The University of New Mexico’s “Divine Nine,” a group of Black fraternities and sororities, was officially chartered as part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) in a recent ceremony at the UNM Student Union Building. This recognition makes UNM the first university in New Mexico with a nationally recognized NPHC collegiate council.
The official chartering provides UNM’s Divine Nine chapters greater visibility, resources, and access to other university chapters and alumni. The “Divine Nine” were initially founded at historically Black colleges and have expanded nationwide, originating as civic action groups addressing societal demands. They have contributed significantly to the academic and political development of their institutions.
The NPHC governs nine premier historically Black sororities and fraternities: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
“Black Greek letter organizations have had a strong presence in the state of New Mexico since the late 1960s with the chartering of Sigma Gamma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on May 1st, 1965. Since then, members of these communities have continued to be some of the strongest leaders and advocates for the Black experience here at The University of New Mexico,” said Fraternity and Sorority Life Specialist Patricia Lott. “This council will allow them to foster cooperation and collaboration among the member organizations in the National Pan-Hellenic Council, other Greek letter organizations, and student organizations at UNM. I am so happy to see this happen on our campus.”
"NPHC prides itself in being a member collective of our nine historical black fraternities and sororities," added Rene Matison.
Many Divine Nine fraternities and sororities have grown significantly over time with hundreds of chapters across the country. Schools supported their founding due to significant contributions such as new student orientation programs, founding anniversaries, homecoming events, and other milestones.
The event included remarks from Greek Life Advisor Chris Brooks; African American Student Services (AASS) Director Brandi Stone; Sr. Student Success Specialist Dannelle Kirven; Vice President for Student Affairs Eric Scott; AASS Student Success Leaders Emmanuel Mitchell and Kingsley Nelson Jr.; Kaelyn Moon; Kristian Thomas; and keynote speaker Rene Matison.
Matison shared his experiences as one of few Black students on campus during his tenure at UNM. He emphasized unity within the Black Alumni Association: “Do all you can do, model unity [and] support our New Mexico Black Greek community.”
Jessie Smith from the National NPHC Office presided over the ceremony alongside Patricia Lott who installed officers. The purpose of NPHC is to promote cooperative actions among its members regarding mutual concerns while fostering well-being within its affiliate fraternities and sororities.
For more information about NPHC activities or membership details visit their official website.
