From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Eli Levin
Feeling inspired, connected and proud – these are just some of the ways members of The Divine Nine, nine Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities, describe what it is like to be part of a pivotal part of Black and African American history.
And, as we are Celebrating Black Joy across the company this month in honor of Black History Month, our cast who are a part of The Divine Nine have many profound and joyful moments to share.
The Divine Nine, made up of five fraternities and four sororities, are more than Greek organizations for Black students. The Divine Nine is a community, it is a family. And this family progresses, creates joy, and serves the community together. In addition, this family serves as a lifelong social and professional network for its members.
Many members were compelled from a young age to join The Divine Nine because they had parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles who were a part of this Greek community and they wanted to carry on that legacy. They wanted to continue the tradition of service to the community, civic responsibility, and being a part of the necessary change to combat social injustices.
Ashnel Jean-Mary, Walt Disney World Resorts Operations Training
Proud Member of: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
“I chose to be an Alpha man because I was seeking an organization that gave me an opportunity to make a positive change in the lives of those in my community and of those most in need,” said Ashnel Jean-Mary, regional training manager. “For me, it was much more than being a part of a distinguished organization, it was about being part of something that is much bigger than myself and where I could form true and meaningful brotherhood.”
And knowing that some pretty amazing historical figures have been part of The Divine Nine is a powerful connection and inspiration to many such as the first female vice president Kamala Harris or world-renowned writer Zora Neale Hurston.
Shawn Anderson, Walt Disney World Business Transformation
Proud Member of: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
“I learned about past members, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, that dedicated their life for the fight of something bigger than them,” said Shawn Anderson, transformation manager. “Watching the Alphas give back to other people that look like me in the community pushed me to want to be a part of that going forward.”
Because The Divine Nine focuses on community, social action, community service, and leadership – it comes as no surprise that those who have been part of The Divine Nine are passionate people who make a difference within our company and beyond.
Lisa Z. Harris, Premium Services Manager
Proud member of: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
“Being a member of a sorority doesn’t end when you graduate,” shared Lisa Harris, Premium Services Manager. “In fact, the commitment intensifies and enriches networking opportunities.”
And being a part of The Divine Nine has endless joyful moments, so it is easy to celebrate Black joy every day and Black history ALWAYS when learning from cast who have been or are part of one of these amazing Black Greek Letter Organizations.
Roderick P. Taylor, Disney Cruise Line
Proud Member of: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
As Basileus, or President, of the second largest graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. in the state of Florida, Roderick was the recipient of the highest award in the Fraternity, Omega Man of the Year. “To be recognized with the highest award in the fraternity as the person they felt led with character, worked selflessly, advanced the cause, and represented the chapter was an honor I won’t soon forget,” Cruise Vacation Agent Roderick Taylor said. “When I am working and feel tired, I look up at my award and it inspires me to keep going, knowing others are depending on me.”
Bethany Cobbs, Talent Acquisition Marketing
Proud Member of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
To be part of this storied legacy with family old and new, is joyful, too.
Communications specialist Bethany Cobbs shared: “When we sing our national hymn at conferences, I get chills and feel such great pride to be a part of a strong representation of successful, and impactful Black women.”
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