Joining an African-American fraternity or sorority is a fun way to gain valuable leadership skills, make life-long friends and be a part of a supportive community while in college. With some houses dating back over a century, these historic fraternities and sororities are home to many celebrated leaders and a network of talented professionals across the country.  The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), which created the nine fraternities and sororities for African-American students is an international organization dedicated to ensuring solidarity, fellowship and progress of what some have nicknamed the “Divine Nine.”

On February 27, 2020, the FSLMA Theatre Arts department paid tribute to the “Divine Nine” for the annual Black History Program. This theatrical presentation was organized, written, produced and directed by Ms. Crystal Simonton, Theatre Arts director, Yasmine Myers, eighth grade teacher, Xavier Leon, art teacher, and the talented students of the Theatre Arts department at FSLMA. An additional group of students took turns reading a brief history of each organization to the audience.  This presentation was entertaining and very informative. Learning about a different side of college life that can lead to great opportunity was exciting for FSLMA students. THANK YOU to Crystal Simonton and the Theatre Arts department for another amazing Black History Program! 

The FSLMA show choir, dance team and the African Drum Ensemble also participated in the annual Black History Program.  The show choir, lead by Mrs. Chaunte Lyde-Pace and directed by Mrs. Marjorie Barker-Jackson, sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This literary piece speaks about the contentment African-Americans feel in honor of liberty. It is referred to as the national anthem of African-American people. Directly afterwards, the audience was captivated by the African Drum Ensemble and Dance Team’s performance.  Thank you to Mr. Jeremy Webster, band director and Mrs. Jacquiette Jones, dance team coach, for this exciting portrayal of native African dance and music!