Divine Nine raises thousands for scholarships

The second annual Divine Nine Brunch was a resounding, sold-out success. Part of the Back the Yard 2024 Homecoming Giving Challenge, the brunch raised more than $30,000 from alumni of sororities and fraternities, as well as University friends to support students. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority received top honors for raising the most money and having the greatest number of participants in the fundraising challenge.

Growing exponentially since last year, the Divine Nine Brunch was held in the Blackburn University Student Center West Ballroom as guests donned paraphernalia and colors while reminiscing with classmates and friends, all to ensure that Howard students have financial support to be successful.

The coveted Crystal Bison award was presented to Alpha Kappa Alpha for the most funds raised ($12,285) and highest participation (115 people). In all, $31,227 was raised by 362 alumni and friends. Other Divine Nine organizations participating in the challenge included Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta and Phi Beta Sigma.

The Divine Nine Brunch is the brainchild of El Hadji Diagne, associate director of annual giving, reunions and constituents, in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. When Diagne facilitated a brainstorming session with Marie Young (’75, B.A., summa cum laude; ’79, M.D.), and Chauncey Manson III (’74, B.A.), he did not realize the event would grow in scope so quickly.

“We have seen this event grow from being in the Blackburn gallery last year to taking over half of the ballroom this year. Next year, we plan to use the whole ballroom to double the number of participants and dollars raised for students,” said Diagne. 

"Alumni really enjoy the friendly competition among the D-Nine organizations, the camaraderie among classmates, meeting up for this historic homecoming and helping to support our students," he added.