Divine Nine in South Dallas help promising students access college 

By Hadley Nelson

For Tatum Carter, 19, the historic Greek alumni houses on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in South Dallas represent the foundation for her dreams. The DeSoto High School graduate and current college freshman attended meetings for the Alpha Omicron’s Sigma Gamma Rho Rhoer Club, which has met regularly at the houses in South Dallas since the 1920s to discuss leadership skills, college preparation and community service.

These gatherings for young women ages 12-18 are more than extracurricular activities. In fact, they prepared Carter for life.  

“I’ve learned everything from résumé writing to how to carry myself with confidence,” Carter says. “It’s because of this group that I feel ready to take on college and everything after that.”

This year, Carter’s readiness paid off. She’s now a freshman at Texas Christian University and studying nursing on a full scholarship, an achievement she attributes to the guidance she received from the Rhoer Club and Sigma Gamma Rho mentors.

The Rhoer Club is part of Sigma Gamma Rho’s mission to empower young women through education and cultural pride. Meetings are held in various South Dallas locations not far from other Black Greek alumni houses on MLK Jr. Boulevard. Founded by seven educators in 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho prioritizes mentorship, leadership, and scholarship opportunities for its Rhoer Club affiliates.

“The Divine Nine have created pathways to education and leadership for Black youth, proving that our community can thrive when given the chance,” Blackburn reiterates. “They’ve turned what was once a symbol of division into a legacy of empowerment and opportunity.”

Omega Psi Phi’s investment in the community is exemplified by their recent acquisition of a facility in South Dallas. Purchased roughly eight years ago, the chapter will celebrate paying off the building next month.

“Having a permanent facility gives us a place to always call home,” says Lew Blackburn, four-year member of Omega Psi Phi’s Theta Alpha Chapter.  

This milestone underscores their commitment to creating a permanent space for their work in the community.

The 5,000-square-foot facility serves as a meeting house for monthly chapter gatherings and includes offices, a kitchen, storage, and activity space. It also hosts their youth group meetings, which engage students in mentorship and community service initiatives. The group recently supported senior citizens in South Dallas by organizing a Thanksgiving meal.

“This permanent facility allows us to run programs, hold meetings, and maintain a consistent presence in South Dallas, but it also comes with the responsibility of maintenance and funding,” Blackburn says.

Active networks

The larger picture of these efforts is clear. Through mentorship programs, scholarships, and college-readiness workshops, these alumni are working to increase college enrollment and help students from underserved backgrounds overcome barriers to higher education. The Divine Nine organizations in South Dallas are united in their efforts to support young people who might not otherwise have access to the resources that are critical to their academic success. They provide more than just financial aid. They guide students through the college application process, assist with financial aid forms, and help them build the networks they need to succeed.

The Greek fraternity and sorority houses on MLK Jr. Boulevard in Dallas are part of the Divine Nine, a network of historically Black Greek-letter organizations that has been active in North Texas since the late 1920s. During a time when racist violence was widespread in Dallas and many social clubs excluded people of color, these organizations provided support, advocacy, and friendship to the Black community. The Divine Nine includes Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. Together, they have made a lasting impact through community service, mentorship, and scholarship programs.

“The Divine Nine have created pathways to education and leadership for Black youth, proving that our community can thrive when given the chance,” Blackburn reiterates. “They’ve turned what was once a symbol of division into a legacy of empowerment and opportunity.”

Programs like these are crucial in South Dallas, where college enrollment rates have historically lagged behind other areas. According to recent data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, college enrollment among Dallas County students increased by 4% in the past five years, thanks to initiatives targeting underrepresented communities​. This growth is part of a larger national trend, as Black Greek life alumni are working across the country to help close the education gap for students from underrepresented communities. These organizations are particularly effective in reaching young people who might otherwise feel disconnected from the college experience due to financial, social, or academic barriers.

Beyond their building’s walls, Omega Psi Phi makes a significant impact on the community. Each year, they give out scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, focusing on South Dallas schools like Lincoln and Madison High School. Additionally, the chapter helps elementary and middle schools with initiatives like coat drives.

Supporting growing needs

The Sigma Gamma Rho Alpha Omicron Chapter’s scholarship program has grown significantly under the leadership of Kershandra Horne, the scholarship chair. Horne’s work ensures that deserving students from South Dallas have the financial resources to pursue higher education. This year alone, Horne’s efforts helped award scholarships like the “Leaders of the Future” and the Rhoer Butterfly Book Scholarship, which Carter received.

“It’s heartbreaking to read some of these scholarship applications,” Horne says. “Many of these students are overcoming incredible challenges. Being able to provide even a small amount of support means the world to them and to us.”

Horne also spearheads outreach efforts to schools, community fairs, and online platforms to ensure students know about available scholarships. Her strategic marketing and grassroots efforts have contributed to a noticeable increase in applicants.

“Our focus is on helping these young women succeed wherever they are,” says Reeshemah Davis, Membership Chair of the Sigma Gamma Rho Alumni Chapter. “We want them to feel empowered, whether they’re navigating high school, preparing for college, or entering their careers.”

One of the chapter’s signature events is the annual Youth Symposium, which brings together students, parents, and educators in the South Dallas area to address pressing issues like mental health and educational equity. The symposium highlights practical strategies for college readiness, including navigating financial aid and writing compelling essays.

Efforts like these align with broader strategies to close educational gaps in Dallas County. The Dallas County Promise program, which guarantees free tuition at local colleges for eligible students, is one such initiative. However, while financial support is essential, mentorship programs like the Rhoer Club provide the personal guidance needed to sustain students’ confidence and focus.

One key lesson for the Divine Nine has been the value of listening to students. By surveying Rhoer Club members and high schools in the South Dallas area, Sigma Gamma Rho and Omega Psi Phi work to adapt programs to their needs. This way, these chapters ensure their initiatives remain relevant. “It’s about meeting them where they are,” Davis says. “Whether that’s helping them prepare for an exam or simply checking in on their mental health, we’re here to support them.”

Looking ahead, Sigma Gamma Rho and Omega Psi Phi aim to expand their outreach. Plans include partnering with more schools, increasing scholarship opportunities, and strengthening collaborations with other Divine Nine organizations.

Carter often finds herself reflecting on how far she’s come. Current Rhoer Club members look to her for advice and to follow in her footsteps. She always offers them the same piece of advice: “Don’t be afraid to dream big. With the right support, you can make it.”

Carter’s words resonate deeply with Horne, Davis, and her fellow mentors. For them, Carter’s success represents the fulfillment of their mission that began decades ago and continues to transform lives across South Dallas.

This article is a part of a Solutions Journalism Network grant-funded collaboration between Dallas Doing Good, Dallas Free Press and Southern Methodist University journalism students enrolled in summer and fall 2024 feature-writing classes. Their collective goal was to capture the efforts of South Dallas residents and businesses to preserve and revitalize Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Dallas, Texas. Read more stories from the Revitalizing MLK Jr. Boulevard series.