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About Us
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., during an era of profound transformation in America. The early 1920s were marked by racial unrest and social awakening—the Ku Klux Klan was resurgent, while the Harlem Renaissance blossomed as a groundbreaking movement celebrating the artistic and intellectual brilliance of Black America. That same year, the Volstead Act signaled the onset of Prohibition, and Tennessee’s ratification of the 19th Amendment secured women’s long-fought right to vote. As the decade unfolded, the nation would confront one of its greatest trials—the Great Depression.
Amid these shifting tides, five courageous women—Arizona Cleaver, Myrtle Tyler, Viola Tyler, Fannie Pettie, and Pearl Neal—dared to dream of an organization that would rise above the conventions of the day. They envisioned a sisterhood rooted not in social privilege but in service, scholarship, sisterly love, and finer womanhood. Their mission was clear: to elevate the minds and spirits of women, to awaken social consciousness, and to confront the injustices and inequities that afflicted both their race and humanity at large. From this bold vision, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated emerged—not merely as another Greek-letter organization, but as a movement for progress, integrity, and purposeful action.
Our Five Pearls
Arizona Cleaver Stemons
Founder Arizona Cleaver served as the first president of the Alpha Chapter and became the first National President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. A pioneer in social work, she pursued both graduate and postgraduate studies in the field and played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s reach by chartering numerous undergraduate and graduate chapters across the United States. Her visionary leadership laid the foundation for Zeta’s enduring legacy of service and scholarship.
Myrtle Tyler Faithful
Founder Myrtle Tyler Faithful, the second National President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and sister to Founder Viola Tyler, devoted her career to education as a mathematics and English teacher. A dedicated member of Alpha Zeta Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland, she embodied the spirit of sisterhood and leadership that continues to define Zeta women today.
Viola Tyler Goings
Founder Viola Tyler Goings earned her teaching degree with a major in mathematics from Howard University. She dedicated her life to education, teaching in Ohio’s public schools for many years. Deeply committed to community engagement, she exemplified Zeta’s principles of service and civic responsibility.
Fannie Pettie Watts
Founder Fannie Pettie Watts graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education and went on to teach at the junior and senior high school levels in Savannah, Georgia. She was instrumental in establishing two additional Zeta chapters and remained an active member of Delta Alpha Zeta Chapter, advancing Zeta’s mission through leadership and mentorship.
Pearl Anna Neal
A gifted musician and scholar, Founder Pearl Anna Neal graduated from Howard University’s Conservatory of Music before continuing her education at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. In 1938, she became the first Black woman in New York to earn a master’s degree in music from Columbia University. An accomplished educator, she taught music in North Carolina’s public schools and later served as Director of Music for senior majors at Teachers College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
