Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is a nonprofit organization founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. It was established as the sister organization to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, making it the only constitutionally bound sorority and fraternity in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)[1][2][3].

Founding and Purpose

The sorority was founded by five women known as the Five Pearls, who aimed to create an organization focused on scholarship, service, sisterhood, and the ideal of Finer Womanhood. Their vision was to depart from traditional sororities by prioritizing progressive ideals such as addressing societal issues, promoting education, and fostering community service[1][2][4]. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is incorporated in Washington, D.C. and Illinois[1][5].

Mission and Programmatic Thrusts

The mission of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is to foster ideals of scholarship, service, charity, civic and cultural endeavors, and Finer Womanhood. The organization supports various community outreach programs, funds scholarships, supports charities, and promotes legislation for social change through its national programs. These include partnerships with organizations like the March of Dimes and the National Education Foundation[1][2]. The sorority also emphasizes the importance of sisterly love and academic achievement as core values[5].

Notable Achievements

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has achieved several notable milestones:

• It is the first and only sorority constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity[3].
• Zeta was the first sorority to charter international chapters, starting with a chapter in Monrovia, Liberia, in 1948[3].
• The sorority formed the first adult and youth auxiliary groups, known as Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes, and Pearlettes[3][5].
• Zeta Phi Beta chartered the first Greek-lettered organization chapter in the Middle East (Abu Dhabi) in 2014 and in the British Virgin Islands in 2019[3].

Expansion and Chapters

Since its founding, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has expanded significantly with over 145 chapters in regions like the South Central Region[1]. The organization continues to grow globally with chapters in West Africa, Germany, London, Belgium, St. Thomas, Trinidad & Tobago, and other locations[5].

Cultural Impact

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has made a significant cultural impact. It participated in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2020, marking the first appearance by a Black Greek-lettered organization[3]. Additionally, one of its members, Opal Lee, played a pivotal role in making Juneteenth a national holiday[3]. In 2022, under the leadership of Valerie Hollingsworth Baker, Zeta launched a partnership with New Balance, creating the first organizational shoe brand among the Divine Nine organizations[3].

[1] https://mississippizetas.org/history/ [2] https://www.vanderbilt.edu/greek_life/meet-the-greeks/national-pan-hellenic-council/zeta-phi-beta-sorority-inc/ [3] https://www.spartanburgzetas.org/zeta-firsts [4] https://zphib1920.org/history/ [5] https://www.zphib1920sc.org/history