Black Greek organizations at UNL build family, leadership and continue civil rights work
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Long before stepping and strolling across college campuses, the Divine Nine were carving out space in a segregated America.
These nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations were founded when Black students were barred from traditional fraternities and sororities.
“There was a bunch of fraternities and sororities that we were not allowed to be a part of, and because of that, we developed our own,” said Matt Meyer, a member of the Beta Upsilon chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
The five fraternities are Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta.
The four sororities are Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho.
At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, members say that history still shapes everything they do.
“It’s manhood, scholarship, perseverance, like it’s the ability to know that I can persevere through anything,” Meyer said.
In states where Black students make up a small percentage of the population, these organizations foster community and a sense of belonging.
“We are to help make an impact on the world and to uplift everyone. So if we didn’t have that, it would just be one less leader,” said Breana Sabin, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
For many Black students on campus who sometimes feel isolated, the Divine Nine organizations become family.
“I feel like I finally found a community being so far away from home,” said Zowie Simpson, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
“Personally, my organization didn’t change me; it enhanced me,” another added.
Members emphasize that their purpose goes far beyond social events. The focus is on leadership, academic excellence, and continuing a civil rights legacy that started generations ago.
During Black History Month, they hope the wider community sees that the Divine Nine are not just part of history — they are still making history.
“There is a rich history there, and we do a lot for the community,” Meyer said.
