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There's been a lot of divine intervention on campus lately.
"Divine Nine" is the nickname for the nine national historically black fraternities and sororities. With the exception of one, there are eight with chapters on campus governed by the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Throughout the year, each individual fraternity or sorority has been putting on their own events, ranging from social gatherings to health forums.
During Black Greek Week, which began Monday, the eight chapters will come together and spread awareness of their respective organizations collectively.
"Their names carry weight," Holden Hall Complex Director Joshua Gillespie said. "When those groups pull together on one accord, those names can make major things happen."
Gillespie joined Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity during his freshman year at Milliken University in Illinois. The fraternity is one of the nine historically black fraternities and sororities in the United States.
"It's just amazing, this brotherhood across the country," he said.
Gillespie added fraternities and sororities of the council are necessary not only in the black community, but the community as a whole, because they serve as role models.
The skills and tactics of a role model are some of the things Keith Redmond has been learning during his life as a greek.
"I wanted to become a greek so I could help my community," said Redmond, president of the council and member of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Redmond, a mechanical engineering junior, said he hopes to return to his hometown of Pontiac and use what he's learned to help better the area.
"Leaders are needed in my community," he said.
One of the goals of the council is to empower all MSU students, something members hope to accomplish through Black Greek Week events and working with other student organizations, Redmond said.
"One of the good things is being able to work with other fraternities, whether they be historically black or of other cultures, to complete the same cause," he said.
Redmond said the council will be collaborating this weekend with the Fourth Greek Independent Council for a bone marrow drive.
Lois Sylver, a national spokeswoman for Zeta Phi Beta sorority, said one of the biggest stereotypes that historically black fraternities and sororities face is that they're all about parties and step shows.
"Stepping is fine and good, but there's so much more than that," she said. "It takes awhile to get that message across."
Sylver added that not only are historically black greeks trying to erase the stereotypes, but also overcome boundaries that have been built over the years.
"As a black organization, we were bound by many other parameters that any black person would encounter over the years," she said.
Black Greek Week continues through Sunday.
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