Our Families are in disarray. More black men are incarcerated
instead of in attendance at colleges and universities. Some
of our young women would rather strive to the ranks of becoming
a video vixen than obtain a college degree.
Thousands of our soldiers are dying everyday in the war in
Iraq and Afghanistan.
Youth in America are apathetic to issues regarding voting,
and political processes in general.
The DLT is authentic, original and poised for greatness
in our quest to help to eradicate some of the societal ills
that plague our youth.
While we appreciate the art of stepping, strolling, parties
and community service, in addition we must EMPOWER OUR YOUTH
to dare to dream.
Our nine organizations are so multifaceted that we will continue
to emulate our ancestors and strive for greatness.
We are on a mission to spread the good news to those who
don't know the REVELATION OF THE DIVINE NINE. AND TO REJUVENATE
AND INVIGORATE THOSE WHO MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN!
We change lives by getting involved
You can find DLT authors reading to at-risk youth at community
centers, speaking at Ivy-League institutions to educate those
who aren't aware of the greatness of our organizations, and
touching their communities in myriad other ways.
It is not uncommon to find the DLT on an HBCU campus empowering
our mass constituents or conducting workshops and panel discussions
at NPHC Conventions, Annual Literary Events, or at public
libraries.
As you are probably aware, members of Black Greek Letter
organizations have been the perpetrators of some of the most
heralded feats known to America.
From Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Rosa Parks, to Dr. Bettye
Shabazz and Hattie McDaniel, the list of contributions made
by members of "The Divine Nine" has had an astounding
impact on America and the African Diaspora at large.
We all have a responsibility to give back and the DLT authors
have answered the call.
Our authors are HBCU alumni, Ivy-League graduates, professional
speakers trained by the Speaking Guru himself Brother Les
Brown, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and others.
The Divine Literary Tour brings together some of America’s
most talented authors in the nation. The tour boasts a roster
of talented writers from a variety of genres. Our authors
include debuting and national bestselling authors published
with major houses such as
Random House, Simon and Shuster and Kensington coupled with
accomplished self-published authors that round out this group.
Our authors are involved in their communities, including
supporters of Alzheimer’s and HIV/AIDS research. They
are educators, counselors, trainers, professors, entrepreneurs,
and all shades of other leaders.
Their backgrounds are diverse but they share a commonality:
love of writing and service.
In addition to promoting literacy, along with their individual
literary works, the DLT authors seek to bring about change
through dialog and exposure of pertinent issues relevant
to our community. The DLT encourages young people to get
involved and take a stand for something, otherwise they'll
fall for anything. The Divine Literary Tour lecture series
seeks to cultivate young minds by volunteering their time
and talents to help the less fortunate.
Our Lecture/Motivational series includes topics on:
Leadership and Community: Your responsibility, once you cross
the burning sands.
BGLO Specific topic:
How to make sure our organizations are alive another 100
years from now, and not just in an iconic status.
Other DLT Workshops/Panels:
Diversity Issues
Popular Culture
Social Trends
National Politics
Current Literary Trends
Harlem Renaissance
African-American Literature
African-American Women Writers
Military Affairs
Real Estate
21st Century Race Relations
Afro-Caribbean Culture
Trends in Law
International Relations
History of the DLT:
In the inception stage the DLT was initially coined AKA Authors on Tour, as well
as other names, i.e., Pretty Girls, Girls in Pink, SkeeWee Tour, etc.
But ultimately it was decided that we can slay more dragons together than apart.
Why be exclusive? We are one body, one entity!! We are the Divine Nine!!!! Unity
is what we are all about; we are one family made up of nine brothers and sisters.
So we chose to become The Divine Literary Tour, open to Black Greek Authors who
are making a difference in their communities.
The nine organizations that make up the NPHC have given us some of the most profound
heroes and heroes of our time and we have stepped up to the challenge to carry
on the torch.
September 23, 2005 at the famed Akwaaba Mansion in Washington, DC owned by former
Essence Magazine editor Monique Greenwood marked the kick-off date for the tour.
Our reception with Greek and social organizations has been overwhelmingly positive.
The first year followed with travel all over the United States, including Los
Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Miami, and other cities.
What makes the Divine Literary Tour special is that whether the consumer’s
reading interest is sexy, fast-paced urban and hip-hop fiction or inspirational
Christian works with a touching message or something different altogether, the
tour has something for them. This aspect allows us the opportunity to attract
a wide variety of individuals attending each event.
Black Greek Letter Organizations making up the tour
include:
Fraternities – Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega
Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Iota Phi Theta
Sororities – Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta
Phi Beta
Our Mission
Our
purpose is to promote civic and social responsibility, economic
empowerment and responsibility. This tour has already begun
and will continue to touch people from all walks of life
who are interested in cultural enhancement.
We are the new Renaissance! We will empower youth, promote
literacy and promote unity. We represent myriad literary
genres, allowing readers to get caught up in our literary
buffet!
Won't you be a part of this great Phenomenon? Help us make
a difference!!
For more information or to request the DLT's presence at your
college, Greek or social event, visit our
Web site
at www.thedivineliterarytour.com.
If you are interested in being a part of the tour and are
a member of a BGLO please contact us at:
info@thedivineliterarytour.com
Attn: Monica P. Carter, Director of Membership
Please note we will accept a limited number of Non-Greek authors
for guest-author slots as we travel across the nation.
For Events Please contact:
info@thedivineliterarytour.com
Attn: Tajuana "TJ" Butler, Events Coordinator
Colleges and Universities:
info@thedivineliterarytour.com
Attn: Professor Fredrick Williams, College Liaison Chair
For a complete media kit and press kit please contact:
Rhonda M. Lawson, Director of Publicity at
divineliterarypublicity@yahoo.com
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