Zeta Phi Beta: Celebrating a Century of Sisterhood and Service!

In a momentous milestone that echoes through the halls of history, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is celebrating its extraordinary 100-year journey of empowerment, service, and transformative leadership. Founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., the organization has emerged as a beacon of hope, progress, and community upliftment.

Five visionary women – Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Fannie Pettie Watts, Lillian Williams, Myrtle Tyler Faith, and Helen Appo Cook – came together during a pivotal moment in American history, establishing an organization that would transcend generations. Their founding coincided with the Harlem Renaissance and the ratification of the 19th Amendment, symbolizing a period of profound social change and women’s empowerment.

The sorority’s impact extends far beyond its initial conception. Zeta Phi Beta has distinguished itself as a trailblazing organization, achieving several remarkable firsts:

1. First National Pan-Hellenic Council organization to centralize operations in a national headquarters
2. First to charter a chapter in Africa
3. First to form auxiliary groups

Membership and Reach

With over 100,000 members and hundreds of chapters worldwide, Zeta Phi Beta has cultivated a global network of committed individuals dedicated to its core principles: Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. The organization’s constitutional bond with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, creates a unique collaborative relationship that strengthens its community impact.

The sorority’s commitment to service is evident in its numerous community initiatives. From providing scholarships to supporting youth programs and promoting social change legislation, Zeta Phi Beta has consistently demonstrated its dedication to uplifting communities.

“We are not just a sorority; we are a movement of empowerment and positive transformation.” – Zeta Phi Beta Leadership

Notable Members and Achievements

Throughout its century-long journey, Zeta Phi Beta has celebrated remarkable members who have made significant contributions to various fields. Iconic figures like Zora Neale Hurston, Sarah Vaughan, and Lillian E. Fishburne have exemplified the sorority’s commitment to excellence and leadership.

In 2024, the organization continues to honor outstanding women by inducting 15 distinguished honorary members, showcasing its ongoing commitment to recognizing and nurturing leadership potential.

Looking Forward

As Zeta Phi Beta enters its second century of service, the organization remains adaptable and forward-thinking. Its centennial celebration includes numerous events and initiatives that highlight its rich history while simultaneously charting a course for future impact.

The National Educational Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting community outreach services and affiliate organizations, ensuring that the sorority’s mission of empowerment continues to resonate across generations.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Zeta Phi Beta’s journey is more than a historical narrative; it’s a testament to the power of collective action, sisterhood, and unwavering commitment to social progress. From its roots in the early 20th century to its current global presence, the sorority has consistently championed the rights and potential of women, particularly within the African American community.

As we celebrate this remarkable centennial, we are reminded that organizations like Zeta Phi Beta are not just preserving history—they are actively creating it, one act of service at a time.

Here’s to 100 years of sisterhood, service, and transformative leadership!

Quick Facts:
– Founded: January 16, 1920
– Location: Howard University, Washington, D.C.
– Membership: Over 100,000
– Core Principles: Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, Finer Womanhood