Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is a nonprofit organization founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. as the sister organization to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. The sorority was established by five visionary women known as the "Five Pearls": Arizona Cleaver, Myrtle Tyler, Viola Tyler, Fannie Pettie, and Pearl Neal. Their mission was to create an organization that would excel in scholarship, service, sisterly love, and Finer Womanhood, distinct from existing black sororities at the time.

Founding and Early Years

The concept of Zeta Phi Beta was initially conceived by these five coeds who sought to create a new organization that would emphasize high standards and principles. This vision attracted the attention and support of Charles Robert Samuel Taylor, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, who encouraged the development of a sister organization. The name "Phi Beta" in Zeta Phi Beta reflects its constitutional bond to Phi Beta Sigma.

Zeta Phi Beta was officially incorporated on March 30, 1923, in Washington, D.C., and later in the state of Illinois in 1939. The founders' vision was not merely social but deeply rooted in academic achievement and community engagement.

Achievements and "Firsts"

Over its history, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has achieved several milestones:

• First Greek-letter organization in Africa: Zeta Phi Beta was the first to charter a chapter in Africa, specifically in West Africa, in 1948.
• First to form auxiliary groups: The sorority introduced adult and youth auxiliary groups known as Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes, and Pearlettes.
• Centralized national headquarters: It was the first sorority in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) to centralize its operations in a national headquarters.

National Programs

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is active in various national programs focusing on education, mental health, elder care, mentorship, and domestic violence awareness. Notable initiatives include:

• Adopt-A-School program: Designed to enhance student achievement and provide role models in schools.
• Autism Awareness Education: Educating on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Elder Care program: Launched in 2014 to improve caregivers' quality of life.

Membership and Chapters

The organization has over 125,000 members across more than 875 chapters in the United States, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Notable members include Zora Neale Hurston, Esther Rolle, and Chaka Khan.

Mission

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's mission is to foster ideas of service, charity, scholarship, civic endeavors, sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. These ideals are reflected in its community outreach programs, scholarships, support for charitable organizations, and advocacy for social and civic change.