Additional information
by Lawrence C. Ross (Author)
This comprehensive history of African American fraternities and sororities celebrates the spirit of Black Excellence in higher education that has produced American leaders in politics, sports, arts, and culture such as Kamala Harris, Colin Kaepernick, Michael Jordan, Thurgood Marshall, and Toni Morrison, and is sure to be a treasured resource for generations to come.
America's Black fraternities and sororities are a unique and vital part of 20th century African American history, providing young black achievers with opportunities to support each other while they serve their communities and the nation.
Front Jacket
Never before has information about African American fraternities and sororities been published for the general public, until now. A meticulously researched history, THE DIVINE NINE tells the story of how these organizations have played a major role in shaping generations of black leaders.
America's black fraternities and sororities are a unique and vital part of 20th century African American history. Since the creation of the first fraternity in 1906 at Cornell University, they have provided young black achievers with opportunities to support each other, while serving their communities and the nation. From pioneering work in the suffragette movement to extraordinary strides during the Civil Rights era to life-changing inner-city mentoring programs in the 1990s, members of these organizations share a proud and vital history of brotherhood, sisterhood, and service.
Today, America's nine black fraternities and sororities are two-and-one-half million members strong and among the most powerful and influential groups in African American society -- with chapters at major universities and colleges across the country, including Stanford University, Howard University, and University of Chicago. Many of America's most prominent business leaders, scientists, politicians, entertainers, and athletes took their first steps toward making a difference in the world in a fraternity or sorority. This extensive yet very accessible book celebrates the spirit of excellence shared by these and other renowned African Americans in brief, inspiring profiles.
Fully illustrated with photographs, THE DIVINE NINE chronicles an important yet previously neglected subject in African American history, making it thefirst book of its kind, and one to be treasured for generations to come.
Back Jacket
INCLUDES INTERVIEWS WITH FAMOUS MEMBERS OF THE DIVINE NINE
JOHN CHANEY Head Basketball Coach, Temple University
SPENCER CHRISTIAN Former weather anchorman, ABC-TVs "Good Morning America"
KEITH CLINKSCALES President and CEO, Vibe magazine
JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN Historian
NIKKI GIOVANNI Poet, author of Blues: For All the Changes
DR. GWENDOLYN GOLDSBY-GRANT Psychologist, Essence magazine columnist, author
JOHN H. JOHNSON Owner of Ebony Publishing
STAR JONES Co-host, ABC-TV's "The View"
SHAQUILLE O'NEAL Star center for the Los Angeles Lakers
TAVIS SMILEY Host, "BET Tonight"
PLUS INSPIRING PROFILES OF OTHER FAMOUS MEMBERS -- FROM HISTORICAL FIGURES TO MODERN LEGENDS
HANK AARON
MARIAN ANDERSON
MAYA ANGELOU
ARTHUR ASHE
COUNT BASIE
TONI BRAXTON
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER
WILT CHAMBERLAIN
SHIRLEY CHISHOLM
BILL COSBY
W.E.B. DUBOIS
DUKE ELLINGTON
ELLA FITZGERALD
LANGSTON HUGHES
REVEREND JESSE JACKSON
MICHAEL JORDAN
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
THURGOOD MARSHALL
HATTIE MCDANIEL
TONI MORRISON
JESSE OWENS
COLIN POWELL
PHYLICIA RASHAD
PAUL ROBESON
CORETTA SCOTT KING
BLAIR UNDERWOOD
DIONNE WARWICK
Author Biography
Born and raised in Inglewood, California, Lawrence Ross has been an author, writer, commentator, and lecturer on African American topics for the past twenty years. The author of seven books, The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities and Blackballed: The Black & White Politics of Race on America's Campuses, were the first books written about black fraternal organizations and campus racism, respectively. One of the most popular college lecturers in the country, Ross has appeared at over 700 colleges, universities, and conferences. He's also the owner of The Metaphor Club (TheMetaphorClub.com), a creative co-working space in Los Angeles. Ross lives in Los Angeles with his wife April, and their son Langston, and is a Brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. To contact Lawrence Ross, please visit TheLawrenceRoss.com or email him at alpha1906@gmail.com.
