Story by: Elise Kidd
MONTEVALLO, Ala. — The National Pan-Hellenic Council hosted a meet-up during the University of Montevallo homecoming festivities on Saturday, Feb. 15. The event was to celebrate the new “Divine Nine” plaza. The flyer for the meet-up described the new plaza as a place to “meet, stroll, hangout and vibe with fellow NPHC organizations.”
The Divine Nine refers to the nine historically Black sororities and fraternities, which were created in response to Black students being denied membership into other Greek letter organizations throughout the Jim Crow era.
D9 plazas, also known as “plots” at some universities, are linked to the tradition started at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to provide a space for members of NPHC organizations to gather. While these plazas, or plots, are more commonly found at HBCUs, where they frequently dedicate large areas solely to each chapter, more are being found at predominantly white institutions, such as UM.
Nestled between Farmer and Hanson Hall on the corner of Bloch Street and Willis Way, the D9 plaza is officially out of construction, with plaques being put in place on Feb. 10. A dedication and ribbon-cutting to commemorate the completed plaza is planned for late spring, per the flyers shared announcing the meet-up.
Having the plaza on UM’s campus has been discussed for years, according to Katie Andrews, the Assistant Director of Student Life at UM and a former Physical Plant employee. However, it wasn’t until late September 2024 that the talks came to fruition.
The project was worked on by Carolyn Carter, an engagement officer for UM’s Alumni and MADE programs, as well as a committee and Dr. Kristy Lee, senior vice president for Administration at UM. Carter shared there is excitement both on and off campus for UM’s NPHC organization’s and the plaza itself.
The University of Montevallo’s Physical Plant broke ground on construction for what was only known to the public as, “the Divine 9 Project,” in September 2024. The announcement was sent out to all UM students, faculty and staff in the Sept. 26 Vallo Voice. No further details were provided on what the project entailed, and despite the shared estimate of 60 days of construction, the fencing protecting the build site was not removed until after winter break.
Despite there not being much information shared on the plaza to current students, Portia Ann Mason Harton, a member of the Black Alumni club at UM, said that the intent is for the plaza to be utilized and appreciated by current students and alumni.
The University of Montevallo hosts six of the nine NPHC chapters. The oldest on campus is Delta Sigma Theta, which was chartered April 20, 1977, and the newest on campus, Sigma Gamma Rho, was chartered on March 27, 2021. Though not all nine are chartered on campus, all are represented at the new D9 plaza.
Delta Sigma Theta at D9 meet-up. Photo courtesy of Portia Ann Mason Harton.
Sigma Gamma Rho at D9 meet-up. Photo courtesy of Portia Ann Mason Harton.
The plaza contains nine pedestals, crafted from brick, which hold plaques depicting all of the chapter’s Greek letters. The center is concrete with the NPHC logo etched into the surface.
Harton said the space will be used for current students and alumni to represent their chapter and give the PWI Montevallo, an HBCU feel.
“Montevallo wants our alumni to see that we care about all our alumni and students. Having the plaza enriches our culture, community and the students at Montevallo, so they can know, learn and get involved in the D9 fraternities and sororities,” said Harton. She emphasized that she believes the goal of the plaza is to be a place that brings not just D9 and Black alumni together, but all UM alumni.
I feel that with the addition of the D9 plaza, our Black students and alums feel more seen.
Portia Ann Mason Harton
Montevallo has grown more diverse over the past 15 years according to Harton, who is a 2007 graduate herself. A report shared by UM in 2020 outlined the number of self-reported, Black non-Hispanic first-time freshmen from 2016 to 2020. In 2016, the number was 57, which then rose to 78 by 2020.
Harton believes the opening of the plaza showcases that UM recognizes the growing diversity of its population.
“We have students and alumni from all walks of life and around the world,” Harton said. “I feel that the plaza […] will ultimately unite students and alums. I feel that with the addition of the D9 plaza, our Black students and alums feel more seen, and it shows that Montevallo cares about their Black/minority students, alumni and Black communities.”
To learn more about Montevallo’s NPHC chapters visit UM’s campus life page or follow them on instagram @montevallo_nphc
Vallo Vision News 