Black fraternities, sororities continue a legacy of service in Omaha

KETV NewsWatch 7 dove into the history of Black Greek Letter organizations and the fight they endured for a seat at the table. Now over 100 years later fraternities and sororities within the Divine Nine continue that legacy right here in Omaha. Proving it's a lifetime commitment of service to all mankind.Nine historically Black organizations, each set themselves apart with unique mottos, colors, programs, strolls and steps. Paired with global and local outreach, a mission they brought to the Omaha metro. These Black Greek Letter organizations have three merits that never waver, service to the community, a strong sense of togetherness and above all, academic achievement. "In North High School, we have a group of high school girls that we work with. And so we have touch point from high school, middle school, elementary," said Deb Shaw, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Or Craig Thompson a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. said they have a program called, "Project Manhood and Friends, and it really teaches them about etiquette, education, just how to carry yourself."While Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. also makes sure educators have help. "We try to support the teachers in their classrooms with supplies, making sure that they have what they need to support their students," said Tonya Arnold-Tornquist, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. All put a huge emphasis on handing out scholarships to young men and women. "I would say probably exceeds $80,000," said James Hawthorne, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. also digging deep for education. "Very pleased to be able to offer $1,000 scholarship to young people wanting to go to school," said Viv Ewing, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In terms of service to the community, each fraternity and sorority has its own niche. "We also support community baby showers, ongoingly provide professional clothing to the Women's Center for Advancement," said Amy Cobbs with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. They also encourage voting and drive people to the polls. "We go to the Capitol to let our lawmakers know that we want our voices heard," said Shaw. And focus on health, like Zeta Phi Beta's Stork Nest program surrounding maternal wellness with March of Dimes. "Since we started in 92, we've served over 10,000 women we register about 400 ladies a year into the program," said Bridget Brown with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. And raising money and essential items for those in need, like the Sleep Out for the Homeless, put on by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. "It's not even just important it's almost like a vital," said Aaron Gregory, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Or donating food to hungry families. "Over 700 families that we have actually been able to provide food for," said Miguel Mason, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Hawthorne said, Alpha Phi Alpha is dedicated to the well-being of the community. "Kick the Can was initiative to help the Omaha and Lincoln Food Bank," he said. Or the Teen Summit, in partnership with Kappa Alpha Psi and the Black Police Officers Association, going on a decade of success. "That's where we mentor young men," Rudy Lewis said, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. All carrying a strong sense of togetherness, both in sisterhood and brotherhood. "I had a really bad asthma attack that really almost took me out of here. But they do their very quick and loving nature. They made sure that I was covered even after," said Gregory. More than a century of change, both internally and within society. The Divine Nine continues to propel the Black community forward. "I still have the drive. And so I'll keep fighting and keep doing what I can for the frat," said Lewis. When reflecting on the legacy of change, Cobbs said, "I am a part of history, I cannot forget that beginning and I have to walk daily in that understanding."