A Bridgeport church celebrated Black History Month Sunday and the importance of sororities and fraternities in the Black community.

Officials at East End Baptist Tabernacle say the social organizations serve as a vital pillar of the community by providing social connections, leadership development, academic support and opportunity for activism.

"The Black church has always been a part of African American community, but it has not been the single source. It has been in partnership with other organizations and today we celebrate those sororities and fraternities known as the Divine Nine," said Rev. Charlie Stallworth.

Stallworth says sororities and fraternities gave Black students at predominantly white schools a space and home to feel safe, especially during the civil rights movement.