Pastor Jamal Bryant Criticizes Former Divine Nine Members
The New Birth Missionary Baptist Church leader questioned members who left their organizations while staying silent on political issues.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in African-American
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During a recent sermon in Stonecrest, Georgia, Pastor Jamal Bryant addressed individuals who have renounced their affiliations with Divine Nine organizations. He expressed frustration that these same individuals have not shown similar public opposition toward the policies of Donald Trump.
Why it matters
The pastor aimed to highlight a perceived contradiction between the public rejection of historical Greek-letter affiliations and a lack of discourse regarding critical national policies.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council, which represents the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations, traces its founding back to 1930. The pastor spoke during a sermon titled I Renounce.
The players
Jamal Bryant
He is the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and a life member of the fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States.
National Pan-Hellenic Council
It is an umbrella organization founded in 1930 that oversees nine historically Black fraternities and sororities collectively known as the Divine Nine.
The details
Pastor Jamal Bryant, a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi, used his sermon at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to challenge those who have left their Greek-letter organizations. He specifically criticized their silence regarding Donald Trump's stances on immigration enforcement, affordable healthcare, wage issues, and the treatment of Black farmers, at one point calling some former members 'tap-dancing negroes'.
Timeline
The National Pan-Hellenic Council began in 1930.
Interviews regarding religious objections to fraternity or sorority membership occurred in 2024.
Pastor Jamal Bryant delivered the sermon on October 18, 2026.
Culture Shift
This critique reflects a larger societal shift regarding the expectations placed on Black organizations and their members in an era of heightened political polarization. It highlights how religious institutions are increasingly engaging with the historical role of the Divine Nine in civic advocacy.
The sermon may lead to further discussions among church members and local alumni of Greek-letter organizations regarding their civic responsibilities. Residents in Stonecrest can expect continued debate on how personal organizational ties intersect with their broader political commitments.
The takeaway
This event serves as a reminder of the evolving relationship between cultural organizations and modern political expectations. Readers may consider how their own affiliations, whether social or professional, align with their public stances on current legislative issues.
Further reading
For more context on the ongoing dialogue within these groups, visit the African-American section.
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