Black Tulip: A Call to Action for Divine Nine Members to Protect Our Girls

The documentary Black Tulip is a powerful wake-up call for communities across the nation, shining a light on the epidemic of missing Black children—especially Black girls. For members of the Divine Nine sororities and fraternities, this film is an urgent reminder of our responsibility to advocate for and protect the most vulnerable among us.

Directed by Nia Williams, Black Tulip explores the systemic neglect and societal indifference that have allowed the disappearance of Black girls to persist at alarming rates. Despite Black children making up 14% of the U.S. population, they account for over 30% of missing children cases. Yet, these stories are often overlooked by the media and law enforcement, leaving families to search for answers on their own.

As leaders in service, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and our brother organizations have long stood at the forefront of addressing injustices in our communities. Black Tulip is a stark reminder that the fight for equity extends to ensuring the safety and security of Black youth. The film calls us to amplify the voices of affected families, challenge systemic failures, and create actionable change.

Through interviews with activists, survivors, and law enforcement, Black Tulip highlights how race and gender intersect to make Black girls particularly vulnerable. These stories are painful but necessary for us to hear. They underscore the importance of our continued work in mentoring, supporting, and advocating for young Black girls in our communities.

Black Tulip is not just a documentary—it’s a rallying cry. It encourages Divine Nine members to leverage their influence, networks, and resources to address this crisis. From organizing awareness campaigns to partnering with local authorities and supporting grassroots efforts, we have the power to make a difference.

As leaders who embody the principles of service and advocacy, watching Black Tulip is an essential first step in understanding this crisis and stepping up for our children. Together, we can ensure that every Black girl is valued, protected, and found. Let’s answer the call and honor our legacy of standing up for justice.