This article spotlights the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) of Chicago, also known as the 'Divine 9', a group of Black sororities and fraternities dedicated to improving their community. Through various projects, including supporting The Salvation Army, promoting census participation, organizing blood drives, and combatting food insecurity, the NPHC demonstrates its commitment to service and empowering their community.
There are many dedicated individuals in Chicago working to improve their neighborhoods. While some names are immediately recognizable, others remain less known. In a Fox 32 Black History Month special report, Dawn Hasbrouck introduces viewers to one such group: the National Pan-Hellenic Council ( NPHC ) of Chicago, also known as the 'Divine 9'. This collective of Black sororities and fraternities has been using their resources and manpower for decades to make Chicago a better place.
One of their current projects involves collecting hats, coats, and gloves for The Salvation Army to distribute to those in need this winter. 'A lot of people look for us,' said Renee Byrd, vice president of the NPHC of Chicago. 'They want to partner with us. They know our impact.' 'Part of all of our goals is to service individuals, and communities and families,' said NPHC of Chicago president Reginald Summerrise.Service has always been a core part of each organization's mission, especially in Black communities that historically lacked access to resources. Summerrise highlighted their collaboration with Cook County on the national U.S. Census campaign a few years ago. 'We had billboards throughout African American and people of color communities. And we were going door-to-door setting up census rallies and registering people, giving out information throughout Cook County, all spearheaded by NPHCC,' Summerrise said. 'One of the most impactful things we can do to help is make sure the census is being correctly tallied in our communities,' Summerise emphasized. Outside of census efforts, the Divine 9 address more immediate needs in their neighborhoods, such as blood drives and food insecurity. 'We also are big on feeding those that are in food deserts, those that are less fortunate,' Byrd said. They dedicate countless hours volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, packaging food donations for distribution throughout the community. 'We have people that will call us and say ‘We need this done. Can the Divine 9 come and help us?’,' Byrd said. The Divine 9 are seemingly prepared to answer the call, boasting individual partnerships with major organizations like the March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, and American Red Cross. 'They know our work and that’s across the nation,' Byrd said. 'We have members that are attorneys, judges. We have members that are masons, carpenters, HVAC repair, teachers from all across the board. What makes us so powerful is we have access to these individuals if we need their assistance,' Summerise explained. While the spotlight shone on Black sororities last year with Kamala Harris' presidential candidacy, both Byrd and Summerise assert that most people still lack a comprehensive understanding of the Divine 9. Other notable Black Greeks who have left their mark on history include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his wife Coretta, and former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. 'It is this world that if it’s opened up and really looked into people will say ‘Wow, they got representation of everything possible that every community would need,’' Summerrise said. Mentoring teens and young adults is another significant focus for the Divine 9
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CHICAGO COMMUNITY SERVICE DIVINE 9 NATIONAL PANHELLENIC COUNCIL NPHC SOCIAL IMPACT
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chicago weather: Dangerous cold temperatures continue in Chicago area MondayHealth officials are warning people to dress properly to avoid frostbite.
Read more »
Chicago Med Surpasses Chicago Fire in RatingsThis article explores the reasons behind Chicago Med's increased viewership compared to Chicago Fire. It highlights key departures from Chicago Fire, the compelling storyline surrounding Sharon Goodwin in Chicago Med, and the overall enhanced drama in Chicago Med's tenth season.
Read more »
ABC7 Chicago to present the 2025 Chicago Auto Show Saturday, Feb. 8ABC7 anchors Ravi Baichwal, Ryan Chiaverini to host half-hour special; Tracy Butler, Diane Pathieu and Val Warner to Contribute
Read more »
Chicago Fire Dominating The 2025 One Chicago Crossover Was Both Inevitable & NecessaryMiranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd in Chicago Fire, Darren Barnet as John Frost in Chicago Med, and Marina Squerciati as Kim Burgess in Chicago PD.
Read more »
Chicago Med's Mitch Ripley Finds Solace in Tragedy During 2025 One Chicago CrossoverThe 2025 One Chicago crossover, 'In the Trenches,' brings a wave of grief and chaos to Chicago Med, where Mitch Ripley grapples with the recent death of his best friend Sully while simultaneously facing a medical crisis unlike any other.
Read more »
Walgreens Closures Hit Chicago's Black and Brown NeighborhoodsWalgreens is closing five stores in Chicago's predominantly Black and brown neighborhoods, part of a larger nationwide effort to shut down underperforming locations. Residents express concerns about access to essential medications and the impact on their communities.
Read more »