Last month, the doors of The Whitney Museum of American Art opened in Manhattan welcoming attendees to Divine Nine Sunday. This program took place thanks to a partnership between the National Pan-Hellenic Council of NYC and the Meatpacking Business Improvement District.
According to I.D. Aruede, deputy director of the Whitney Museum of American Art, “Divine Nine Day at the Whitney Museum was an extraordinary celebration of community. It was exciting, and our galleries truly felt electric. We’re proud to partner with the National Pan-Hellenic Council of New York City to welcome members of the Divine Nine. As an HBCU graduate (Morgan State University), it was particularly meaningful to me to see fraternities and sororities whose impact span generations gather with us on a Free Second Sunday. On the second Sunday of every month, the Whitney offers free, all-day admission and programming for visitors of all ages. It’s an opportunity to come together and experience the Whitney and American art without barriers. And, it’s a part of our broader commitment to expanding access for all audiences, including on Free Friday Nights every week from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and free admission anytime for visitors age 25 and under.”
Photos by Lia Chang for The Whitney Museum
Here are two of the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. posing on Divine Nine Sunday. (Photo by Lia Chang for The Whitney Museum) 
The men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. visit exhibits at The Whitney Museum and pause for a photo. (Photo by Lia Chang for The Whitney Museum) 
Brothers and Sisters: Members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. pose with members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Photo by Lia Chang for The Whitney Museum) 
Here are the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. during Free Second Sundays at the Whitney Museum (Photo by Lia Chang for The Whitney Museum) 
Proudly representing Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (Photo by Lia Chang for The Whitney Museum) 
This member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is all smiles at The Whitney Museum of American Art. (Photo by Lia Chang for The Whitney Museum)
Divine Nine Day (Dec. 14) offered free admission, family programs, and community activities. Attendees had access to all exhibitions during the Free Second Sundays program. Exhibitions included Sixties Surreal, “Untitled” (America) and High Wire: Calder’s Circus at 100, celebrating the centennial of one of the most beloved exhibits in the Whitney’s collection. Museum goers participated in guided tours, artmaking, and Sunday story time with Latanya DeVaughn, CEO of Bronx Bound Books.
Maya E. Latimer, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of NYC, said, “Divine 9 Sunday at the Whitney Museum is an important event because it allows people who do not normally see us get a small glimpse of our culture and unity. We are blessed to have all nine organizations represented in our Council who are committed to Scholarship and Service in the five boroughs. We would like to thank everyone who helped to make this event possible.”
The National Pan-Hellenic Council of NYC serves as an umbrella organization for historically Black fraternities and sororities that are collectively known as the Divine Nine and are referred to as Black Greek Letter Organizations.
Free Second Sundays at the Whitney helps to connect more people to the Whitney Museum and its mission of celebrating contemporary American art and artists. Second Sundays is made possible by a generous three-year grant from the Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All Program, which supports increased access to museums nationwide and fosters engagement with local communities by focusing on common barriers to access. This program and Free Friday Nights, another Whitney initiative, aim to reduce barriers to access to the arts, removing admission fees and offering programs that are entry points for anyone interested in visiting.
Read more about 2024 Divine Nine News: A D9 day at the Whitney.
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