The Divine Nine: The History of the African American Fraternities and Sororities

Ross, Lawrence C

ISBN 10: 1575664917 / ISBN 13: 9781575664910

Published by Kensington Books., New York., 2000

About this Item

This meticulously researched history tells the story of America's nine black fraternities and sororities and how they have shaped American culture. This book would make a great high-school graduation gift, and would make a great addition to the library of anyone interested in the history of black education in America. weight: 2.0 lb. Fine in a fine dust jacket. Numerous illustrations. 23.5x16x4.3 cm. xii, 465 pp. Quarter burgundy cloth over gray boards, gilt spine title.

Seller Inventory # 291744

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Divine Nine: The History of the African American Fraternities and Sororities
• Publisher: Kensington Books., New York.
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1575664917
• ISBN 13: 9781575664910
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • History

About this title

Synopsis

From the creation of the first black fraternity at Cornell in 1906 to the present day, a fascinating history of America's nine black fraternities and sororities explores the roles of these organizations in shaping generations of AfricanAmerican leaders and includes the personal recollections of Dionne Warwick, Toni Morrison, Duke Ellington, Bill Cosby, and many others.

Reviews

This history of black fraternities and sororities confirms the underlying purpose of these institutions: to provide a supportive educational environment for their members during college and social and business networks beyond college. Ross notes the substantial variation on the specific circumstances behind the formation of black fraternities and sororities. For example, Alpha Phi Alpha was formed at Cornell University just after the turn of the last century to counterbalance extreme racial hostilities aimed at the few black students. Shortly thereafter, in the more protective environment of predominantly black Howard University, Omega Psi Phi was formed. More recently (1963), older commuter students at Morgan State formed Iota Phi Theta. The underlying theme in all cases was camaraderie with a special emphasis on providing support to minorities in hostile environments, whether on campus or the broader racial environment of the U.S. Ross profiles several members of black fraternities and sororities, many of them prominent, and notes the contributions the groups have made to black leadership in the U.S. Vernon Ford