On October 29, 2025, D9 Harlem Votes, in partnership with Pace University’s Social Justice Week, held a “Rapid Fire Chat: Whose House?” panel discussion about affordability, economics, and ballot initiatives. Divine Nine organizations represented included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
The program opened with greetings from Drew Gabriel, of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “We’re grateful to Pace University for inviting D9 Harlem Votes to be part of their Social Justice Week,” Gabriel said. “Social Justice Week honors the life of Pace student Danroy ‘DJ’ Henry. He was a 20-year-old Pace University student and football player who was fatally shot by a white police officer in Thornwood, New York. Though he was not involved in the initial disturbance, his death and the lack of charges sparked years of advocacy and calls for justice. Social Justice Week’s mission is to promote dialogue on social justice issues. We’re humbled that Pace has entrusted us with their mission to bring civic conversations to students and the NYC community.”
He added that ”D9 Harlem Votes was born from a vision to unite Harlem members of the Divine Nine in service, love, and transformative civic action. Today’s panel emphasizes our commitment to the Harlem community and beyond.”
Panel moderator Tremaine S. Wright, a former member of New York State Assembly and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., posed questions to the panelists about affordability, economics, and ballot measures. Questions included:
- What support is available at the federal, state, and city level to help us address affordability, and how can we advocate for more resources?
- How can we protect long-time residents from displacement as new investment flows into their communities?
- What are some next steps to help us get mobilized in taking action and moving forward?
“D9 Harlem Votes, a coalition committed to uplifting and mobilizing the Harlem community through civic participation, was convened to live, love, and serve,” said Erika L. Ewing, founder of Got To Stop LLC and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. “The initiative centers on meeting people where they are and making civic engagement accessible, transparent, and empowering. By focusing on education, community connection, and truth-telling, D9 Harlem Votes aims to transform how Harlem engages with the political process.”
According to panelist Michael Bailey II, Esq., housing attorney at the Bailey Law Firm, “We all know that organizations, governmental agencies, and businesses tend to do better when they are led, managed, and run by members of the community — the people that represent the community. Next steps involve being a part of different organizations and people getting involved in their communities by volunteering and joining their local community boards.”
After the panel discussion, Athena Moore, social action chair of Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, which is celebrating its Centennial Year, moderated a question-and-answer session. “The generations before us made it possible for us to be here today, and we are going to keep on doing what we’ve always done: being a resilient Black community,” said Moore. “In these uncertain times, we must continue to stand together to speak out against injustices and to uphold our civic duty. Our civil and voting rights are under attack, so let’s continue to fight and resist to impact change.”
Emphasizing the importance of this event, panelist Juanita O. Lewis, executive director of Community Voices Heard and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. said, “All of the resources that come into our communities would not have happened and wouldn’t be able to exist if organizing does not happen. If you don’t have people who are going to Albany, going to D.C., and going to City Hall on a consistent basis, talking to elected officials, saying why these things matter, then they won’t exist. Next steps to move us forward [are] being informed and showing up to forums like this on a consistent basis, and bringing your friends, family, and neighbors to these meetings, because that’s where most of the decisions get made.”
According to Kercena A. Dozier, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and social justice ministry leader at First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem, “Coming together at Pace University to honor the life of Danroy Henry and to give voice to the issues impacting college students today during one of the most important elections in our city’s history is not just necessary but transformational for all involved. Truly, knowledge is power. May we go forward more knowledgeable, committed, and hopeful for the change we can be and achieve collectively.”
According to panelist Dr. Jermaine Meadows, Bronx and Manhattan director of governmental affairs at the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, “Our next steps would include (1) everyone staying informed by knowing what’s on the ballot; (2) being curious, asking questions, and figuring out what’s important to you and why it matters; and lastly (3) execute, vote, get involved, and consider running for office. Be a part of the community board and figure out how things work.”
Members of the D9 Harlem Votes planning committee are Delta Kercena A. Dozier; AKA Shana Harmongoff; Delta Erika Ewing; Alpha Drew Gabriel; AKA Athena Moore; AKA Effie McCartney-Donaldson; AKA Lisa White-Tingling; Delta Pascale Bernard; Delta Kim Dennis-Walker; Delta Gilda Gillim; Alpha Nakiim Bey; Alpha Thomas Donaldson; Alpha Jamel Vanderburg; Zeta TaShana Pace; Zeta Monica Seale; Kappa Keith Tubbs; Omega Donnell Bolden; Omega Stephen Davis; Omega Darrick Robinson; Phi Beta Sigma Muhammed Bilal; Omega Harry Watson III; Phi Beta Sigma Michael Daley; and Sigma Gamma Rho Hope Maddox; Phi Beta Sigma Steve Miller.
Shana Harmongoff is a founding member of D9 Harlem Votes.