
In a sequence of events that has unmasked significant cultural connotations, a Nashville-based educator sparked dialogues and debates across the internet by removing the shirt of a white elementary student. The shirt sported the letters of her historically Black sorority. The action was taken in response to a breach of the school’s dress code, as explained by a representative of the Metro Nashville Public Schools.
McGavock Elementary School guidelines prohibit the wearing of attire featuring text. Still, the spokesperson emphasized that the exchange of the student’s shirt for a school uniform should not have been done without obtaining permission from the student’s parents.
The school, following this incident, has decided to counsel the staff member involved, through established district processes, shedding light on the acceptable conduct in such scenarios.
This unexpected incident has propelled deeper conversations about the teacher’s fierce reaction to her sorority’s letters adorning a child’s attire. It has opened the floodgates to diverse opinions, often conflicting, on whether such a reaction is warranted or harsh.
Not all members of Black Greek-letter organizations, colloquially named the ‘Divine Nine’, condone the teacher’s actions. However, a few empathize with the tidal wave of sentiment that fueled her response.
Lawrence Ross, a scholar of African American Fraternities and Sororities tradition and also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., part of the Divine Nine, shed light on the issue. He explained that over a century of devotion, service, and history make members fervently guard the right to symbolize their fraternity or sorority.
Black students carved out their fraternity organizations in the early 20th century, reflecting their cultures and lived experiences as a rebuke to the pervasive racism and discrimination faced in predominantly white fraternities.
The organizations that constitute the Divine Nine have upheld and propagated their ethos of improving the educational experience while uplifting the Black community. They have positioned themselves at the forefront of pivotal issues like voting rights, racial justice, and equal education.
Today, the Divine Nine outfits are recognized by their rich traditions, symbolic stepping performances, and their relentless commitment to philanthropy and service. Their influence extends far beyond college, with graduate school chapters and lifelong memberships contributing significantly to the society.
There’s a degree of exclusivity surrounding the wearing of these letters, requiring certain academic, service, and moral benchmarks. “It’s a big deal. There’s a level of dedication that goes with becoming a member,” Ross stated, highlighting that members pledge themselves to work on behalf of their community, representing something far greater than themselves.
Notably, the members proudly wear clothing and other items featuring their Greek symbols, signifying their allegiance to their respective fraternities. However, this has also led to instances of controversy, with non-members being caught misusing fraternal symbols, leading to severe backlash within the community.
Ross urges people to research and respect the traditions of the Divine Nine while also appreciating their notable contributions to society. Several dignitaries, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, have been awarded honorary memberships to these organizations in recognition of their significant achievements.
Thus, the lifelong bond built in these organizations, Ross suggests, is built through “lifelong service.” This, in his words, never goes away because all members share experiences that significantly impact their lives, fostering an unbreakable bond.