For 18 years, the DeKalb History Center has marked Black History Month with celebrations that illuminate different facets of our community's rich cultural heritage. This year's theme, "Stepping into Tradition: The Divine Nine," honors the nine historically Black Greek letter organizations that form the National Pan-Hellenic Council—a legacy of resilience, service, and brotherhood that continues to shape DeKalb County today.
"We have such a notable population of African Americans living here in DeKalb County, and quite a number of them are part of these organizations," explains Monica El-Amin, African American History Coordinator at the DeKalb History Center. The Divine Nine includes four sororities—Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho—and five fraternities: Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta.
These organizations emerged from necessity, formed at historically Black colleges and universities to provide community and scholarship when Black students faced exclusion from other Greek life organizations. But they became so much more—vital spaces for leadership development, networking, and a deep commitment to public service that continues today.
"These organizations were founded to promote brotherhood, sisterhood, and community uplift," El-Amin says. "Members carry their organizational pride into the community, spreading brotherhood and sisterhood while actively working to keep their community thriving."
The February 26th celebration at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse will honor traditions that have become synonymous with Black Greek life. For El-Amin, these traditions hold personal significance. "I grew up around people in these different organizations," she recalls. "As early as seven years old, I remember seeing my teachers doing step performances of their respective sororities and fraternities." Additional event details will be announced soon.
This year's theme aligns perfectly with the DeKalb History Center's mission to collect, preserve, and share stories that reflect our county's diversity. "We believe that everybody's story is worth collecting and telling," El-Amin emphasizes. "This adds another layer to our commitment to champion diverse storytelling and historical preservation."
For younger generations, El-Amin hopes the celebration conveys an important message: "The work that African American students are putting into their communities is valued and is being seen. Community is always important, and it's good to be able to serve and uplift your community as you move forward through life."
The DeKalb History Center's 18th Annual Black History Month Celebration takes place Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse.