Book SummaryThe Divine Nine, by Lawrence C. Ross

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Divine Nine

The founding and early histories of African American fraternities and sororities.

The section delves into the origins of African American fraternities and sororities, highlighting the societal conditions that led to their establishment. Ross emphasizes the critical role of strong networks that bolstered African American students as they faced widespread racial prejudice and a sense of seclusion in the early 20th century. He describes Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as a pioneering organization that not only fostered social bonds but also provided avenues for leadership, academic achievement, and support for social issues.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, established in 1906 at Cornell University, is recognized as the pioneering fraternity for African American college men.

Ross underscores the pivotal influence Alpha Phi Alpha's founding had on the evolution of Black Greek-letter societies. He characterizes the creation of the fraternity as a network designed to assist the few African American students at Cornell University who faced solitude and a dishearteningly low continuation of their studies. The author emphasizes the founding objectives of Alpha Phi Alpha, which were to nurture social ties, promote virtuous deeds, academic excellence, and broaden the sense of fraternity.

The founders of Alpha Phi Alpha are frequently referred to as "The Seven Jewels."

Lawrence C. Ross honors the foundational leadership and lasting impact on both the fraternity and the wider African American community of the seven founders of Alpha Phi Alpha, frequently hailed as "The Seven Jewels." He provides detailed accounts of the individuals who played pivotal roles in the establishment of the fraternity – namely Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelly, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy – and elaborates on their crucial contributions to the creation of the fraternity's foundational texts, ceremonial practices, and growth tactics. Ross highlights that these members expanded their impact beyond their collegiate ties, becoming distinguished authorities and guiding figures in their respective fields, all the while maintaining the values linked to Alpha Phi Alpha.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal recognition system to celebrate your milestones and those of your close associates, inspired by the honor given to the "Seven Jewels." This could be as simple as writing a heartfelt note of appreciation, giving a small gift that acknowledges someone's hard work, or publicly praising their achievements in a group setting. The idea is to foster a culture of recognition and appreciation within your personal or professional circle.
• Start a monthly "Leadership and Impact" journal where you document the actions you've taken that demonstrate leadership or have had a positive impact on others. This could be as simple as helping a neighbor or as significant as starting a community project. The act of writing down these experiences will help you recognize your own potential to lead and make a difference, much like the founders recognized in the book.
• Engage in a collaborative project with a diverse group of peers to tackle a common challenge or goal. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds and skill sets, you can mirror the collaborative spirit of the seven founders. For instance, if you're interested in environmental conservation, you could form a group with people from various professions to work on a local green initiative.
• Document and share the history of a group you belong to with newer members. The legacy of founders often includes the stories and traditions they establish. Create a simple newsletter, blog post, or social media content that highlights key milestones, anecdotes, or traditions of your group. This not only preserves the group's history but also helps new members feel connected to its origins and values.
• Experiment with growth tactics by setting a specific, measurable goal for a personal project or hobby. Track your progress using a simple spreadsheet or journal, adjusting your approach based on what's working and what isn't. Share your experiences and insights with a friend or mentor to get feedback and further refine your strategy.
• Create a series of instructional videos on a platform like YouTube, focusing on a subject you're passionate about learning. As you develop your skills, your audience will witness your progression from novice to expert. For instance, if you're learning to play the guitar, record your practice sessions, share tips as you learn them, and eventually offer tutorials for beginners.
• Develop a values-based decision-making framework for everyday choices. Whenever you face a decision, big or small, run it through a checklist of your core values to ensure alignment. If one of your values is innovation, ask yourself if the decision will lead to new ideas or improvements before proceeding.

The fraternity expanded significantly by founding a chapter at Howard University, an institution known for its substantial African American student body.

The Seven Jewels strategically extended Alpha Phi Alpha's reach by establishing a chapter at the prestigious Howard University in 1907. The fraternity's initiative greatly enhanced its stature and visibility among the African American populace. Alpha Phi Alpha was aware of the difficulties encountered by African American students, including feelings of seclusion, insufficient backing, and biases within society, when it established a chapter at Howard University, despite the university primarily catering to a Black student population. The organization's approach solidified its status as an entity with a nationwide presence, dedicated to addressing the needs of Black men across different educational settings.

Practical Tips

• Consider partnering with established organizations to...

The Divine Nine Summary These groups were instrumental in promoting civil rights and driving social change.

The section explores the profound impact that African American fraternities and sororities had during the Civil Rights movement period. Ross depicts these organizations as evolving beyond simple social assemblies, taking on significant roles as agents of societal change by vigorously challenging racial injustices and providing robust support to individuals dedicated to achieving equality, including advocacy for voting rights.

Delta Sigma Theta's participation in the 1913 demonstration advocating for women's voting rights.

Shortly after their founding, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. showcased their dedication to social causes by participating in the 1913 Women's Suffrage March in Washington, D.C., just two months after they came into existence. The writer emphasizes their commitment to challenging societal norms and advocating for women's equality.

The sorority's dedication to questioning established norms and advocating for universal equality.

Ross highlights Delta Sigma Theta's profound commitment to social transformation, equality for all, and challenging the status quo by actively participating in the 1913 march. The author highlights the unity of the Deltas...

The Divine Nine Summary The steadfast dedication of these Greek-letter organizations to community involvement, their focus on academic pursuits, and their pioneering spirit set them apart.

The passage highlights the charitable work, educational initiatives, and pioneering spirit of Black Greek-letter organizations. Ross underscores the persistent commitment of these organizations to advocate for societal issues, which encompasses nurturing academic development, promoting financial advancement, and amplifying consciousness regarding health concerns within African American neighborhoods. He demonstrates the unwavering commitment of these organizations to community support by highlighting specific examples of initiatives undertaken by local chapters and the contributions of individual members.

Alpha Phi Alpha initiated a program in 1922 that encouraged high school students to continue their education at the collegiate level.

Ross describes the establishment of one of Alpha Phi Alpha's earliest and most successful endeavors, the Go-To-High School, Go-To-College program, which was initiated in 1922. The author places this effort in the context of the early 20th century, a period marked by few African Americans finishing their secondary education, with an even smaller number accessing higher education opportunities.

The initiative places a strong emphasis on...

The Divine Nine Summary Individuals affiliated with these groups have achieved notable success and recognition.

This section underscores the unique achievements of individuals who are part of African American Greek-letter organizations, focusing on their significant contributions across various professional domains and their leadership in driving social change. Ross highlights the diverse talents and histories of these members, emphasizing their personification of essential tenets including scholarly achievement, commitment to serving the community, and the profound connections of brotherhood that are crucial to their organizations.

The contributions of Alpha Phi Alpha members have been significant in their respective areas of specialization.

Ross emphasizes the profound influence exerted by Alpha Phi Alpha members in a variety of professional domains, demonstrating their capacity to surmount challenges and achieve excellence in a wide range of specializations. The author emphasizes the enduring contributions of several prominent Alphas in their various fields of expertise.

Paul Robeson

Ross describes Paul Robeson, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, as a person of many talents who excelled in academic studies, athletics, singing, and acting. He underscores Robeson's pioneering role...