrosis, Gang violence and many other causes. We continue to promote academic achievement and help build the Black community as time progresses.
-Jeremiah the Messiah