Editor’s note: The following is the last column in a series about “The Divine Nine,” the collective nickname of the nine predominantly African-American sororities and fraternities. The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. The nine NPHC organizations are collectively referred to as the “Divine Nine.” The NPHC was formed as a permanent organization on May 10, 1930 on the campus of Howard University, in Washington, D.C. The local chapter of the NPHC received its charter Oct. 20, 2012.

The following is an interview with the former chapter president, Eugene L. Aiken.

Why did you seek the office of president of the local chapter of the NPHC?

I sought the presidencyof the mid-Hudson Valley NPHC because of the spirit of cooperation and commitment demonstrated by all of the member organizations. At the time of my election, I had celebrated

40 years as an active member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. I have held several positions of leadership in the fraternity on the local, district, regional and national levels. This experience has enabled me to lead and help move the local chapter forward.

What has been the most rewarding experiences as president?

The chapter supports our communities here in the mid-Hudson Valley. We have participated in the drive to clean the streets of Newburgh, supported educational and community activities in Poughkeepsie, helped to provide gowns for young women at Glenn Hines for their gala. This past June, the NPHC provided a $500 book award to a graduating African-American young man from the Newburgh Free Academy. The member organizations of the NPHC are participating in efforts to get community members registered to vote.

Would you talk a little about prominent members of each organization?

I will submit two for each organization – one locally and one nationally known:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. » John F. Murphy III, Esq. — Lawyer, owner SamRon & Associates; professor at Dutchess Community College. » Thurgood Marshall (July 2, 1908-Jan. 24, 1993) argued Brown v. Board of Education, a decision that desegregated public schools, and was the first African-American Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. » Lorna Woodside, former head of nursing at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. » Mae Jemison, physician and NASA astronaut. She was the first African-American woman to travel in space.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. » Rendesia Scott, director of Business Advising, State University of New York at New Paltz. » MC Lyte (born Lana Michelle Moorer) is the first solo female rapper to release a full album.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. » Leonard Davis Jr., former chemist for IBM and science teacher at Poughkeepsie Middle School. » Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. (Feb. 11, 1920-Feb. 25, 1978) first African-American four star general.

Delta Sigma Theta » Linda M. Mann, former administrator (Poughkeepsie City School District); negotiator, School Administrators Association, New York state. » Barbara Jordan (Feb. 21, 1936-Jan. 17, 1996) was the first Southern African-American female elected to the United States House of Representatives.

Phi Beta Sigma » Jimmie Powell, former Research and Developmentengineer for IBM. » George Washington Carver (1860s, born in slavery,-Jan. 5 1943), was a botanist and inventor.

Iota Phi Theta » Dr. Bobby Gearing, pediatrician in Hyde Park. » T.C. Carson, star of sitcom, “Living Single.”

Zeta Phi Beta » Penny Lewis, former Trustee of Dutchess Community College and former member of the Poughkeepsie City Council. » Zora Neale Hurston (Jan. 7, 1891-Jan. 28, 1960), novelist, folklorist anthropologist and a leader of the Harlem Renaissance

Omega Psi Phi» Joseph Davis, former employee of IBM; supervisor, Town of Poughkeepsie; trustee and adjunct faculty member, Dutchess Community College. » Langston Hughes (Feb. 1, 1902-May 22, 1967) was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright and a leader of the Harlem Renaissance.

Is there anything else you would like to discuss about your experience as the leader of the NPHC?

I would just add that I am married to Edweana A. Aiken, an active soror of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. We’ve been married for 37 years. We have two adult children, Eugene L. Aiken III of Riverdale, and Amanda L. Aiken of New Orleans. Edweana and I live in Hopewell Junction. I was employed by IBM for more than 20 years in various assignments. I am also an academy trained part-time Deputy Sheriff with the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Division for the past 32 years and hold the rank of sergeant.

Prepared by Wesley J. Lee, an adjunct professor of History and Government at Dutchess Community College, is a youth advocate. He has been a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. since 1966. Contact him at 845-264-2236.