By Dr. Sharon H. Porter | Thursday, November 16, 2023 | 6:00 AM ET
Today's Divine Nine Member Spotlight is sponsored by:
Join Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine in celebrating the incredible influence of the members of the Divine Nine! Discover the rich legacy and vibrant impact of these exceptional members in our special Divine Nine Spotlight!
From Alpha to Omega, we're shining a spotlight on the trailblazers, scholars, leaders, and community advocates who make up the Divine Nine. Get ready to dive into the history, achievements, and empowering stories of the members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations that continue to shape our society.
Stay tuned for the exclusive interviews, captivating profiles, and extraordinary journeys of the Divine Nine members on the Vision & Purpose Podcast and upcoming print issues.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the incredible impact of these inspiring individuals. Stay tuned for an issue you don't want to miss!
Who or what inspired you. to become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.?
'In my immediate family, there are only three members in my family who joined a Greek Lettered organization. During my middle school years, I did not have a teacher of color. Therefore, I was not introduced to sororities during my junior high school years. Once I entered high school several teachers were members of the Divine Nine organizations from history teachers, science teachers, and math teachers. I loved seeing the pride they took in representing their respective fraternities and sororities.
As I made my way to Norfolk State University, I encountered several teachers who represented different sororities. There was no doubt in my mind that one day I would choose to join a sorority. My dear cousin Valerie Henson, a graduate of Virginia Union University, and my babysitter when I was a little girl, always ministered to me about the importance of an HBCU education, understanding the importance of self-worth, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. My cousin with every opportunity demonstrated and modeled the grace and love of AKA. I am who I am today, as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. because of my dear cousin and mentor Valerie Henson! Trust me, I had no choice! "
About Dr. Shonda Harris-Muhammed
Dr. Shonda Harris-Muhammed is a 31-year educator who faithfully believes in Servant Leadership. Shonda has served as a mathematics teacher, math specialist, curriculum specialist, compliance specialist, testing coordinator, summer school principal, and currently the Coordinator of Pupil Personnel and Hearing Officer for Southampton County Schools, Virginia. She is a hands-on educator who firmly believes in an "all hands on deck" approach to service our students. Her motto: at the end of the day it is about children.
She is the Founder and Executive Director of Northside Coalition for Children, Inc. The purpose of NCC is to ensure any student and teacher in need of school supplies receive them at no cost. Dr. Shonda currently serves as the Richmond School Board Representative to the Sixth District in Richmond, Virginia, and the Executive Director of Black Women Educational Leaders (BWEL), an organization whose mission is to bring together individuals to address issues related primarily to the concerns, interests, advancement, accomplishments, and special contributions of Black women in or aspiring to educational leadership.
Shonda is married to her college sweetheart, Demetrius, and they have two children, Anthony and Khadijah.
About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® (AKA), an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college-educated women.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated® is comprised of more than 355,000 initiated members in graduate and undergraduate chapters located in 12 countries including the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Led by International President & CEO Danette Anthony Reed of Dallas, Texas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, often is hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women.”
About the Divine Nine
The Divine Nine, formally known as, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative umbrella council composed of nine historically African American fraternities and sororities, and also referred to as Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs). The NPHC was formed as a permanent organization on May 10, 1930, on the campus of Howard University, in Washington, D.C., with Matthew W. Bullock as the active Chairman and B. Beatrix Scott as Vice-Chairman. NPHC was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois in 1937.
The council promotes interaction through forums, meetings, and other media for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.
Each constituent member organization determines its own strategic direction and program agenda. Today, the primary purpose and focus of member organizations remains camaraderie and academic excellence for its members and service to the communities they serve. Each promotes community awareness and action through educational, economic, and cultural service activities.
Divine Nine Member Spotlight Sponsor
