Yolanda Finley (second from right) with her sorority sisters performing a community service project focusing on Heart Month.
Meet Darius Merriweather, Justin Lane, and Yolanda Finley – AmeriHealth New Jersey associates and members of the Divine Nine. The Divine Nine consists of nine Black Greek letter organizations, including Darius’s and Justin’s fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Yolanda’s sorority, Delta Sigma Theta. These organizations work to support the Black community through community service and education initiatives.
We sat down with Darius, Justin, and Yolanda to learn more about their experiences in their respective organizations and how these connect them to their communities.
Question: How did you become involved with your organization?
Darius: I grew up in a large family with a lot of people in Black Greek letter organizations. My father and grandfather were both members of Alpha Phi Alpha, and my dad is still very active in our chapter. I became involved by attending different fundraisers and education drives while also winning scholarships through the fraternity. I joined Alpha Phi Alpha in the spring of 2019 after moving back to the Philadelphia area.
Justin: I learned about Alpha Phi Alpha during my sophomore year at Rutgers University. I was impressed by the presence of my dormitory director and the camaraderie amongst him and his friends. I later learned they were all Alphas. When I saw an interest session flyer for the fraternity, I made sure to attend so I could begin the process of joining.
Darius Merriweather
Yolanda: When I was a sophomore at Rutgers University, I kept noticing a group of women on campus wearing crimson and cream colors. They were leading community service projects such as blood drives and voter registration. My besties and I decided to attend a sorority rush and eventually joined Delta Sigma Theta together.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a part of a Black Greek letter organization?
Justin: It’s a major point of pride for me. My mother was a charter member of her undergrad chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, so it’s a great honor to carry on that tradition. Black Greek letter organizations have been at the forefront of every major progressive movement in this country, and I feel a great sense of connection to that legacy of influential men, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Hill Harper to Raphael Warnock.
Yolanda: I am proud to be part of the Divine Nine. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta, I follow in the footsteps of the 22 women who founded the sorority in 1913 at Howard University. They made a lifetime commitment to be change agents on campus and in their communities. That mindset still exists today, as the sorority boasts over 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters in the U.S. and internationally.
Justin Lane
Darius: It’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Working and networking with men and women whom I would have never otherwise met, and hearing their experiences, challenges me to always bring my best self in all aspects of life.
Q: What is your favorite part of being a member of your organization?
Darius: My favorite part of being an Alpha Phi Alpha member is spending time with my fellow brothers, whether it’s at a community service project or a social event, fellowshipping with each other. I always enjoy the camaraderie and love that we share with each other.
Yolanda: Whether in-person or online, when I attend events like our monthly chapter meetings or regional and national conventions, I am in spaces where multigenerational perspectives are valued and heard. We also fellowship outside of our formal meetings and spend time appreciating each sister’s gifts and passion for public service.
Justin: The brotherhood and friendship within the fraternity. It’s been nearly 20 years since I pledged Alpha Phi Alpha, and my chapter brothers are some of my closest friends to this day. Sharing a bond with each of the 290,000 members of the fraternity is something I cherish.
Q: How does your organization help you feel connected to your community?
Yolanda Finley (center) and her sorority sisters.
Yolanda: Our motto is “Service in Our Heart.” We are governed by our national officers headquartered in Washington, D.C., and every chapter across the world is guided by our principles and committed to improving our communities.
Justin: We participate in several community outreach programs, as well as mentorship endeavors. Being able to connect with young people at such an impressionable age is especially rewarding because we get to see them take those life lessons and build successful academic and professional lives. In turn, they help their communities and enrich those around them.
Darius: We do a lot of great work in our community by serving as mentors and promoting education through scholarships. We support the Black community with our visibility in professional spaces. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Duke Ellington are just some examples of prominent Alpha Phi Alpha members who have excelled in their careers.
Q: Can you describe some impactful experiences you’ve had within your organization?
Justin: One of my favorite programs I participated in was a sponsorship of and visit by a Namibian high school class to Rutgers. The students were traveling to the U.S. from Namibia to visit colleges and universities. It was a learning experience to hear the perspectives of African students and discuss our similarities and differences.
Darius: Alpha Phi Alpha gives out scholarships and hosts fundraisers to highlight the importance of education through our Go-To-High-School, Go-To-College program. We also provide education, motivation, and skill-building resources for young men and boys with our Project Alpha programs.
Yolanda: As a health care communications specialist, I have a special interest in Delta Sigma Theta’s physical and mental health initiative, which is a part of our Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. I have led and supported wellness programs that our Central Jersey chapter sponsored in collaboration with local health providers and medical professionals.
Darius Merriweather speaking to fellow brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity during a recent Founder’s Day celebration.
Q: Do you have any advice for young Black men and women who may be considering joining a Black Greek letter organization?
Yolanda: Anyone interested in joining a historically Black sorority should learn the history of the organization, their mission, and their major programs. You should have a genuine interest in community service, as you would be making a pledge for a lifetime commitment to public service.
Darius: If you aspire to become a member of the Divine Nine, please do your research and determine which organization aligns with your personality, drive, and purpose. It is much more rewarding when you identify with the organization that you will call a brotherhood.
Justin: I would emphasize that Black fraternities can be amazing vehicles for growth and expansion of your world view. Remember that what you put into it is what you get out. If you throw all your effort, love, and determination into the fraternity, you will receive a lifetime of reward.
