The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities - Paperback

by Lawrence C. Ross (Author)

This comprehensive history of African American fraternities and sororities celebrates the spirit of Black Excellence in higher education that has produced American leaders in politics, sports, arts, and culture such as Kamala Harris, Colin Kaepernick, Michael Jordan, Thurgood Marshall, and Toni Morrison, and is sure to be a treasured resource for generations to come.

America's Black fraternities and sororities are a unique and vital part of 20th century African American history, providing young black achievers with opportunities to support each other while they serve their communities and the nation.

From pioneering work in the suffragette movement to extraordinary strides during the Civil Rights era to life-changing inner-city mentoring programs, members of these organizations share a proud tradition of brotherhood, sisterhood, and service.

Today, America's nine black fraternities and sororities are millions of members strong with chapters at HBCUs, Ivy League Schools, and colleges across the nation including Stanford University, Howard University, and the University of Chicago.

Front Jacket

Never before has information about African American fraternities and sororities been published for the general public, until now. A meticulously researched history, THE DIVINE NINE tells the story of how these organizations have played a major role in shaping generations of black leaders.

America's black fraternities and sororities are a unique and vital part of 20th century African American history. Since the creation of the first fraternity in 1906 at Cornell University, they have provided young black achievers with opportunities to support each other, while serving their communities and the nation. From pioneering work in the suffragette movement to extraordinary strides during the Civil Rights era to life-changing inner-city mentoring programs in the 1990s, members of these organizations share a proud and vital history of brotherhood, sisterhood, and service.

Today, America's nine black fraternities and sororities are two-and-one-half million members strong and among the most powerful and influential groups in African American society -- with chapters at major universities and colleges across the country, including Stanford University, Howard University, and University of Chicago. Many of America's most prominent business leaders, scientists, politicians, entertainers, and athletes took their first steps toward making a difference in the world in a fraternity or sorority. This extensive yet very accessible book celebrates the spirit of excellence shared by these and other renowned African Americans in brief, inspiring profiles.

Fully illustrated with photographs, THE DIVINE NINE chronicles an important yet previously neglected subject in African American history, making it thefirst book of its kind, and one to be treasured for generations to come.

Back Jacket

INCLUDES INTERVIEWS WITH FAMOUS MEMBERS OF THE DIVINE NINE

JOHN CHANEY Head Basketball Coach, Temple University

SPENCER CHRISTIAN Former weather anchorman, ABC-TVs "Good Morning America"

KEITH CLINKSCALES President and CEO, Vibe magazine

JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN Historian

NIKKI GIOVANNI Poet, author of Blues: For All the Changes

DR. GWENDOLYN GOLDSBY-GRANT Psychologist, Essence magazine columnist, author

JOHN H. JOHNSON Owner of Ebony Publishing

STAR JONES Co-host, ABC-TV's "The View"

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL Star center for the Los Angeles Lakers

TAVIS SMILEY Host, "BET Tonight"

PLUS INSPIRING PROFILES OF OTHER FAMOUS MEMBERS -- FROM HISTORICAL FIGURES TO MODERN LEGENDS

HANK AARON

MARIAN ANDERSON

MAYA ANGELOU

ARTHUR ASHE

COUNT BASIE

TONI BRAXTON

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

WILT CHAMBERLAIN

SHIRLEY CHISHOLM

BILL COSBY

W.E.B. DUBOIS

DUKE ELLINGTON

ELLA FITZGERALD

LANGSTON HUGHES

REVEREND JESSE JACKSON

MICHAEL JORDAN

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

THURGOOD MARSHALL

HATTIE MCDANIEL

TONI MORRISON

JESSE OWENS

COLIN POWELL

PHYLICIA RASHAD

PAUL ROBESON

CORETTA SCOTT KING

BLAIR UNDERWOOD

DIONNE WARWICK

Author Biography

Born and raised in Inglewood, California, Lawrence Ross has been an author, writer, commentator, and lecturer on African American topics for the past twenty years. The author of seven books, The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities and Blackballed: The Black & White Politics of Race on America's Campuses, were the first books written about black fraternal organizations and campus racism, respectively. One of the most popular college lecturers in the country, Ross has appeared at over 700 colleges, universities, and conferences. He's also the owner of The Metaphor Club (TheMetaphorClub.com), a creative co-working space in Los Angeles. Ross lives in Los Angeles with his wife April, and their son Langston, and is a Brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. To contact Lawrence Ross, please visit TheLawrenceRoss.com or email him at alpha1906@gmail.com.