How Black Greek organizations are shaping the future of politics and business.

  • Kamala Harris and Donna Jones Anderson share a kinship through their respective sororities in the Divine Nine.
  • The Divine Nine consists of historically Black fraternities and sororities that have significantly influenced leadership in various sectors.
  • Over 60% of the Congressional Black Caucus members are affiliated with Divine Nine organizations.
  • The Divine Nine emphasizes community service and support for economically disadvantaged African-Americans.
  • Prominent figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Shirley Chisholm were members of these organizations.
  • The Divine Nine is politically active, with several groups forming PACs to support candidates aligned with their missions.
  • Kamala Harris’s connection to the Divine Nine is part of her broader strategy to build coalitions for her campaign.

Kamala Harris and Donna Jones Anderson may not have attended the same university or sorority, but they share a deep connection through the Divine Nine, a collective of historically Black fraternities and sororities. These organizations have been pivotal in shaping leaders in government, business, and civil rights for over a century. Anderson, the national president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, expressed her pride in Harris, who is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. nnWith 2.5 million members, the Divine Nine is united in their mission to elevate one of their own to the White House. Historically, Black students were excluded from many white Greek organizations, leading to the establishment of their own. The first of these, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, was founded in 1906, followed by Harris’s Alpha Kappa Alpha in 1908. nnThe commitment to lifelong involvement in these organizations is strong, as highlighted by Glenda Glover, the immediate past international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Prominent members of the Divine Nine include civil rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for president. nnAs these organizations have grown, so has their influence. More than 60% of the Congressional Black Caucus members are affiliated with the Divine Nine, and three of the four Black women who have led Fortune 500 companies are members of Black sororities. nnThe Divine Nine’s focus extends beyond personal advancement; they prioritize community service, recognizing the economic challenges faced by many in the African-American community. Chris Rey, international president of Phi Beta Sigma, emphasized this commitment to uplifting others. nnWhile the Divine Nine remains nonpartisan, many organizations have established political action committees (PACs) to support candidates who align with their values. Recently, Alpha Kappa Alpha launched a PAC to bolster their political influence. nnKamala Harris’s ties to the Divine Nine are integral to her campaign strategy, as she seeks to build coalitions and support from these influential organizations. Her outreach includes hosting leaders from the Divine Nine to discuss critical issues like voting rights and support for historically Black colleges. nnAs the election approaches, the Divine Nine continues to play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape, with members rallying behind candidates who reflect their shared vision for the future.·

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides a well-researched overview of the Divine Nine organizations and their significance in American society, particularly in relation to Kamala Harris. It avoids sensationalism and presents factual information about the history and impact of these organizations. However, some sections could be seen as slightly tangential, focusing on individual quotes and anecdotes that, while relevant, may not directly contribute to the main narrative.·
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides a detailed exploration of the Divine Nine organizations and their historical significance, as well as their impact on political and social issues. It includes relevant data and examples, such as notable members and their contributions, which supports its claims. However, while it offers insights into the community and political engagement of these organizations, it lacks a critical analysis of the broader implications of their political actions and does not hold powerful individuals accountable, which prevents it from achieving a higher rating.·
Public Companies: Xerox (XRX), Walgreens (WBA), TIAA (TIAA)
Key People: Kamala Harris (Vice President), Donna Jones Anderson (National President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council), Cameron Beatty (Associate Professor), Glenda Glover (Immediate Past International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha), Chris Rey (International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity), Shavon Arline-Bradley (CEO of the National Council of Negro Women), Walter Fields (Chair of the Brown and Gold Public Affairs PAC), Stephanie Brown James (Co-founder of the Collective Political Action Committee), Keisha Lance Bottoms (Senior Adviser to the Harris Campaign)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article discusses the political engagement and fundraising efforts of Black Greek organizations, which can influence political campaigns and, consequently, financial markets related to those campaigns.
Financial Rating Justification: The article highlights the financial contributions and political action committees formed by Divine Nine organizations, indicating their impact on political fundraising and potential influence on financial markets.·
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses the history and influence of Black Greek organizations and their members, particularly in relation to Kamala Harris, but does not mention any extreme events that occurred in the last 48 hours.·
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: All
Direction: Up
Magnitude: Medium
Affected Instruments: Stocks

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