The Legacy of Leadership through South Florida’s Divine 9 and Black Civic Organizations

Every February since 1976, Black History Month has honored the achievements of those who, through courage, service, and vision, have shaped American life in the face of adversity. Historically Black Greek and civic organizations have long served as stewards of African American history, nurturing leaders, preserving culture, and strengthening our communities.

“These organizations champion our community,” said Dr. Delvena Thomas, DO, a board-certified psychiatrist, founder of DRT Behavioral Services, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. “They encourage folks to be a village, to be responsible for one another, to educate one another, to serve one another.”

In South Florida, that work is evident in leaders of Black fraternities and sororities, known as the Divine Nine, and historically Black civic organizations such as The Links and Jack and Jill. Leaders of these historic organizations are making history that will be remembered decades from now. From professional achievement to breaking barriers to community transformation, their work today is tomorrow’s legacy.

That sense of responsibility for “the village” that these organizations support extends across generations and connects communities across county, state, and international borders. This commitment is carried forward by an extraordinary group of individuals who understand that achievement brings with it a responsibility to uplift the community.

Alberta Godfrey, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated since 1959, has a word for it: Sankofa, from the Akan language of Ghana. It translates to ‘go back and get it,’ depicted by a bird looking backward with its feet facing forward. For Godfrey, it’s what her sorority strives to live by. She says, “You look back not to

stay back, but to see how what happened behind us helps us move forward. We can’t change the past, but we can work on the future.”

For Gerald Grant Jr., president of the G Financial Group and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, that responsibility begins through mentorship. “I had a mentor right out of high school, and I saw how one person could change the direction of someone’s life,” Grant said. “Spending time with individuals is the most impactful thing we can do.”

Grant is far from alone in that conviction. Gale Nelson, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, has spent nearly two decades proving the point. As a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, he describes mentorship as social infrastructure. “No algorithm can replace the human connection of a Big Brother talking to a Little Brother, a Big Sister talking to a Little Sister — our ancestors passing it down to us,” Nelson said.

That investment of time compounds, each mentor creating the next. Dr. Sylvia Sloane Jones, DNP, has seen it across 33 years with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated. She views mentorship as one of the most transformative forces in any community. “Leadership is not about position; it’s about purpose,” Jones said. “Investing in people creates a ripple effect that lifts entire communities.”

Sometimes that investment in community leads to historic firsts. When Wayne Messam ran for mayor of Miramar, he wanted to contribute to the future of one of the country’s fastest-growing cities.

“I didn’t run to be the first Black mayor. I ran because I wanted to help define the future of our city,” said Messam, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. When he won the election, Messam became the first Black person to hold that office.

“Being the first came with responsibility, and my goal is to make sure I’m not the last,” added Messam, who is also a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the nation’s oldest Black Greek-letter organization (also known as the Boulé). Under Messam’s leadership, Miramar has continued to grow as an inclusive community where families from across the diaspora see themselves reflected in local government.

That understanding of leadership as impact, not title, extends beyond elected office. With the charge of “Building A Tradition, Not Resting Upon One,” Toussaint Pierre, a commercial real estate leader and member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated, lives that principle. “Leadership is the ability to have influence and create an impact regardless of whether you are the key decision maker,” Pierre said.

That singular dedication to service extends through all of these pivotal organizations. Just speak with Lisa Ivory, southeastern regional director of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Ivory has watched the young people of Jack & Jill walk the halls of Congress and sit down with their representatives to advocate for issues affecting their communities.

The experience, she says, shapes leaders long before they reach adulthood. “This is why I go so hard,” said Ivory, who is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta. “We’re doing the work for them to make sure when we’re gone, they can continue.”

It’s also why Belinda Palmore-Dennard, life member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, underscores that service is woven into family tradition. With more than 12 relatives in her sorority, she understands legacy as a living responsibility. “Membership means service is essential, not optional,” Dennard said. “Honor the past, serve in the present, and help create a stronger future,” added Palmore-Dennard, who is also past president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Palm Beach County.

Likewise, Atty. Robert Holland, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, believes uplifting the community should be part of one’s daily practice. “You’re constantly trying to bring up the least of your community to the uppermost point that you can,” said Holland, who is also a member of Sigma Pi Phi.

This year, as the nation celebrates Black History Month, these South Florida leaders exemplify the value of honoring what came before and looking forward to what comes next. These men and women are keeping traditions and a rich heritage alive while blazing new paths forward through intentional leadership that ensures legacy is preserved through daily investment in people and possibility.

As Nelson reflects, “It’s like being in a relay race. Don’t drop the baton when it’s your leg. It’s our time right now. Keep running.”