A Legacy Rooted in Faith and Freedom
Dr. Divine was born into a legacy of resilience, faith, and vision. Her father, Dr. Adão José Domingos Kapilango, was a revolutionary leader, military strategist, and diplomat who stood before the United Nations in 1965 to demand freedom and land for Angola. Her mother, Julia Ida Wanzer Kapilango, broke barriers in business, government, and education—becoming the first African American woman to hold leadership roles within major corporations and city government.
From them, Dr. Denguhlanga Julia Kapilango Divine inherited never just a name, however a calling: to carry forward their unfinished work of equity, truth, and service. Her life and leadership have been shaped by that sacred responsibility.
A Path of Service and Leadership
Raised in Detroit, Michigan, and now serving across Dearborn and beyond, Dr. Divine has spent her life building bridges between faith, food, justice, and community transformation. In 2018, she formally founded Homage to Black Excellence (H2BE) — a nonprofit dedicated to food sovereignty, intergenerational healing, literacy, and the arts.
This vision began years earlier under her leadership in cultural programs that used music, storytelling, and digital arts to strengthen communities and reimagine local economies. Through H2BE, Dr. Divine has:
Designed and led the Bridging Generations Innovative Caregiving Ministries, uniting seniors and young adults in mutual mentorship, caregiving, and technology learning.
Partnered with the Detroit Food Policy Council to amplify food justice narratives and support grassroots food advocates.
Created Winter Breeze Artist Bazaar to highlight Black-owned businesses, youth entrepreneurs, and local creatives.
Collaborated with libraries, churches, and housing communities to bring digital literacy, economic equity, and restorative justice to the forefront of community life.
Transforming Adversity into Impact
Dr. Divine’s personal and professional journey is grounded in her lived experience of perseverance. Having overcome systemic barriers, health challenges, and unjust accusations, she transformed adversity into advocacy — championing restorative justice and intergenerational healing as essential tools for liberation.
Her leadership reflects a rare combination of spiritual depth, legal curiosity, and administrative expertise. From securing city partnerships and writing nationally funded grants to leading housing, arts, and heritage preservation projects, she has created sustainable frameworks that empower others to lead.
Law as the Next Chapter of Justice
Today, Dr. Divine is expanding her mission through the study of law. As a Pathway Scholar at Michigan State University College of Law and a Certified Paralegal (Central Michigan University), she is deepening her capacity to advance justice through policy, advocacy, and equity-centered leadership.
Her decision to enter the legal field reflects her lifelong belief that law is a living language of justice — the tool by which communities define fairness, access, and belonging. Legal education will allow her to transform her community-based solutions into systemic change that honors both her family’s legacy and her people’s collective struggle for truth and equality.
Rooted in Faith, Powered by Purpose
Through Homage to Black Excellence, Dr. Divine continues to lead with compassion, creativity, and conviction. Her work stands at the intersection of faith and freedom, memory and innovation, and healing and justice — a living tribute to the ancestors who paved the way and the generations still rising.
Her mission remains clear:
Restoring divine order through faith, wisdom, and action—liberating minds, healing communities, and advancing justice, equity, and economic freedom for generations to come.
