National History
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded
January 16, 1920 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. by
five coeds. 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, Sisterhood 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 adult and
youth auxiliary groups, the Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes, and Pearlettes;
and to be constitutionally bound to a brother group, Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity, Incorporated.
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 untotaled hours of voluntary service to
educate the public, assist youth, provide scholarships, support organized
charities and promote legislation for social and civic change.
A nonprofit organization, Zeta Phi Beta is
incorporated in Washington, D.C. and in the state of Illinois. The
Sorority is supported by the dues and gifts of its members.
