In celebration of Black History Month, Moraine’s Celebrating Diversity Committee, along with the Black Student Association, is hosting an event Wednesday to recognize Black Greek letter organizations.
The Black Greek letter organizations refer to the Divine Nine historically black fraternities and sororities: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta.
If you are looking to belong and want to belong, this is an event to start that belonging.”
Tianna Richards
Moraine students have expressed interest in learning more about the Divine Nine in the past, and this celebrated month presented the opportunity, said Multicultural Student Affairs Coordinator and Black Student Association advisor, Tianna Richards.
“Our students wanted to have something that created a greater sense of belonging for them,” she said. “If you are looking to belong and want to belong, this is an event to start that belonging.”
Although many students desired this information, not all are familiar with the work and history of these organizations.
“We want them to have additional awareness,” said Richards, “If we are continuously trying to promote equity and inclusion and diversity, we have to get [it] to our students.”
The Divine Nine were established at historically Black colleges and universities, but their roles in community service, activism and higher education scholarships have made them staples on campuses across the world.
Facilitators for this event are Upward Bound director and Delta Sigma Theta member Misty Williams and Trio Educational case manager and Phi Beta Sigma member Phillip Davis.
The event is open to everyone and will be held on Wednesday from 3-4 p.m. via WebEx. The meeting ID is 120 521 6462, and the password is MSA2021 (6722021 from phones).