Georgia Tech’s campus sits in the heart of Atlanta, a place historically at the forefront of civil rights advancement and opportunities for African Americans. As we enter the final week of Black History Month, and reflect on those advancements, there exists a vibrant, often overlooked community that plays a pivotal role in the lives of its Black students on campus.
Black Greek life, represented by the organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), colloquially known as the Divine Nine, can offer a place to call home for students navigating the challenges of higher education in a field where they are underrepresented.
"There is a strong correlation between the presence and activities of Divine Nine organizations and overall academic and social experiences of Black students at Georgia Tech," said Sybrina Atwaters, director of the Office of Minority Educational Development (OMED). "Divine Nine organizations play an important role in prospective student recruitment, current student retention and success, as well as post-baccalaureate placement and alumni engagement."
Atwaters received her bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and both her master’s and Ph.D. degrees in history and sociology of technology and science, all from Georgia Tech. She pledged Delta Sigma Theta her sophomore year of undergrad and held multiple leadership positions in the sorority including chaplain, stepmaster, and corresponding secretary.
Xi Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta at the Divine Nine Plaza ribbon cutting in April 2023.
Xi Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in spring 1994 in front of the Georgia Tech student center. Atwater is second row, second from the left doing the DST hand sign with ECE graduate Tracey Needham. Between them in the third row is Melissa Mack, also an ECE graduate. Errika Moore (directly in front of Atwater) is a board member of the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering.
According to a Fall 2023 report, there are 74 students across all nine organizations on Georgia Tech’s campus. Within the Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), students join Black Greek organizations to deepen their connections with those from similar cultural backgrounds and/or further family legacy.
"My daughter's academic and social experience at Georgia Tech was greatly enhanced by DST," said Atwaters. "When she became my legacy and number, It was an honor that I am equally proud of as having her share the same alma mater."
Sybrina Atwaters (EE94) and Milan Johnson (BME2019), Xi Alpha Chapter (Georgia Tech chapter) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority , Incorporated only mother-daughter legacy.
Atwater and Johnson were both #4 on their respective membership intake lines 27 years apart.
“I've realized that you can't succeed at Georgia Tech alone,” added Lindsay Lubin, member of the Nu Beta Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA), Incorporated and ECE master’s student. “It was important for me to join the AKA because my role models, mom, and my older sister are members.”
The Nu Beta Chapter works with the national initiatives of AKA to organize and host events like Helping Women Period to collect and donate women's menstrual health products to combat period poverty and Pink Phreeze that provides school supplies to local elementary schools.
Members of the Nu Beta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Helping Women Period event.
Members of the Nu Beta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha service with the 2023 Mr. 1908 Pageant contestants.
“Beyond academics, I have formed lifetime bonds with my sorority sisters who gave me a support system when it came to dealing with the stressors of college and everyday life,” said Selene Jordan, a member of the Nu Beta Chapter of AKA and 2023 electrical engineer graduate.
As ECE and Georgia Tech continue to recognize and celebrate the significance of the Divine Nine, the impact of Black Greek life on campus becomes even more evident.
The recent groundbreaking of The Divine Nine Plaza in April 2023 stands as a tangible symbol of Georgia Tech's commitment to acknowledging and honoring the contributions of historically Black fraternities and sororities. This plaza is not merely a physical space but a testament to the rich heritage, resilience, and unity embodied by these organizations.
Nu Beta Chapter members at the unveiling of the D9 plots.
Being a part of a Black Greek Organization has connected me with like-minded individuals from within the Nu Beta Chapter and other National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations, many of whom have become my support system. It has helped me grow into a stronger individual by providing me opportunities to lead and be a part of something bigger than myself. As a result, I ammore effective communicator and professional.
Lindsay Lubin - Nu Beta Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Being part of the Nu Beta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Georgia Tech helped me thrive both academically and socially. Part of the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is to cultivate high scholastic standards. Because of this I was surrounded by like minded individuals who prioritized their studies and excelling academically. This environment encouraged me to continue to achieve throughout my time at Georgia Tech.
Selene Jordan - Nu Beta Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
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The Divine Nine consists of the following fraternities and sororities:
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.
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
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Georgia Tech Celebrates the Opening of the Divine Nine Plaza
During Homecoming Weekend 2023, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests celebrated the opening of the Divine Nine Plaza, located on the experiential pathway behind the Smithgall Student Services Building.
Divine Nine Plaza
The National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC) also known as the Divine Nine at Georgia Tech is proud to share with you all the Divine Nine Plaza. The mission of the NPHC is to promote unity and expose members to the “service for life” philosophy and foster leadership development and scholarship.