National History
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University, Washington, D.C. The Klan was active during this period, and the Harlem Renaissance was acknowledged as the first important movement of Black artists and writers in the U.S. This same year the Volstead Act became effective, heralding the start of Prohibition and Tennessee delivered the crucial 36th ratification for the final adoption of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote. The worst and longest economic recession to hit the U.S. would define the end of the decade-The Great Depression.
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Within this environment, five coeds envisioned a sorority that would directly affect positive change, chart a course of action for the 1920s and beyond, raise people’s consciousness, encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement, and foster a greater sense of unity among its members. These women believed that sorority elitism and socializing overshadowed the real mission of progressive organizations and failed to address fully the societal mores, ills, prejudices, and poverty affecting humanity in general and the black community in particular.
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Since its inception, Zeta has continued its steady climb into the national spotlight with programs designed to demonstrate concern for the human condition both nationally and internationally. The organization has been innovative because it has chronicled several 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, Incorporated. The sorority takes pride in its continued participation in transforming communities through volunteer services from members and its auxiliaries. Zeta Phi Beta has chartered hundreds of chapters worldwide and has a membership of 100,000+.
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Zeta’s national and local programs include the endowment of its National Educational Foundation community outreach services and the support of multiple affiliate organizations. Zeta chapters and auxiliaries have given untotaled hours of voluntary service to educate the public, assist youth, provide scholarships, support organized charities, and promote social and civic change legislation. As the sorority moves toward its centennial, it retains its original zest for excellence. It espouses the highest academic ideals, resulting in its members serving in groundbreaking roles in all fields of endeavor. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is poised for perpetual service to mankind into her second century and beyond.
The Trailblazers of
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority would be remiss not to pay homage to the first women who believed in the need for a new and different type of Greek-lettered organization and acted upon that need. To these women, Zeta was more than an organization – it was a movement. This belief system reflected, at its core, the desire to provide true Service, embrace Scholarship, et a standard for Sisterly Love, and define the noble concept of Finer Womanhood. This belief has sustained and encouraged Zetas worldwide to hold fast to the ideals initiated and developed by its earliest members.
The Founders of Zeta were strong, principled coeds who possessed a great deal of modesty, strength of character, and pride in academic achievement. They are a worthy foundation upon which to base our illustrious Sorority...
First Initiates
Although there were five Founders of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, many women were initially interested but did not become a part of the founding group. Many feared the high academic standards they would need to meet to become a part of this new organization. Others could not afford the initiation fee that appears nominal by today’s standards. However, soon after the light of Zeta shone through our Five Pearls, twenty-five women were eager to join the Zeta movement. Of this twenty-five, only four – Gladys Warrington, Harriet Dorsey, Pauline Phillips, and Nellie Singfield – went on to be initiated as a part of the second pledge class. Zeta Phi Beta took top scholastic honors on the Howard University campus when a member of this second pledge class, Pauline Phillips, graduated summa cum laude, thus setting a precedent of academic excellence still expected of Zeta members to this day.
Incorporators
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority also owes a debt of gratitude to our Sorority’s incorporators. From the beginning, Zeta members saw the necessity of ensuring the permanence of the organization. As such, Sorority members Myrtle Tyler, Gladys Warrington, Joanna Houston, Josephine F. Johnson and L.O. Goldia Smith first incorporated Zeta Phi Beta Sorority on March 30, 1923 in Washington D.C.
In 1939, the Sorority was incorporated in the state of Illinois.
Our Sisterhood
125,000+
875+
2,500+
2,000+
MEMBERS
CHAPTERS IN THE USA
FRIENDS OF ZETA
YOUTH AUXILIARIES