Peter Hurst ’78 remembers Dec. 7, 1975, like it was yesterday.
It was the day he and six other Duke alumni launched the Duke chapter of the historically Black fraternity Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. The global fraternity is one of nine Black fraternity and sororities known as the “Divine Nine,” historic service groups that arose in the early 1900s in response to the rise of racial injustice, Jim Crow laws and segregation.
Hurst’s sense of connection within the fraternity has transcended decades, he says. Over the years, members have continually distinguished their chapter through both sustained service and a commitment to each other.
“I have realized I am part of a greater generation of leaders who came before me,” Hurst says. “We still gather together, and the relationships I’ve been able to build remain.”
Duke is home to seven of the original Divine Nine. Between 2023 and 2026, all seven are celebrating major anniversary milestones.
For members like Lee Barnes ’17, becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha wasn’t simply about joining an organization, it was about becoming part of a family that extends far beyond the campus.
“I could see right away that this group was different,” he says. “We were committed to serving the broader Durham community, the state of North Carolina and beyond.”
Just one example: The fraternity has long organized a mentor-mentee program with Black, school-aged boys in Durham that is helping shape the next generation of leaders.
“You’re always working to improve yourself, the organization and the community,” Barnes says. “The fraternity holds you to a high standard—not just academically, but in every part of your life. You build the foundation to become a leader and a role model.”
Still, Barnes says that it is not just about what the Alphas have done at Duke. It’s also about the chapter’s rich history that has had a profound impact across generations. Many influential leaders in Black history, including Martin Luther King Jr. and W.E.B. Du Bois, have ties to Divine Nine organizations.
“The fact that we’re still here, still making an impact, speaks volumes about the fraternity’s commitment,” Barnes says. “The Divine Nine continues to shape the future.”
For Emory Brown ’96, the connections go beyond the college years, extending into his professional and personal life and keeping him connected to Duke.
He emphasizes the lasting value of mentorship and service: “For me, membership has fostered long-term engagement, especially through the organic mentoring and networking opportunities between alumni and current students.”
The story of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Kappa Omicron Chapter stands as a testament to resilience, purpose and brotherhood. From that December in 1975 to today, the chapter has not only uplifted generations of students but also built an enduring bridge between past, present, and future.
“Our chapter’s story is about more than just tradition,” Hurst reflects. “It’s about transformation—of ourselves, our communities, and the world around us.”
As new members take up the mantle, inspired by those who came before, their mission remains unchanged.