Hundreds of Divine Nine Members to Gather in Trenton for Advocacy Day Advancing Policy and Community Priorities Across New Jersey

Members of the Divine Nine are set to bring their collective voice, leadership, and commitment to service to the forefront as hundreds prepare to gather in New Jersey’s capital for a day centered on advocacy and action.

On Friday, April 10, 2026, an estimated 400 to 500 members of historically Black Greek-letter organizations will convene at the New Jersey War Memorial in Trenton for “D9 in Trenton – Advocacy Day.” The event will unite members of all nine National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations from across the state alongside community leaders, elected officials, and policy experts for a day of civic engagement focused on issues impacting Black communities and underserved populations.

“This is more than just an event, it is a movement,” said Sherlock Dow, Area 1 Coordinator for the National Pan-Hellenic Council and President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Central Jersey. “Advocacy Day represents a unified call to action for leadership, service, and sustained civic engagement across our communities.”

Designed to move beyond conversation and into action, the day will provide attendees with the tools and access needed to engage directly with policy and decision-making. Programming will include policy briefings on key issues affecting communities across New Jersey, hands-on advocacy workshops, and opportunities for direct dialogue with elected officials and government representatives. Attendees will also be able to connect with fellow leaders and organizations working to create impact across the state.

A major highlight of the day will be the introduction of the NJ D9 Policy Agenda, which outlines priority focus areas including youth empowerment, economic equity, affordable housing, education, and civic participation. The agenda aims to serve as a roadmap for sustained advocacy efforts and collaboration among Divine Nine organizations throughout New Jersey.

Advocacy Day is part of the larger “D9 in Trenton” initiative, a three-day statewide effort taking place April 9–11. The initiative begins with a Youth Leadership Summit at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium, designed to engage high school students in civic leadership and community impact. It continues with Advocacy Day at the New Jersey War Memorial and concludes with an Awards and Scholarship Gala at the Crowne Plaza Princeton – Conference Center, where leaders will be recognized and funds will be raised to support scholarships across the state.

Rooted in a long-standing tradition of service, social justice, and civic engagement, the Divine Nine continue to play a critical role in mobilizing communities and shaping policy conversations. “D9 in Trenton – Advocacy Day” builds on that legacy by creating a unified space for collaboration, education, and action at the state level.

Event Details
Event: D9 in Trenton – Advocacy Day
Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: New Jersey War Memorial
Address: 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton, NJ 08608