Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that was founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The sorority was established by five young women known as the "Five Pearls": Arizona Cleaver, Myrtle Tyler, Viola Tyler, Fannie Pettie, and Pearl Neal. The founding of Zeta Phi Beta was influenced by members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, with whom it shares a constitutional bond, making Zeta Phi Beta and Phi Beta Sigma the only official Greek-letter sister and brother organizations[1][2].

History and Mission

Zeta Phi Beta is dedicated to the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love, and Finer Womanhood. The organization's mission is to foster the ideals of community service, scholarship, sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood through various programs and initiatives[3].

Achievements

Zeta Phi Beta has several notable achievements:

• First Greek-letter organization to charter a chapter in Africa: In 1948, Zeta Phi Beta became the first Greek-letter organization to establish an African chapter[1].
• International Expansion: The sorority has chapters not only in the United States but also in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean[2].
• Auxiliary Groups: Zeta Phi Beta was the first Greek-letter organization to form adult and youth auxiliary groups, including the Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes, and Pearlettes[3].

Programs and Initiatives

Zeta Phi Beta supports numerous community-focused programs:

• National Educational Foundation: The organization is involved in educational initiatives and scholarships[1].
• Adopt-A-School Program: Focused on improving student achievement and providing role models for students of color[2].
• Autism Awareness Education: Providing resources and education about Autism Spectrum Disorder[2].
• Domestic Violence Programmatic Initiative: Aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence[2].
• Elder Care Program: Launched in 2014 to enhance the quality of life for caregivers[2].
• Mental Health Initiatives: Programs like "Zeta Sings the Blues" address mental health awareness[2].

Notable Members

Zeta Phi Beta has notable members such as Zora Neale Hurston, Ester Rolle, Chaka Khan, Dawnn Lewis, Towanda Braxton, and Minnie Riperton[2].

Structure and Membership

With over 125,000 members across more than 875 chapters worldwide, Zeta Phi Beta is incorporated in Washington, D.C. and the state of Illinois[2][3]. The organization is structured with a national headquarters that oversees operations and provides administrative support to local chapters.

Zeta Phi Beta continues to thrive, adapting to social and economic changes while maintaining its commitment to the founding principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love, and Finer Womanhood.