Black Fraternities and Sororities Make Impact in Waco

The Divine 9 organizations are fostering community, mentorship, and service in the local Black community.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Divine 9, a collective of historically Black fraternities and sororities, are making a significant impact in Waco, Texas. These organizations, which include four sororities and five fraternities, are focused on promoting brotherhood, sisterhood, and Black empowerment through community service, mentorship, and other initiatives. De'Qwon King, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, spoke about the special bond and support system that comes with being part of a Black Greek organization, as well as the organizations' broader influence in uplifting the local Black community.

Why it matters

The presence and activities of the Divine 9 fraternities and sororities in Waco highlight the important role that these historical Black Greek-letter organizations play in fostering community, leadership, and service within the Black community. As pillars of Black culture and excellence, the Divine 9 groups provide mentorship, role models, and a sense of belonging for young Black people in Waco.

The details

The Divine 9 in Waco consists of four sororities (Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho) and five fraternities (Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma, Iota Phi Theta, and Omega Psi Phi). De'Qwon King, a member of Phi Beta Sigma, spoke about the brotherhood, community service, and support system that his fraternity provides. He said the Divine 9 organizations are making an impact through mentorship, community improvement projects, and simply providing a positive presence and role models for young Black people in Waco.

  • De'Qwon King crossed into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in 2022.

The players

De'Qwon King

A member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. who spoke about the impact of the Divine 9 organizations in Waco.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

One of the five fraternities that make up the Divine 9 in Waco, focused on culture for service and service for humanity.

The Divine 9

The collective name for the nine historically Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities with a presence in Waco, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“My favorite thing about being a Sigma is being out in the community, the brotherhood, and uplifting others.”

— De'Qwon King, Member, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity (kxxv.com)

“It's a bond that cannot be broken…it's a commitment, and you're paving the path for those behind you.”

— De'Qwon King, Member, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity (kxxv.com)

“That togetherness, that brotherhood, just having someone to talk to that's always there. They called and checked up on me, texted me, and you know, and that's just a part of being in that fraternity and having that bond.”

— De'Qwon King, Member, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity (kxxv.com)

“They have someone to look up to, you see things on the internet, Facebook, Instagram, but being able to see that face forward…I believe that it may be inspiring to them.”

— De'Qwon King, Member, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity (kxxv.com)

The takeaway

The Divine 9 fraternities and sororities in Waco are serving as pillars of the local Black community, providing mentorship, community service, and a sense of belonging for young Black people. Their presence and impact highlight the vital role that historically Black Greek-letter organizations play in empowering and uplifting communities of color.