New Castle, DE – New Castle County will kick off its month-long celebration of Black History Month with a special community event Saturday, February 4 at 10:30 a.m. at the Walnut Street YMCA, at 1000 North Walnut Street in Wilmington. A Salute to Black Greek Heritage and Life features performances from local youth organizations and Delaware collegiate chapters of sororities and fraternities. Members of the “Divine Nine”, the nine historically Black Greek letter organizations (BGLOs) that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council, will be on hand to share stories and educate the public about these Greek Letter organizations through informational displays.
“Black History Month provides an important opportunity to draw attention to the immeasurable contributions of African Americans to our communities, civic life, and culture,” said County Executive Matthew Meyer. “We invite all members of the public to attend our celebration of Black Greek Life on February 4 and to participate in other events across our County throughout the month that honor our African American heritage.”
A Salute to Black Greek Heritage and Life is presented by the New Castle County Department of Community Services in conjunction with the African American Heritage Institute, Afro-American Historical Society of Delaware, and the YMCA Black Achievers Program. Saturday’s program includes performances by:
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Upsilon Chapter, Delaware State University
- Phi Beta Sigma, Gamma Upsilon Chapter, Delaware State University
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Chapter, Delaware State University
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Nu Xi Chapter, University of Delaware
National Sorority Phi Delta Kappa, Rho Chapter youth groups Xinos and Kudos
- YMCA of Delaware Black Achievers Youth Step and Drumline
Informational tables will feature displays by:
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Zeta Omega Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Theta Lambda Chapter
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Nu Xi Chapter
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Nu Upsilon Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Lambda Delta Sigma Chapter
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Theta Zeta Zeta Chapter and Upsilon Chapter, Delaware State University
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Alpha Nu Sigma Chapter
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter
Learn more about New Castle County-sponsored Black History Month events at libraries and at other locations by visiting nccde.org/specialevents.
About the Walnut Street YMCA: The Walnut Street YMCA, constructed in 1939, has been serving the African American community for nearly 80 years. The Black Achievers Program was established in 1989 to provide college readiness and career awareness to African American teens. Their work has enriched the community and provided support to its members along with the Afro-American Historical society and the Center for African American Heritage.
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Contact: Jason Miller
Director of Communications
302-395-5107 (office) | 302-545-1462 (cell)
