National History

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.  was founded on January 16, 1920 at Howard University in Washington, D.C.  during a time in which the Klu Klux Klan was very active and the Harlem Renaissance was acknowledged as the first important movement of Black artists and writers in the U.S.  This same year brought about important change within U.S. History such as  the Volstead Act becoming a catalyst for  the start of Prohibition and Tennessee delivering the crucial 36th ratification for the final adoption of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote.  In addition, the worst and longest economic recession to hit the U.S. would define the end of the decade-the Great Depression.

 

Five coeds envisioned a sorority that would bring about direct postive changes within their community, raise consciousness among and for African Americans, encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement, and foster a greater sense of unity among its members.  The founders of Zeta:  Arizona Cleaver Stemmons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, and Fannie Pettie Watts envisioned creating an organization that would address fully societal mores, ills, prejudices, and poverty affecting humanity in general and the black community in particular.  The founders were strong and principled women who possessed a great deal of modesty, strength of character and pride in academic achievement.

 

Since its inception, Zeta has continued its steadily climb into the national spotlight with programs designed to demonstrate concern for the human condition both nationally and internationally.  The organization has been innovative in that it has established a number of firsts. It was the first National Pan-Hellenic Council organization to centralize its operations in a national headquarters, first to charter a chapter in Africa, first to form auxiliary groups and first to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.  Zeta Phi Beta has chartered hundreds of chapters worldwide and has a membership of 100,000+ members.

 

National and local programs include endowment of the National Educational Foundation community outreach services and support of multiple affiliate organizations.  Zeta chapters and auxiliaries have given untotaled hours of community service to educate the public, assist youth,  provide scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change.  

 

Approaching its centennial, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. retains its zest for excellence and strives for the highest academic ideals. These ideals have resulted in its members serving in groundbreaking roles in all fields of endeavor.  Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is poised for perpetual service to mankind into her second century and beyond.

 

 

[INFORMATION ACCREDITED FROM ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC. NATIONAL WEBSITE]