FIRST IN CALIFORNIA
The “ Divine Nine ” Plaza honors the legacy of historically Black fraternities and sororities .
BY ERIKA JOHNSON ’ 11
IN OCTOBER 2023 , UC SAN DIEGO UNVEILED THE
National Pan-Hellenic Council ( NPHC ) Plaza , a gathering space that honors the legacy of historically Black fraternities and sororities . The first of its kind in California , the plaza features nine pillars , each representing one of the nine membership organizations that together are known as the Divine Nine . The NPHC was founded at Howard University in 1930 to foster fellowship and community among Black Greek letter organizations through educational , economic and cultural service activities . In 2021 , UC San Diego students affiliated with the NPHC and the Black Resource Center spearheaded the proposal for a plaza on campus .
“ The plaza is a legacy for future students who come to this campus looking for a sense of belonging ,” says Abria Diaz-Shelby ’ 22 , former NPHC president and a driving force behind the plaza proposal .
For Glynda Davis , retired senior diversity officer at UC San Diego and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc ., the new plaza is a place to celebrate success , grow connections and work together to promote better outcomes for all . “ To me , this plaza represents the campus embracing the Black community ’ s commitment to scholarship , leadership and service through the Divine Nine Organizations ,” says Davis . “ It is a visible reminder of what the Black community brings to the campus and shares with the campus .”
With the support of university leadership , the plaza now stands as a community gathering space for future generations of Tritons that honors those who came before , celebrates the present and welcomes a transformational future .
Learn more about sorority and fraternity life at UC San Diego at getinvolved . ucsd . edu / sfl .
UC SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE 01