A Pledge to Serve: Black History Month

This article is part of our series highlighting Black History Month. Throughout February, we will be posting content that educates, inspires, and tells the stories of African-American veterans.

As we’re amid Black History Month, I wanted to talk a bit about The National Pan-Hellenic Council known to many as the Divine Nine. This is the umbrella organization for the nine black Greek letter organizations. Those organizations include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Today there are over 1.5 million members and many of them are Veterans!  

As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, I have found many commonalities between my military service and membership of AKA and thus the Divine Nine. Like all the NPHC organizations, we are built on a foundation of service and a desire to make a positive impact in our communities. And just as our founders needed a place to feel connected, being a member of the Divine Nine also opens doors of connection.  

I have met members all over the country from networking events, during my military service, and here at The Mission Continues. When I meet members from other Greek letter org’s we automatically form a connection, just as veterans do. This is a unique experience.

Though, this occurrence is becoming more frequent as platoons across the country are doing the same — connecting with Greek letter org’s for days of service. Because at the end of the day, we all work better together. 

I urge any Greek letter org member reading this, to please get connected with your local platoon and join our mission. We would love to have you!

#CharlieMike 

T’Liza Kiel, MS, Army 
Director, Alumni Engagement 
The Mission Continues