Since the early 1900s, Black nonprofit organizations have existed nationwide to promote civil and social action and foster unity among the African American community. Initially created as a result of racial isolation and discrimination, these groups continue to pursue their core goals today at institutions such as Case Western Reserve University.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)—which includes historically Black fraternities and sororities known as the “Divine Nine”—is an example of one such group. Organized in 1930, its members include countless famous athletes, entertainers, activists and politicians, ranging from Jalen Hurts to Angela Bassett, Martin Luther King Jr. to Vice President Kamala Harris, and even Case Western Reserve alumnus Mayor Justin Bibb (LAW ’18, MGT ’18).
At Case Western Reserve, many students, alumni, faculty and staff members also represent the NPHC—and make invaluable contributions to our community. In honor of Black History Month, The Daily sat down with several of these members to learn about their involvement within their organizations and contributions at CWRU and beyond.
Get to know our final spotlights.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
Miquela Hampton
Expected to graduate this May, fourth-year psychology and nutrition student Miquela Hampton is a spring 2022 inductee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Off campus, Hampton is a therapy aide at Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital, where she has the opportunity to learn more about patient care interaction for individuals who have had amputations, brain and spinal cord injuries, cancer and strokes.
1. How did you learn about the NPHC?
I was first exposed by family members who are active members of organizations within the NPHC. Growing up, I had interactions with members of the NPHC that positively influenced my academic and character development to where I am today.
2. Why did you join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.? What do you hope to gain or accomplish by being a member?
I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., because I’ve always had the drive to make an impact through service for others, and belonging to a sisterhood that will push, advance, and celebrate you is something special.
My sorority strives to impact children, women, Black businesses, the environment, and other causes important to me. By being a member, I hope to make an impact that has longevity and helps others continuously.
3. What community service projects or other activities have you participated in as a member?
My chapter held a collaborative drive for National Recycling Day to collect recyclables, including electronics, paper materials, and glass. Other activities I’ve been able to participate in were discussions about navigating college life with the Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and hosting study tables to motivate students and inspire conversation throughout the semester.
4. How has being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. shaped who you are today? What impact(s) has being a member made on your life?
Being a part of my sisterhood has helped me recognize and understand different parts of my character. Before being initiated, I was good at programming and project management but not the best at relying on my team or delegating tasks.
When you’re a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., you learn how to trust and rely on your sisters for any and everything, which has strengthened my forms of communication and networking skills.
5. What is your favorite memory as a member of your organization?
My favorite memory so far was my first charter day dinner! We went out to dinner to celebrate 97 years of the Omega chapter and were able to send off one of our sisters, Selena Carter, who graduated this past December. Being able to recognize, celebrate, and be a part of Omega chapter’s lineage and festivities has been a gift.
Anthony Peebles
Anthony Peebles, the director of diversity advancement in the Office of Corporate Engagement, leverages his local (and national) relationships within Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. to create advancement opportunities for Case Western Reserve University.
1. How did you learn about the NPHC?
I became involved with the National Pan-Hellenic Council as president of the Cleveland Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi.
2. Why did you join Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.? What do you hope to gain or accomplish by being a member?
Fellowship, achievement and community service. Also, my father was a 1952 initiate of Kappa Alpha Psi at Central State University.
3. What community service projects or other activities have you participated in as a member?
I have mentored young men via our Kappa League program, participated in voter awareness, leadership training for collegiate men of color, and the opening (and management) of a 140-unit senior citizen complex in Cleveland.
4. How has being a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. shaped who you are today? What impact(s) has being a member made on your life?
I found the fraternity to be a safe space to learn and perfect leadership skills in my undergraduate and alumni experiences. Many of my mentors (both career and personal) are members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
5. What is your favorite memory as a member of your organization?
My favorite memory is meeting and working with prominent Cleveland members of Kappa Alpha Psi during my career, such as former Congressman Louis Stokes and former Cleveland Mayor Michael R. White.
Heather Burton
Heather Burton is associate vice president and senior director for faculty and institutional diversity at the Office for Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunity. An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Burton holds several leadership positions within her organization, such as vice president of The Greater Cleveland Delta Foundation Life Development Center, which hosts development programs for youth and young adults.
1. How did you learn about the NPHC?
My first introduction to [Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.] that I can remember was in high school. A family friend was a member of the sorority, and I said that I wanted to be in that sorority when I went to college. I did not know much about Delta; however, I loved her and what she represented, so I knew the sorority had to be great.
2. Why did you join Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.? What do you hope to gain or accomplish by being a member?
In college, I began doing my research and was determined to become a member of [Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.], and my dreams came true during my sophomore year at The Ohio State University. As I continue to grow in Delta, I hope that my leadership continues and that I live up to the principles the founders had in mind when they formed the organization.
3. What community service projects or other activities have you participated in as a member?
Supporting women with domestic violence, leadership training to support teens and young adults, food and clothing drives, tutoring and more.
4. How has being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. shaped who you are today? What impact(s) has being a member made on your life?
This organization has played a huge role in who I am today—from mentoring to leadership opportunities. Delta has been instrumental in my young adult life development and still impacts who I am, specifically as a leader. I have also received scholarships for the performing arts and ministry as a member.
5. What is your favorite memory as a member of your organization?
One of my fondest memories is when my father died in 2007 and the support and encouragement I received from my sorors during that time—from driving far and wide to making sure that I was good and keeping me company.
Vrére Bunkley (MGT ’17)
A member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. for nearly 10 years, Vrére Bunkley is a Master of Social Work student with a concentration in adult mental health at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. On campus, Bunkley also serves as a Doctor of Nursing Practice program assistant at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing.
1. How did you learn about the NPHC?
My greatest exposure to [the National Pan-Hellenic Council] was during my undergraduate career at Cleveland State University. As a member of the Black Student Union, I engaged with many students [who were] members of Black Greek-letter organizations.
2. Why did you join Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.? What do you hope to gain or accomplish by being a member?
I had an initial interest at the start of my graduate career, but at the time, life distracted me from achieving this goal. Seven years later—while coming more into my purpose of serving the community and volunteering—I found my way to Sigma Gamma Rho.
My biggest goal as a member is to help where needed and get others around me involved in activities, whether they’re members or not.
3. What community service projects or other activities have you participated in as a member?
As my chapter’s former community service chair, I coordinated tutoring sessions with students from the Cleveland Municipal School District, various walk/run and food clothing initiatives with local nonprofits and our annual youth symposium. Since pursuing my education at CWRU, I stepped down from that role, but I look forward to shifting back into coordinating volunteer activities for the chapter.
4. How has being a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. shaped who you are today? What impact(s) has being a member made on your life?
Sigma Gamma Rho reminds me that my passion for helping others thrive is not a mistake. I’m also reminded that many of us need support regardless of circumstances and I take great pride in knowing that others consider me a source of help. I am humbled to belong and find fellowship with so many individuals sharing the same dedication to education, leadership and service as I do.
5. What is your favorite memory as a member of your organization?
My favorite (and recent) memory was participating in the centennial activities to celebrate Sigma Gamma Rho’s 100 years of service. Another favorite memory is from a youth symposium where my mother volunteered at a table as an advisor for another university.