A project two years in the making has finally been unveiled. A semicircle of nine gleaming onyx monuments, each bearing the crest of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Black Greek Letter fraternities and sororities – collectively known as the Divine Nine, has been erected. The NPHC Plots were revealed during Old Dominion University’s 2024 Homecoming in a ceremony that united the nine organizations, marking a historic moment for past, present and future NPHC members at ODU.
Situated on the Williamsburg Lawn, the 2,400 square-foot monument honors the legacies and founders of each organization and acknowledges their strength and fortitude amid racial discrimination on college campuses.
According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, structures like the plots were born in the first half of the 20th century, when Black students began to enroll at predominantly white institutions and encountered racism and exclusion from campus organizations like fraternities and sororities.
In response to the adversity, Black students created nine Greek Letter Organizations more than a century ago and constructed campus spaces like the plots where they felt welcomed and celebrated.
Now, ODU honors that history with plots of its own. The project was spearheaded by Zaria Gassaway, the three-term Student Government Association (SGA) president and member of NPHC organization, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Gassaway, who always knew she wanted to become a member of an NPHC organization, began advocating for the space during her sophomore year and before she became a member of the Divine Nine. She worked with fellow student Rashad Bea, member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and other NPHC members to outline a shared vision for the plots.
“We had to figure out what we wanted, what’s cohesive and what represents us in a way where people can observe and understand our culture without it being too closed off to only us (members of NPHC),” she said.
More than anything, Gassaway dreamt the space would reinforce the unity of the Divine Nine. “No matter the sorority or fraternity, at the end of the day, we’re all D-Nine. We’re one big family,” she said.
They presented their plan to ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. – a proud member of the Divine Nine’s Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – and he agreed to make it a reality with the help of Student Enrollment, Engagement & Services (SEES) and Facilities Management.
“The NPHC Plots are the culmination of a great deal of collaboration, dedication and vision,” said President Hemphill. “The plots are not just a physical space, but a powerful symbol of perseverance and unity, as well as a clear reflection of the enduring role and transformational impact of the Divine Nine. As a diverse community of scholars, we are proud to celebrate this historic milestone, which will inspire current and future generations of Monarchs to continue a culture of excellence and service.”
