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The first two black Greek organizations at the University of Georgia were established fifty-two years ago. Now the Divine Nines have a permanent site on campus.
Campus markers were unveiled on Friday to honor the nine historically black fraternities and sororities that are members of the Pan-Hellenic National Council. Members of the organizations gathered outside the Tate Student Center to celebrate what has been called a historic day.
“It is fitting that we dedicate these markers on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the desegregation of the University of Georgia,” said Jere Morehead, president of the University of Georgia. “The first two black students to attend UGA were also members of the first two NPHC organizations to be established on our campus.”
Speakers at the event honoring black Greek life spoke about the importance of organizations for black students on campus, especially at the onset of integration.
“The creation of these groups gave people like Chuck Kinnebrew a home and a fit when he came to this campus to play football,” said Yvette Daniels, president of the UGA Alumni Association.
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Kinnebrew, alongside Horace King and Larry West, three of the UGA’s top five black soccer players, were members of Kappa Alpha Psi. Daniels said Kinnebrew spoke about how having a fraternity helped him feel connected to campus when he was not in the field.
Fifty years later, and after years of discussion, the permanent markers marked a historic day for fraternities and sororities, she said.
“I believe we can tell the members of these nine organizations today that we feel heard and seen,” Daniels said. “We are proud to be a part of the University of Georgia and the great Bulldog Nation.”
UGA graduate and Kappa Alpha Psi member Justin Nixon said putting the markers in place required a group effort. He said the NPHC and members of the wider community were waiting for this day.
“We are here now to provide a verbal statement for all who can listen and visual evidence for all to see that Greek life is not limited to the houses on Milledge Avenue,” Nixon said. “We, the historically African-American Greek organizations, are here to maintain and exercise excellence, and we are here to stay.”
Nixon said it was important that the momentum didn’t wane.
“Our forefathers and forefathers waited for this day and we are now experiencing the fruits of their labor,” he said, adding that the markers should forever be beacons of progress towards inclusion.
In 1969, the Zeta Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha was founded on campus and was the first black student organization at UGA.
Hamilton Holmes Jr., a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and son of Hamilton Holmes, one of the first two black students on campus, said the markers could inspire future black students.
“It’s been a long time coming, but we’re happy to see it here today,” said Holmes. “It gives us the recognition that we’ve been a part of this university for as long as we’ve been. Alpha Phi Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta started in 1969, and it’s good to have all black Greeks represented.”
