The Divine 9 is entering politics in a completely new manner for Harris
Elite Black fraternities and sororities are reinvigorating their voter outreach initiatives and establishing super PACs to bolster Harris's campaign.
TroibNews 
CHICAGO — As Kamala Harris delivered her acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night, she was met with a predominantly white-clad audience, paying tribute to the suffrage movement.
Accents of pink and green were also visible.
These colors, emblematic of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority pride, were highlighted during the event. Comedian D.L. Hughley earlier asked, “Where the AKAs?”, eliciting cheers from attendees.
This recognition points to the significant role of the Divine Nine, the prestigious Black fraternities and sororities. Harris, an alumna of Alpha Kappa Alpha from her Howard University days in the 1980s, has kept strong ties with the group.
Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Black Greek-letter sorority, has launched a PAC to support sorority members running for lower office positions. Similarly, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity has introduced a $100,000 voter mobilization grant for local chapters, while Delta Sigma Theta has debuted a voting advertisement in Chicago and Philadelphia.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), a member of Zeta Phi Beta, observed, “Everyone understands the assignment,” recognizing the urgency with, “We recognize we have, you know, less than 100 days," she said, "and we got to propel this sister.”
The campaign has breathed new life into the long-standing civic initiatives of these groups, now united behind a singular goal.
“There is support across these nine organizations and there’s a great deal of excitement that Kamala Harris is running,” Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, told PMG at the DNC.
With the election approaching rapidly, Alpha Phi Alpha is revisiting its “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People” initiative to enhance Black male voter turnout, including distributing microgrants to active chapters in key states.
Collectively, the Divine Nine commands a formidable force, with approximately 2.5 million members nationwide ready to mobilize voters. They made a joint pledge to develop a comprehensive voter and education program once Harris was named the Democratic frontrunner.
The groups maintain a nonpartisan stance in their voting efforts, which will undoubtedly support Harris’ candidacy.
Harris' association with the Divine Nine precedes her nomination, having been evident in numerous public appearances and tributes, including her recent eulogy of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as “a proud member of our beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and she was a dear, dear friend.”
Her acceptance speech also subtly nodded to notable Divine Nine members like Thurgood Marshall and Constance Baker Motley.
Trey Baker, a senior adviser to the Harris campaign and Kappa member, commented, “The Divine Nine has been at the inflection point of every movement in the history of our country.”
The mobilization efforts are not solely about voter turnout. Delta Sigma Theta, for instance, is focused on broader initiatives like voting rights expansion, partnering with legal organizations to ensure fair Election Day practices.
Their collective efforts represent a continuation of a historic legacy of social and political activism, offering a unique opportunity to make an impactful difference in this election.Many leaders within the Divine Nine are strategizing to leverage the heightened interest in this election cycle. Delta Sigma Theta, for instance, anticipates that the renewed focus on the presidential race will also shine a spotlight on the critical need for expanded voting rights.
The sorority is training around 30,000 members to engage in social action initiatives and has formed a partnership with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to instruct 500 lawyers for monitoring polling locations on Election Day. These efforts underscore a broader commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard and that access to the ballot is preserved.
Rhonda Briggins, President of Delta for Women in Action, has set a fundraising goal of $1 million to support candidates in local elections in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Indiana. These candidates have been selected for the Chisholm Jordan Institute, a program dedicated to preparing Black women for political office, named in honor of prominent political figures Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Jordan.
“This is about empowering our members and the community at large,” Briggins stated, emphasizing the importance of grassroots mobilization in today’s political landscape.
As members of the Divine Nine engage in this collective work, they reflect on their longstanding history of activism. Sen. Warnock articulated the significance of such efforts, stating, “These types of groups have been doing this type of work and organizing around a host of issues. And this just gives them one more historic chance to make a real difference in the world.”
The urgency of the current political climate adds intensity to these efforts. With voter turnout critical for achieving electoral success, the Divine Nine's coordinated initiatives may not only shape the upcoming election results but also contribute to long-term shifts in political engagement within the Black community.
Moving forward, both individual members and their organizations will likely continue to refine their tactics, drawing from the lessons learned during past electoral cycles. They aim to ensure that their activities resonate with voters, particularly young and first-time voters who are essential to the electoral process.
“A lot of it is about building trust, letting people know that their votes matter,” Kamlager-Dove noted, reflecting on the importance of connection and engagement.
As the election approaches, the Divine Nine remains poised to play a significant role, not just in rallying support for Harris but in advocating for broader social justice issues that align with their historical mission. Their united front represents a powerful force in American politics, one that is ready to mobilize and inspire action in a pivotal moment for the nation. With Harris leading the charge as the first woman of South Asian and African American descent on a major party ticket, the stakes have never been higher for these organizations or their members, who are determined to make their mark on history.
