WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Saturday, July 12, Sandlot Uptown in Northwest D.C. overflowed with music, culture, unity, and pride as members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)—collectively known as the Divine Nine—gathered for the fifth annual Black Greek Festival. The day-long event celebrated the legacy, excellence, and enduring impact of historically Black Greek-letter organizations through music, food, community engagement, and a powerful display of solidarity.
A Vibrant Gathering of Culture and Legacy
The Black Greek Festival brought together hundreds of fraternity and sorority members from across the Divine Nine for a dynamic celebration that honored their shared legacy and individual journeys. With live DJs, Black-owned food trucks and vendors, games, giveaways, and unmatched energy, the event spotlighted the spirit of Black excellence and resilience.
Joshua O., a student at Bowie State University and a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.’s Mu Chapter, attended the festival to connect with his brothers and honor the legacy of Black Greek life.
“I came here to spend time with my brothers, enjoy the Black Greek culture, and have a good time,” he shared.
Kwame Agyemang, a festival team member, called the event a huge success.
“To all members of the Divine Nine who showed up and showed out—we see you and we thank you. Your energy and unity truly made this event unforgettable,” he said. “It was more than a festival — it was a family reunion, a vibe, and a testament to the power of community.”
The Divine Nine: History Rooted in Resistance and Uplift
Founded in 1930 at Howard University, the National Pan-Hellenic Council consists of nine Black fraternities and sororities, created in response to racial segregation and exclusion from predominantly white Greek organizations. The organizations include:
-
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (1906)
-
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1908)
-
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
-
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1911)
-
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1913)
-
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914)
-
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1920)
-
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (1922)
-
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (1963)
These organizations have always emphasized service, academic excellence, civic involvement, and cultural empowerment.
Chidera Benedicts, also of Bowie State and Iota Phi Theta’s Mu Chapter, emphasized how Greek life shaped his college experience:
“It made everything more enjoyable. You meet people, you connect with different chapters, and it gives you a professional perspective while you’re still in undergrad.”
His fraternity brother, Mike A., echoed that sentiment.
“It opened my horizons to things I hadn’t seen before. It’s an enhancement of the college experience,” he said.
Creating Community at PWIs and HBCUs
For Savannah-Rae Snyder, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Nu Alpha Chapter at American University, joining a Divine Nine organization provided her with a sense of identity and purpose at a predominantly white institution.
“I went through the stages of grief over African Americans’ status in the world, told only through a lens of being conquered,” she said. “Joining Delta gave me a rich history, heritage, and the glory of struggle and success. My 22 founders charged me with the good fight—and gave me line sisters who became allies and lifelong friends.”
More Than a Campus Movement
While Greek life plays a large role in students’ college journeys, its influence extends far beyond campus. Members emphasized that the Divine Nine fosters lifelong personal and professional growth.
For Joshua O., the experience has been transformative:
“I’ve been able to do more, be part of the community, step into leadership, and bring people together. It’s about unity—not just in Black culture, but among us as people.”
Monet Mabrey, a Coppin State University graduate and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Nu Gamma Chapter, noted that her sorority not only helped her during college, but opened doors in her professional life.
“Joining Zeta helped me step out of my comfort zone,” she said. “It helped me land my ‘big girl’ job through a connection with a Divine Nine member. You never know what opportunities are out there.”
Encouraging the Next Generation
While the Black Greek Festival was full of celebration, members emphasized the importance of carrying the torch responsibly. Monet Mabrey offered this advice to those considering joining:
“Always remember: scholarships come first. Get your GPA five points above the minimum. You never know what doors could open.”
Joshua O. added that potential members should come with purpose and commitment.
“Greek life isn’t about partying. It’s about structure, growth, and becoming better than yesterday. Join if you’re hardworking and want to achieve your goals with others around you.”
A Festival, A Movement
The 2025 Black Greek Festival was more than a celebration—it was a living display of Black unity, history, leadership, and purpose. In a time when national conversations often highlight division, this event was a reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared legacy and vision.
As Agyemang put it best: “This wasn’t just an event. It was a celebration of culture, a showcase of excellence, and a moment of togetherness we’ll carry with us all year long.”
Leave a Reply