The whole nine yards

 

It’s been over a decade since all of Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) “Divine Nine” organizations were “on the yard.” Now that all nine are present, students are expecting to see major improvements to campus life.

A “Divine Nine” (D9) organization is one of the nine Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLO) that comprise the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The return of the Beta Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.(also known as the BADST), to FAMU’s campus makes spring 2018  the first time that FAMU has had all nine organizations active at the same time since 2005.

Other D9 organizations that initiated new members into their chapters in spring 2018 include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

Black Greek Letter organizations have consistently shown their dedication and appreciation of their communities by supporting the black businesses. They participate in street clean ups and various other forms of community service. The organizations also provide food and aid to the less fortunate.

All of the Black Greek Letter Organizations include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Jasmine Simon, a second-year psychology student and spring 2018 initiate of the BADST, is excited to bring big things to FAMU and uphold the legacy of the chapter.

“Being a part of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is honestly an unbelievable experience. To have 55 other like-minded females surrounding me, all with the same ideals to better the campus and improve the community, is something that I’ve been wishing for since I was a child.”

Ever since the return of all of our NPHC Greek organizations, the energy level from Rattlers at events has been unreal. Set Fridays, SGA events, and other activities are now bustling with students and new initiates eager to represent their organizations and show who “runs the yard.”

First-year students were able to witness seven out of the nine BGLO probates this school year. To have that many different displays of Greek life was a great show of diversity for the campus and, for FAMU 21 students like Maya Porter, increased the anticipation for what these new initiates will bring to FAMU.

“I expect to see more campus activities and unity between classifications. It has been exciting and encouraging to participate more in on campus activities,” said Porter.

These organizations were founded to serve our people and promote unity, and one thing FAMU definitely needs right now is more unity and participation from students at events. Hopefully the new Greeks will deliver what the campus has been missing since 2005.