Sharing History, Leadership, and Legacy: LRES Divine 9 Black History Month Panel

Such a great day sharing history with our 4th and 5th graders! In honor of Black History Month, we hosted a special panel featuring individuals who are members of the Divine 9, the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities founded to support scholarship, leadership, service, and community during a time when Black students were largely excluded from many campus organizations.

During our time together, we talked about the origins of these organizations and why they were needed. Students learned how early members of the Divine 9 were not only leaders on their campuses but also changemakers in the broader community. We highlighted the influence of Carter G. Woodson, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., who played a pivotal role in establishing what began as Black History Week, and eventually grew into the national celebration we now know as Black History Month.

One of the most meaningful moments of the session came when our panelists shared their personal journeys of joining their respective organizations and what that experience meant to them. They spoke about the lifelong commitment to service, mentorship, brotherhood and sisterhood, and the importance of using their talents and careers to uplift their communities. It was powerful for students to hear firsthand how these organizations continue to shape leaders across many professions.

We hope that through conversations like these, our students are able to see reflections of themselves and to understand the rich history of leadership, resilience, and service that continues to inspire future generations.

A special thank you to our wonderful panelists—Jennifer Tyler, Asha Banks, Andre Waddell, and Stephen and Damaris Johnson—for taking the time to share their experiences with our students.