The Divine Nine: A History of African American Fraternities and Sororities
Lawrence C. Ross, Jr.
Wednesday, 30 Oct 2002 at 7:00 pm – Great Hall, Memorial Union
Lawrence C. Ross, Jr. is the author of The Divine Nine, the first book to chronicle the histories of the nine African-American fraternities and sororities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council. In it he profiles of prominent members such as the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., television personality Star Jones, Operation PUSH chair Rev. Jesse Jackson and the late tennis legend Arthur Ashe. In his presentation he will discuss such current issues as pledging, hazing and interfraternal relations. Lawrence Ross attended the University of California at Berkeley, and has been a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for over fifteen years. As a journalist, his work has been seen in over 200 African American newspapers, and he currently works as a reporter for the Los Angeles Independent Newspapers.
Stay for the entire event, including the brief question-and-answer session that follows the formal presentation. Most events run 75 minutes.
Sign-ins are after the event concludes. For lectures in the Memorial Union, go to the information desk in the Main Lounge. In other academic buildings, look for signage outside the auditorium.
Lecture Etiquette
- Stay for the entire lecture and the brief audience Q&A. If a student needs to leave early, he or she should sit near the back and exit discreetly.
- Do not bring food or uncovered drinks into the lecture.
- Check with Lectures staff before taking photographs or recording any portion of the event. There are often restrictions. Cell phones, tablets and laptops may be used to take notes or for class assignments.
- Keep questions or comments brief and concise to allow as many as possible.