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Black Greek Organizations at UNL Celebrate Legacy of Community, Leadership, and Civil Rights
The Divine Nine groups foster belonging, uplift others, and continue generations-old traditions.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations, known as the Divine Nine, were founded at a time when Black students were barred from traditional fraternities and sororities. At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, members say this history still shapes everything they do, as the groups focus on building community, developing leadership, and upholding a civil rights legacy.
Why it matters
In states where Black students make up a small percentage of the population, these organizations provide a crucial sense of belonging and support. The Divine Nine groups also emphasize academic excellence, community service, and continuing the fight for racial justice that their founders began generations ago.
The details
The five fraternities are Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta. The four sororities are Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho. Members say their organizations "didn't change me; it enhanced me" and that the focus is on "manhood, scholarship, perseverance" as well as "the ability to know that I can persevere through anything."
- The Divine Nine organizations were founded when Black students were barred from traditional fraternities and sororities.
The players
Matt Meyer
A member of the Beta Upsilon chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Breana Sabin
A member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Zowie Simpson
A member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
What they’re saying
“There was a bunch of fraternities and sororities that we were not allowed to be a part of, and because of that, we developed our own.”
— Matt Meyer, Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. (klkntv.com)
“We are to help make an impact on the world and to uplift everyone. So if we didn't have that, it would just be one less leader.”
— Breana Sabin, Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (klkntv.com)
“I feel like I finally found a community being so far away from home.”
— Zowie Simpson, Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (klkntv.com)
The takeaway
The Divine Nine Black Greek organizations at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln continue to build a strong sense of community, develop future leaders, and uphold a civil rights legacy that started generations ago. Their enduring presence on campus provides crucial support and belonging for Black students, while also serving as a reminder of the ongoing fight for racial justice.
