The Divine Nine

As more and more African American students began their studies a William & Mary throughout the 1970s, additional spaces were formed for black students to congregate, socialize, and serve the Williamsburg community. In 1975, Alpha Phi Alpha Inc’s Kappa Pi Chapter was founded, making it the first of the “Divine Nine“ to be chartered on William & Mary’s campus. Soon after, Delta Sigma Theta Inc’s Mu Upsilon Chapter was chartered in February of 1976. Since then, William & Mary has become home to four more of the nine organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, and Zeta Phi Beta.

Photograph of Alpha Phi Alpha at Anchorslam, Colonial Echo Photograph Collection, UA 8.001

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Delta Sigma Theta at Homecoming, Colonial Echo Photograph Collection, UA 8.001

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Alpha Phi Alpha 35th Anniversary flier, 1988. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Pi Chapter Records, UA 7.059

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Spring Step Show flier, circa 1990s, University Archives Poster Collection, UA 12

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Constitution and By-Laws, 1972, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Pi Chapter Records, UA 7.059

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. wooden sign, circa 2000s, University Archives Artifact Collection, UA 13

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Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Sorority paddle, 1982, University Archives Artifact Collection, UA 13

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Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Sorority wooden duck, 1982, University Archives Artifact Collection, UA 13

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Delta Sigma Theta Financial Aid Strategies poster, University Archives Poster Collection, UA 12