Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Awards Over $1 Million to Divine Nine in Miami-Dade to Support and Preserve African-American History

In a powerful show of support for Black history, culture, and community building, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson announced more than $1 million in funding for Miami-Dade chapters of the Divine Nine — historically Black Greek-letter organizations. The announcement was made during a spirited celebration on Wednesday, May 28, at the Omega Activity Center on the campus of Florida Memorial University.

The funding, secured through a Fiscal Year 2024 Congressional Earmark, is intended to upgrade, renovate, and build community spaces operated by Divine Nine organizations. These spaces will be used for youth mentorship, cultural education, and community services across Miami-Dade County.

“I am especially concerned about preserving our history, which is being whitewashed across our nation,” stated Congresswoman Wilson, a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., in a press release “African-American history IS American history, and we have a responsibility to protect it from erasure, extinction, and exploitation.”

*Rep. Wilson posing with her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority sisters*.

Community leaders and Greek life representatives praised the initiative and shared plans for their organizations’ use of the funding:

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. will make critical repairs to its fraternity house and community center, including installing hurricane-resistant windows, doors, and a new roof.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. plans to expand and modernize its 8,000 sq. ft. community facility.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. will renovate the Allene Taylor Memorial Center to offer mentorship, parenting support, tutoring, and housing assistance.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. aims to revitalize its Zeta Center, which has provided literacy, maternal health, and food distribution services for over 30 years.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will upgrade the Omega Activity Center to serve as a modern innovation hub for youth programs and community events.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. received funding to purchase land and build a new sorority house to serve as a community hub for local children and families.

“This award will allow us to expand our reach and uplift our community in new ways,” said Dr. Luvernice Croskey of Delta Sigma Theta. “These facilities are more than buildings — they’re pillars of support and empowerment.”

*Rep. Wilson posing with members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.*

The event brought out nearly 200 attendees and featured lively performances by the Miami Gardens Super Soul Steppers, along with line dancing, strolling, and stepping by members of the Divine Nine.

Notable guests included Dr. Glenda Glover, former International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and past President of Tennessee State University, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, City of Miami Gardens Councilman Reggie Leon, and Councilwoman Katrina Wilson.

Participating organizations included all nine fraternities and sororities of the Divine Nine, as well as their community-based foundations. Each group is now eligible to “draw down” the federal funds by proving they are building, renovating, or refurbishing physical spaces for community use.

“We are the heart of our community,” continued Rep. Wilson in a press statement. “This is about ensuring our children have spaces to grow, learn, and be proud of who they are.”