Sisters of the Shoals
The first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) was the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, founded in February of 1837 by the bequest of Richard Humphreys, a philanthropist, who set aside 10% of his estate to establish a school for those of African descent.
Colleges across the country have various sororities or fraternities that students can join- sisterhoods or brotherhoods formed around certain social, academic, or professional goals. Students in these houses live by “Greek Life.”
In Greek life, priorities revolve around social engagement, living by their group’s values, and connecting with ancient Greece, a time known for the strong academics and intellectuals. These sororities and fraternities are often referred to as Greek letters. For example, the biggest sorority at the University of Georgia is the Delta Phi Epsilon (ΔΦΕ) sorority, which consists of over 67,000 initiated members.
This doesn’t exclude HBCUs, where sororities and fraternities have large commitments to public service, leadership, building relationships with one another, and creating lifelong friendships. These HBCU sororities and fraternities are known as the “Divine Nine”, formed during times when African Americans faced systemic barriers in education and social events and participation, and have made huge impacts on the black communities across the country.
The Divine Nine consist of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity.
At Cedar Shoals High School, many teachers or staff members are members of a Divine Nine sorority or fraternity.
Ms. Angie Thomas first joined Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority inc nearly 45 years ago, while attending Howard University, and Ms. Ka’lah Paige joined the sorority in 2019. Many choose to join the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority due to the sisterhood it brings, the large impact it has on the community, and their services. Some of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s values include promoting community and friendship among women, being a “service to mankind”, and maintaining a progressive interest in college life.
CSHS vice principal Ms. Kim Arnold joined the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., because when she attended UGA, she felt there wasn’t enough community for the Black students there. Sigma Gamma Rho was founded by 7 female educators in 1922 in Indiana, becoming an incorporated national collegiate society in 1929. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S through community service, social, and civil action.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. values of sisterhood, finer womanhood, scholarship and service were big contributors to Ms. Pamela Johnson Upson joining the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. The sorority was founded in January of 1920 at Howard University, due to the five coeds envisioning a sorority that would directly affect positive change. Zeta Phi Beta represents a variety of diverse careers, including things like doctors, nurses, attorneys, and educators all across the US.
