History of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

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It was on Friday, January 16, 1920, during the conclusion of World War I, when Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded on the campus of Howard University, in Washington, D.C.  Thanks to the courage of five brave coeds, who strongly believed that sorority elitism and socializing should not overshadow the real mission for progressive organizations, yet address societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty, and health awareness throughout the community, the foundation of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was secured.  Constitutionally bound to the brotherhood of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., from which the idea initially derived, Arizona Cleaver (Stemons), Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler (Faithful), Viola Tyler (Goings), and Fannie Pettie (Watts), also known as the Five Pearls, chose not to embrace the tenets of established black sororities, thus build an organization based on the solid principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love, and Finer Womanhood, all of which are exemplary of “community-conscience, action-oriented” standards.  Through scientific, literary, cultural, and academic programs, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. continues to encourage service learning projects and support community service affairs on college campuses in addition to various areas throughout the community.

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Since the sorority’s inception, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has chronicled a number of firsts amongst the reputable black sororities within the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Aside from being the only organization constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was the first to charter international chapters, i.e. in West Africa and Germany.  They were the first to form adult and youth auxiliary groups, i.e. Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes, Pearlettes, and the Zeta Male Network.  Last, but certainly not least, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was the first to organize its internal affairs within a central national office administered by a paid staff.

 

Over the years, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has remained fervent of its purpose to foster the ideals of Service, charity, Scholarship, civic and cultural endeavors, sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.  All ideals that reflect in the sorority’s national programs for which its members and auxiliary groups provide limitless hours of unpaid assistance ranging from staffing community outreach programs, funding scholarships, supporting organized charities, to promoting legislation for social and civic change. With an ever growing network, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. maintains affiliations with several organizations to include American Diabetes Association, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, National Council of Negro Women, the United Negro College Fund, as well as the recently supported Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys drive.  Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. helps other people excel, which is the legacy that each Zeta member aims to uphold.