Color Theory & The Divine 9

Happy Fall 2022! It's a great time to explore color theory with young learners.   Recently, college graduates from HBCUs celebrated and highlighted their alma maters. The first Black collegiate fraternity was founded at Howard University; it was also one of the first members of the Divine 9. The Divine 9 is a nick name that refers to a specific group of Black collegiate sororities and fraternities who are a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

If you are a member of one of the Divine 9 organizations or like me, married to a member of one (Omega Psi Phi), then you know how important the colors are for each group. Each group wears their color duos with great pride. In this post we'll share some simple art resources/activities that you can use to create a color theory lesson which explores the Divine 9 color combos.

The Divine 9 Sororities & Fraternities

​Create a Conversation About Color

Use the color pairs of each organization to begin a conversation with young scholars. You could ask questions such as:
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1. Which color duos are your favorite color combinations to wear?
2. Which color schemes do you like to use the most when you create art?
3. Which color duos express a happy and cheerful mood? What mood would you associate the other colors with?
4. Would you use any of the color schemes to decorate your bedroom? Which ones? ​

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​Create Designs Using the Color Duos

Color mixing is exciting for younger creatives. As they learn how to mix secondary and tertiary colors using primary colors, they usually express joy. As they learn various color terms, you can use the Divine 9 color duos to explore color mixing. They can create tints, shades, and tones with the color schemes.

​We created a value design using the color duo of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta sorority. Student  artists can practice mixing the colors with paint and then use the sigma template from our Divine 9 Color Theory Activity Set to trace the letters. Finish the design by mounting the painted sigmas on the complementary color sheet of paper.

​Create A Color Matching Game

Secondary art students can curate a collection of works by Black visual artists that display predominate color palettes similar to the color duos of each group. (Avoid  works that feature the sororities and fraternities.) Moreover, you can use the works below to  begin a collection of art that could be tuned into a matching game. This game could be played by younger artists as well. Which color duo(s) are  reflected in the predominate color palette of each piece?

You can also use each original work of art as a source of inspiration for young artists to create a similar piece. Peruse our website to learn more about each artist represented below.

Charles Ethan Porter, Pansies (Photo Credit from PaintingStar.com- Click on image to order a print)

Norman Lewis, Untitled (Sea Change Series) 1978, Oil Pastel on Paper, 55.9 x 76.2 cm

Gwendolyn Knight, (1913-2005), The White Dress

Richard Mayhew, Delusions, 2000

Elizabeth Catlett My right is a future of equality with other Americans 1947, printed 1989

​The products below feature some of the artists mentioned in this post. Comment below if you're a member of (or know a member of) one of the Divine 9 organizations and share what you like most about your organization's colors.

Renowned Black Visual Artists Coloring Book

$21.99

Our newest Black visual artists coloring book by Alicia L. McDaniel features another collection of phenomenal artists for learners of all ages to enjoy. Each coloring portrait sheet includes a few biographical details that educators can use to develop art history lessons and activities. Explore our website to discover more great art resources related to several of the artists included in the book.

This Digital Resource Includes the Coloring Portrait Sheets for:

1. Shirley Woodson                     
2. James Lesesne Wells                
3. Norma Morgan                        
4. Richard Mayhew                       
5. Joyce J. Scott                            
6. Richard Hunt                            
7. Phyllis Stephens                         
8. Ashley Bryan                             
9. Gilda Snowden                          
10. John Woodrow Wilson             
11. LaToya Ruby Frazier                 
12. Jeff Donaldson                          
13. Amy Sherald                             
14. Alvin D. Loving                         
15. Bisa Butler                                
16. Charles McGee                         
17. Simone Leigh                            
18. Robert Colescott                      
19. Lorraine O’Grady                     
20. Phillip Freelon                          
21. Julie Mehretu                           
22. Glenn Ligon                            
23. Vanessa Brantley-Newton        
24. Radcliffe Bailey                          
25. Carolyn Mims Lawrence            
26. Titus Kaphar                             
27. Sonya Clark                              
28. Kadir Nelson                           
29. Betty Blayton                           
30. Deb Willis                               

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Prominent Visual Artists Unisex t-shirt

$24.95 - $28.95

Everyone needs the perfect t-shirt to complement an everyday, laid-back look that also showcases prominent Black visual artists. The ideal top for so many occasions, this lightweight cotton tee will keep you comfy and looking smart.

Featured Artists:

• Augusta Savage
• Chales White
• Elizabeth Catlett
• Jacob Lawrence
• Lois Mailou Jones
• Romare Bearden
• Selma Burke

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)

• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²)

• Pre-shrunk fabric

• Side-seamed construction

• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping

• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, or the US

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Divine 9 Color Theory Activity Set

$4.99

Our Divine 9 Color Theory Activity Set was designed to reinforce basic color theory knowledge for young artists. Inspired by the color schemes of Black fraternities and sororities that are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, this resource is great for young artists ages 10+. Feel free to tailor the activities to fit your curriculum.

This Resource Includes:

·       Prep/Tips for Using the Worksheets

·       Color Wheel Review Activity Sheet

·       Divine 9 Alphabet Design Coloring Page

·       Greek Letter Templates

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