Boswell Science Complex and Black Greek Letter Organizations

On your left is the Boswell Science Complex also known as the Alger V. Boswell Physics and Mathematics building. As evidenced by the many photographs of him in The Ayeni yearbook, Dr. Boswell was here, there, and everywhere on TSU’s campus. His career spanned forty-years in several roles: math professor, assistant football coach, and vice president. Whether in the classroom or on the gridiron, Dr. Boswell epitomized the mantra of Tennessee State University to “Think, Work, and Serve.” Boswell also played a large role in helping to bring Black fraternities and sororities to the university. In fact, he was a founding member of the Zeta Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity Inc. at TSU.

This leads us to the second part of our stop. Look to your right along the sidewalk. You will see several monuments that honor TSU’s Black Greek Letter Organizations—also called the “Divine Nine.” You can choose to walk down the sidewalk to get a closer look at the “Divine Nine” or just continue to listen in front of the Boswell Science Complex. If you do choose to visit the memorials, you can take photographs but please do not enter these sacred shrines.

According to author and editor Gregory Parks, “During the twentieth century, Black Greek-Letter organizations (BGLOs) united college students dedicated to excellence, fostered kinship, and uplifted African Americans.” The fraternities and sororities represented here include Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Delta Sigma Theta, Omega Psi Phi, and Phi Beta Sigma. Most of these national organizations were founded in the early 1900s. Each unique monument is dedicated to the organization’s founders, members, and the mission of the fraternity or sorority. They also reflect the ethos of each group and inspire students to apply for membership.

Facing the Boswell Science Complex turn RIGHT and continue walking along the sidewalk back toward the center of campus. The next stop is two buildings down on your left.