At UNC-Chapel Hill, the Divine Nine isn’t just a group of Greek letters — it’s a legacy. These historically Black fraternities and sororities have been shaping leaders, building communities, and creating service for over a century (HBCU Lifestyle). For students like Haile Clayton and William Walker III, being a part of a D9 isn’t just about the strolls — it’s about identity, impact, and challenging negative stereotypes.
For Haile, women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. were always a part of her world.
“I have been surrounded by AKAs my entire life…I always knew when I came to college, I wanted to be a part of that.”
Her mom and aunts weren’t just family. Through them, she experienced the life of eternal sisterhood. As a result, she was aware of the service and dedication long before she set foot on campus.
Will, a junior majoring in business administration with a minor in entrepreneurship and advertising, said family ties gave him early exposure to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., but his decision ultimately came from the fraternity’s presence and service on campus.
“Growing up, my dad was part of the fraternity, and so were my uncle and cousin, so I was just always surrounded by the men of Omega for all of my life.”
He emphasized that Divine Nine organizations have historically provided Black students with a “home” on campuses where they were often excluded.
“Part of the reason I stress the importance of Divine Nine organizations is because you have to realize where your community is and where your home is,” he said. “Historically, through the trials and tribulations Black people have been through, these fraternities and sororities were started to give us a sense of home.”
Despite both being raised by and around members of D9 organizations, they decided not to join due to tradition but rather because of the community that came with it.
“Once I got to campus, they were the people who just naturally reached out to me…it felt like I was automatically in the community.”
Being in a D9 organization comes with responsibilities. Haile describes how her sorority experience shaped who she was on campus:
“It has allowed me to be a positive role model to other Black women on campus…to be someone that all women, but especially Black women, can come to and reach out to.”
Now a senior double majoring in advertising/public relations, as well as sports administration, Haile reveals that her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has shaped her leadership on campus. Haile also values having her own identity outside of her sorority, as becoming a member has allowed her to network and mentor Black women in new ways.
Will points to the impact of fraternities like Omega Psi Phi:
“Being a member of the D9 fosters a greater sense of community and understanding. There’s this understanding of helping others and being a service to others.”
Service isn’t just a requirement — it’s the core of their organizations. Hosting community events, canned food drives, and leading initiatives to uplift and improve the Black community.
For Haile, service and fellowship are the core of her sorority experience. Her favorite projects have been those that bring people together.
“My favorite event is helping at the community garden,” she said. “I like being outside and getting my hands dirty.”
She also highlighted a recent event, Alpha Kappaccino, which she really enjoyed because it provided a unique opportunity for connection.
“It created in-depth and vulnerable conversions — this year we did etiquette,” Haile said.
For Will, joining Omega Psi Phi brought new expectations. He said membership puts him under a microscope — not just on campus, but in the community as a whole.
“Being in Omega definitely puts you in some type of spotlight,” he said. “Once I became a member, I realized I was part of something bigger. Walking around campus, I knew I had to exemplify more than myself. When people are saying your name, you have to be a role model.”
Despite their positive experiences, both have observed how misconceptions persist among the D9 on campus.
Haile recalls:
“Before joining, I had heard that sororities were kind of cliquey. The girls were mean and unwelcoming,” she said. “That scared me because, number one, I didn’t want to be known that way, and number two, I didn’t want to join that kind of environment.”
But the reality, she said, was the complete opposite.
“Once I joined, it was a 180. Everyone was extremely welcoming, both on campus and in the greater community,” she said.
She pointed out that stereotypes often come from quick assumptions:
“Half the time, people tie our personalities to the organization,” she said. “Let’s say Susie has an RBF or is lost in thought, but people automatically assume she’s mean because she’s in a certain organization.”
She also called out social media only making it harder to break those misconceptions.
Will pointed out similar issues, saying:
“In the age of TikTok and Instagram, you’re going to see reels or trends that push a narrative — especially about parties. I don’t respond directly; instead, I focus on how I carry myself every day. Who are you beyond the letters?”
Will also acknowledged that outsiders often reduce Black fraternities to their social presence.
“From the outside, people often think it’s just the parties or the social scene,” he said. “That’s definitely part of it—and it brings the community together—but there’s so much more.”
As a member of a historically Black sorority at a predominantly white institution, Haile has noticed that members of D9 organizations face harsher scrutiny compared to members of other organizations on campus.
“We have to be on our best behavior, because if we acted even remotely in the way that any of those other organizations did, we’d be treated differently,” she said.
She added that the lack of resources makes it harder, and it also forces members to rely on strong bonds within the Black community and with one another.
“We don’t have the same respect from the university or the same resources. We have to kind of provide for ourselves in everything that we do. It’s not easy to come across funds, opportunities, or any of those kinds of things. We don’t have lavish houses ready for us.”
Will adds that the Black community and its organizations are the people to whom he turns to.
“I still have a lot of white counterparts and friends, but at the end of the day, the Black community is going to have your back. These are my people, and this is who I have to serve.”
Will said being in a fraternity is a significant responsibility, often invisible to those outside of the organization.
“Time management is a huge challenge… between events, showing up for people, and supporting other organizations, you’re constantly balancing. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”
Haile has similar challenges:
“You can’t do it all. I can’t be everywhere. I’m still here at the end of the day to get an education, and not being present for everything and not being able to do everything is something I’ve had to sit down and come to terms with.”
Still, she said, the experience has been worth it—even with the sacrifices she’s had to make along the way.
“Since becoming an AKA, I’ve studied abroad two times, had an internship at Duke, and I have a job. So sometimes I’m gone during those pivotal, meaningful moments.”
For Will, Omega Psi Phi is more than an organization—it’s a lifelong commitment.
“It really builds character. It’s a lifelong commitment. You’ll face challenges and tribulations that make you want to quit, but you have to see it through.”
He pointed to the fraternity’s mantra—“See it through”— as a lesson in resilience.
“No matter what trial or trouble you face, you have to tackle it head-on. Running from it won’t save you. It’s the best decision I ever made—the community and the brotherhood I have is something you can’t replace.
Haile offers advice, citing her experience in Alpha Kappa Alpha, and says her biggest lesson has been staying true to herself.
“Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Find an organization that matches your own values, your own beliefs, so you can contribute meaningfully to that organization.”
Her advice to younger women considering joining Black Greek life is simple:
“Be yourself. When you’re honest with yourself and the people around you about who you are and what you want, the experience is ten times better. It seems scary, but you just have to have fun, because at the end of the day, we’re all girls, learning and making mistakes.”