As the campaign unfolds, the Divine Nine will likely be an essential player in shaping public discourse, driving voter turnout, and forging new pathways for Black leadership in the political arena. Their commitment to civic engagement and activism will undoubtedly continue to resonate, reminding all that organized efforts can bring about significant change, both in the short and long term.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
Accents of pink and green were also visible.
These colors, emblematic of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority pride, were highlighted during the event. Comedian D.L. Hughley earlier asked, “Where the AKAs?”, eliciting cheers from attendees.
This recognition points to the significant role of the Divine Nine, the prestigious Black fraternities and sororities. Harris, an alumna of Alpha Kappa Alpha from her Howard University days in the 1980s, has kept strong ties with the group.
Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Black Greek-letter sorority, has launched a PAC to support sorority members running for lower office positions. Similarly, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity has introduced a $100,000 voter mobilization grant for local chapters, while Delta Sigma Theta has debuted a voting advertisement in Chicago and Philadelphia.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), a member of Zeta Phi Beta, observed, “Everyone understands the assignment,” recognizing the urgency with, “We recognize we have, you know, less than 100 days," she said, "and we got to propel this sister.”
The campaign has breathed new life into the long-standing civic initiatives of these groups, now united behind a singular goal.
“There is support across these nine organizations and there’s a great deal of excitement that Kamala Harris is running,” Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, told PMG at the DNC.
With the election approaching rapidly, Alpha Phi Alpha is revisiting its “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People” initiative to enhance Black male voter turnout, including distributing microgrants to active chapters in key states.
Collectively, the Divine Nine commands a formidable force, with approximately 2.5 million members nationwide ready to mobilize voters. They made a joint pledge to develop a comprehensive voter and education program once Harris was named the Democratic frontrunner.
The groups maintain a nonpartisan stance in their voting efforts, which will undoubtedly support Harris’ candidacy.
Harris' association with the Divine Nine precedes her nomination, having been evident in numerous public appearances and tributes, including her recent eulogy of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as “a proud member of our beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and she was a dear, dear friend.”
Her acceptance speech also subtly nodded to notable Divine Nine members like Thurgood Marshall and Constance Baker Motley.
Trey Baker, a senior adviser to the Harris campaign and Kappa member, commented, “The Divine Nine has been at the inflection point of every movement in the history of our country.”
The mobilization efforts are not solely about voter turnout. Delta Sigma Theta, for instance, is focused on broader initiatives like voting rights expansion, partnering with legal organizations to ensure fair Election Day practices.
Their collective efforts represent a continuation of a historic legacy of social and political activism, offering a unique opportunity to make an impactful difference in this election.Many leaders within the Divine Nine are strategizing to leverage the heightened interest in this election cycle. Delta Sigma Theta, for instance, anticipates that the renewed focus on the presidential race will also shine a spotlight on the critical need for expanded voting rights.
The sorority is training around 30,000 members to engage in social action initiatives and has formed a partnership with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to instruct 500 lawyers for monitoring polling locations on Election Day. These efforts underscore a broader commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard and that access to the ballot is preserved.
Rhonda Briggins, President of Delta for Women in Action, has set a fundraising goal of $1 million to support candidates in local elections in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Indiana. These candidates have been selected for the Chisholm Jordan Institute, a program dedicated to preparing Black women for political office, named in honor of prominent political figures Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Jordan.
“This is about empowering our members and the community at large,” Briggins stated, emphasizing the importance of grassroots mobilization in today’s political landscape.
As members of the Divine Nine engage in this collective work, they reflect on their longstanding history of activism. Sen. Warnock articulated the significance of such efforts, stating, “These types of groups have been doing this type of work and organizing around a host of issues. And this just gives them one more historic chance to make a real difference in the world.”
The urgency of the current political climate adds intensity to these efforts. With voter turnout critical for achieving electoral success, the Divine Nine's coordinated initiatives may not only shape the upcoming election results but also contribute to long-term shifts in political engagement within the Black community.
Moving forward, both individual members and their organizations will likely continue to refine their tactics, drawing from the lessons learned during past electoral cycles. They aim to ensure that their activities resonate with voters, particularly young and first-time voters who are essential to the electoral process.
“A lot of it is about building trust, letting people know that their votes matter,” Kamlager-Dove noted, reflecting on the importance of connection and engagement.
As the election approaches, the Divine Nine remains poised to play a significant role, not just in rallying support for Harris but in advocating for broader social justice issues that align with their historical mission. Their united front represents a powerful force in American politics, one that is ready to mobilize and inspire action in a pivotal moment for the nation. With Harris leading the charge as the first woman of South Asian and African American descent on a major party ticket, the stakes have never been higher for these organizations or their members, who are determined to make their mark on history.
As the campaign unfolds, the Divine Nine will likely be an essential player in shaping public discourse, driving voter turnout, and forging new pathways for Black leadership in the political arena. Their commitment to civic engagement and activism will undoubtedly continue to resonate, reminding all that organized efforts can bring about significant change, both in the short and long term.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
