Black fraternity, sorority members in Aurora commemorate Juneteenth by serving the community

The focus was on solidarity and service today in Aurora as members of Black fraternities and sororities came together to distribute food to those in need this holiday weekend.

In honor of Juneteenth and Father's Day weekend, the City of Aurora and the Northern Illinois Food Bank collaborated to host a food distribution drive-through in the state's second-largest city.

The initial goal was to feed 750 families, and thanks to volunteers from the Divine 9 Alliance, nearly 1,000 families received food for their tables and grills this weekend in less than three hours.

The Divine 9 is comprised of members of the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity.

The monthly food distribution turned into a party with a purpose as volunteers distributed food, danced, and brought smiles to many faces as they gave back to the community and celebrated Juneteenth becoming both a state and federal holiday this week.

Watch a video of the event on the City of Aurora's Facebook page.

Learn more about the Divine 9 Alliance and Juneteenth at www.aurora-il.org.