Divine Nine Fraternity Leaders Issue Joint Statement Condemning Attacks on Black Women

The presidents of the five National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) fraternities have released a joint statement condemning what they describe as a rising pattern of attacks on Black women and calling on the President of the United States to denounce dehumanizing public remarks aimed at them.

The statement, dated June 20, 2026, was signed by Lucien J. Metellus, Jr., General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Jimmie McMikle, Grand Polemarch and International President of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Ricky L. Lewis, Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; David A. Turner, International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; and Orlando O. Grant, International Grand Polaris of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Together, the presidents say they represent nearly one million members.

In the statement, the presidents point to disproportionate federal job cuts that they say have impacted nearly 300,000 Black women since January 2025, alongside what they describe as efforts undermining Black women’s access to education, healthcare, physical safety, and fair legal representation. The statement also condemns recent public remarks the presidents say are intended to dehumanize Black women, including comments targeting a former First Lady.

The presidents also affirmed their support for the women leading the NPHC Council of Presidents (COP), naming COP Chair Dr. Stacie NC Grant of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, along with international presidents Danette Anthony Reed of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Cheryl Turner of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and Marica Harris of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.

“As the Presidents of the Divine Nine fraternities, we say ENOUGH,” the statement reads. The presidents call on the President of the United States to denounce the remarks and encourage chapters nationwide to urge their elected officials in the House and Senate to condemn them as well.

The statement, which opens with a quote from Malcolm X, closes on a note of solidarity, with the presidents declaring that their success as men is inseparable from the strength, leadership, and support of Black women.