Sorority History
ZETA Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded January 16, 1920 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. as the sister organization to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. by five co-eds, Arizona Cleaver, Myrtle Tyler, Viola Tyler, Fannie Pettie and Pearl Neal. These women dared to depart from the traditional coalitions for Black women and sought to establish a new organization predicated on the precepts of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love and Finer Womanhood. The trail blazed by the founders has been traversed by thousands of women dedicated to the emulation of the objectives and ideals of the Sorority.
The Sorority was the first Greek-letter organization to charter a chapter in Africa (1948); to form an adult auxiliary group the Amicae and youth auxiliary groups; to be constitutionally bound to a brother organization, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and to establish a National Headquarters with paid staff in Washington, D.C.
Zeta's national and local programs include endowment of its National Educational Foundation; community outreach services; and support of multiple affiliate organizations. Zeta chapters and auxiliary groups have given un-totaled hours of voluntary service to educate the public, assist youth, provide scholarships, support organized charities and promote legislation for social and civic change.
~ New Beginnings for Every Generation ~
Chapter History
“Standing on the Shoulders of Greatness”
Zeta Tau Zeta Chapter was chartered on June 20, 1966 as the Chicago Metropolitan Graduate Chapter. It was organized by the 15th International President, Mildred Bradham, assisted by Great Lakes Regional Director, Ione Gibson, and Great Lakes Associate Regional Director, Earnestine Curry, and was formed as the result of 57 sorority sisters, “The Fabulous 57” who wanted to unify the Chicagoland area. These sorority sisters were members of Beta Iota Zeta and Zeta Zeta chapters.
Of our “Fabulous 57” charter members, ten still remain active with the chapter today.
Zeta Tau Zeta chapter is one of the largest graduate chapters in the State of Illinois and in the Great Lakes Region, with well over 100 members. The Chapter’s age ranges from 21 to 101. Within its ranks, Chapter members have held or currently hold appointed and elected positions on the state, regional and national level. 24 members have achieved Life and Golden Life membership status within the Sorority.
Zeta Tau Zeta sponsors many auxiliaries groups under its umbrella. It advises two undergraduate chapters: Alpha Alpha- Chicago Metro and Nu Xi- Aurora University, Aurora, IL, two youth groups ranging in age from four to 18yrs- One in Chicago, and another in the South Suburbs (Matteson); an Amicae Auxiliary for adult women, and A Stork’s Nest, program that provides prenatal education.
The Chapter’s portfolio boasts an annual Finer Womanhood Scholarship and Awards Luncheon were over ninety college bound young ladies have been awarded funds to further their education. A annual Founder’s Day celebration, and annual fundraising activities for the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, National MS Society, as well as supporting several other community action initiatives.
During its 45 year history, Zeta Tau Zeta has won numerous awards on the State, Regional, and National levels for its fundraising efforts, ZHOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel through Mind Body and Spirit) projects, and scrapbook presentations.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Zeta Tau Zeta Chapter has a long and proud history that personifies the Zeta principles of Service, Scholarship, Sisterly Love and Finer Womanhood. We celebrate over four decades of being true to the Royal Blue and Pure White.
Zeta Tau Zeta Past/Present Presidents:
| 1. | Barbara Jones | 1966-1970 | 9. | Elayne Wheeler | 1986-1990 |
| 2. | M. Ann Prendergast | 1970-1972 | 10. | Cynthia A. McCoy | 1990-1992 |
| 3. | Claudine Lee | 1972-1974 | 11. | Adrienne McDay | 1992-1996 |
| 4. | Dorothy Goree-Brown | 1974-1976 | 12. | Earnestine Jefferson-Martin | 1996-2000 |
| 5. | Carrie Benjamin | 1976-1978 | 13. | Evelyn L. Byrdsong | 2000-2002 |
| 6. | Reysee Studaven | 1978-1980 | 14. | Evangeline A. Johnson | 2002-2006 |
| 7. | Carolyn Wilson | 1980-1984 | 15. | Melody D. Byrd | 2006-2008 |
| 8. | Charlene Drake | 1984-1986 | 16. | Gwendolyn M. Carson | 2008-Present |
Amicae History (Friends of Zeta)
In the early 1940’s, graduate chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. had begun to realize the importance of the prestige, good will, and cooperation of women who for various reasons were not college graduates who did not belong to any other Greek-lettered organization.
In 1948, with the recommendation of then National President, Lullelia Harrison, Zeta graduate chapters were allowed to organize auxiliaries that would be known as Zeta Amicae. These groups render valuable services to the sorority and their respective communities. These groups are now located in areas where there are active chapters of Zeta.
Zeta Tau Zeta has an active Amicae group that meets once a month. Women who are interested in becoming Amicae please contact Stacy Cook-Bey and Denise Brooks-Offutt at staceycookbey@yahoo.com
Youth Auxiliary History
The first youth clubs were formed in the 1950’s under the names of Zetalites which was later renamed Amicettes and Archonettes. These clubs were composed of young ladies between the ages of 9 and 18 who were matriculating in middle and high school.
In July 1994 at the 74th Conference, the national body officially adopted the Pearlettes as a national youth auxiliary of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. In January 1996, the age range was extended to 8, instead of 7; in order to get a smooth transition from Pearlettes to Amicettes. These clubs are sponsored by various chapters of the Sorority. Programs were developed, guidelines established and they are viable links to the Sorority.
If you have young ladies who would be interested in joining the Youth Auxiliary group, please contact Michelle Ogletree at mogletree542@sbcglobal.net
