Historically Black sororities and fraternities were founded primarily on HBCU campuses. During this time, they felt excluded from white Greek-letter organizations and wanted to build their own individuality. Little did these founders of the Divine 9 know they would make major history over the next 100 years. These groups began as ways to connect, network, and face exclusion, as well as take pride in their blackness. The Divine 9 is made up of 9 black sororities and fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. Each of these organizations is incorporated. They have been prominent participants in the Civil Rights Movement, Black Power Movement, as well as Black Lives Matter movements.
The Black Greek-letter organizations as a whole represent the overall purpose of scholarship, service, and the power of what it means to be a community. Divine 9 Black Greek-letter organizations have stood on these morals for years. The Divine 9 is continuously making a major impact in communities around the world.
Kappa Alpha Psi, with their program Guide Right, has mentored young men from high school to college. Not only have they mentored them but tutored them, provided them with valuable information, and also put them on the right path to continuing their education. This program was initiated in 1922. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity member Jared Bell says, “It really boils down to legacy when it comes to D9. Being granted the opportunity to etch your name into what is 100+ years of history of serving and leading not only in the black community but the greater scope of the world is something earned. Exuding the values each organization represents is why they’ve been around so long. Being a positive role model motivates others to follow in your steps.”
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has also spearheaded a program assisting with mammograms. They created a mobile mammogram unit that goes to different locations and allows women to get mammograms right on the spot. Tiyana Boyce, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member, says, “Being a part of the Divine 9 has had a huge impact on my personal life as well as my community. It’s a privilege to be surrounded by like-minded sisters and brothers that exude excellence and make service to others a priority. It is important that the legacy of the Divine 9 continues to strengthen sisterhood, educate our youth, and promote scholarships and service.
Since being a part of a D9 organization is a privilege, wearing the letters of those organizations is also a privilege. So, stores like All Sewn Up are a shopping haven for these members. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority member Lady Bell, also known as the owner of All Sewn Up, had a mission to provide D9 paraphernalia. Bell says, “Opening up a store like this in the Baltimore area was a dream come true. It opened doors for black Greeks from the area to finally have their place to come shop locally. Most “nail is online, but for a city like Baltimore to have a place like All Sewn Up is perfect.”
As the heartbeat of Baltimore, All Sewn Up stands as a vibrant testament to the unity and pride of the Divine 9. Nestled at 1413 Joh Ave Suite J, Baltimore, MD 21227, this store is not just a shopping destination; it's a cultural hub where D9 members can find more than just Greek jackets, sweaters, accessories, slippers, and custom items. It's a place where legacies are celebrated, where the essence of belonging to something larger than oneself comes alive. All Sewn Up is more than a store; it's a haven where the rich fabric of the Divine 9 is woven into every thread, a place where the privilege of wearing those cherished letters becomes a tangible expression of history, service, and excellence. Step into All Sewn Up, and you step into a legacy, a community, and a home for every Black Greek seeking to wear their pride with grace.
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