Historic Divine Nine governing body calls on its members nationwide to mentor the next generation of Black entrepreneurs
ATLANTA (September 22, 2026) — The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC), the governing body of the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities collectively known as the Divine Nine, has announced its endorsement of Operation HOPE’s 1MBB NEXT GEN initiative, a national mentorship program preparing HBCU students and aspiring young entrepreneurs to launch and lead successful businesses.
Through the endorsement, NPHC is encouraging its members across the country to volunteer as 1MBB NEXT GEN mentors, bringing the Divine Nine’s century-long legacy of scholarship, leadership, and service to students building the foundation for careers in business ownership.
“The National Pan-Hellenic Council proudly supports Operation HOPE’s mentorship opportunity. Being a mentor means investing your time, experience, and guidance to help others build confidence, strengthen leadership, and expand financial opportunity. I encourage Divine Nine members to answer the call and help create stronger, more secure futures for generations to come,” said Michael L. Kinloch, 36th National President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated.
1MBB NEXT GEN is an extension of Operation HOPE’s flagship One Million Black Businesses (1MBB) initiative, launched in 2020 with founding partner Shopify to help launch, grow, and scale one million Black-owned businesses by 2030. The NEXT GEN program leverages the reach and influence of HBCUs to identify, develop, and empower thousands of aspiring Black entrepreneurs, pairing them with mentors who provide real-world guidance in leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial capability.
The program’s current HBCU partners are Alabama State University, Clark Atlanta University, and Grambling State University. Participation is not limited to these campuses, and students from any college or university are welcome to join. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is currently the program’s national Divine Nine partner, and Operation HOPE invites other Divine Nine organizations to join as national partners.
“Mentorship is the multiplier. Through our partnership with the National Pan-Hellenic Council, 1MBB Next Gen will connect young entrepreneurs with the leadership, experience, and legacy of the Divine Nine, helping the next generation build businesses, create wealth, and strengthen communities,” said Chris Rey, President of HOPE Initiatives at Operation HOPE.
“The Divine Nine has been developing Black leaders for more than a century. Their endorsement of 1MBB NEXT GEN connects that legacy directly to the next generation of business owners, and I can think of no better mentors for these young people than the men and women of the member organizations of NPHC,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE.
Divine Nine members interested in serving as 1MBB NEXT GEN mentors can learn more and sign up here.
Divine Nine members interested in serving as 1MBB NEXT GEN mentors, and students interested in participating, can learn more and sign up here. Divine Nine organizations interested in becoming national partners can contact Laura Van Brackle Sims at laura.sims@operationhope.org.
About Operation HOPE, Inc.
Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “silver rights,” with a mission to make free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved and disrupt poverty for millions of low- and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $4 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities. For more information, visit OperationHOPE.org.
About the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated
Founded in 1930 at Howard University, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) is the coordinating body of nine historically Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. NPHC promotes unity, scholarship, leadership development, and community service across collegiate and alumni chapters worldwide. For more information, visit NPHCHQ.com.