National

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 16, 1920 on the campus of Howard University in Minor Hall. During the time of the Harlem Renaissance, racial tension, the Great Depression, and the ratifying of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote, five women birthed the idea of a sorority that would exemplify positive change, represent action of change for the 1920s and so fourth, bring light to the struggles of black people, push for academic excellence, and promote, within its members, a higher purpose of unity. These five women solely believed that the idea of elitism and socializing within sororities hindered the progressiveness of organizations and did not bring light to the societal prejudices, poverties, and traditions of the humanity.

 

From the ideas and beliefs of their founders’, Zeta has continued to progress their efforts in concern for the human condition by the programs they have created, over the years. These programs have been designed to reach others both nationally and internationally. Zeta has shown proof of the progress by recording a substantial amount of firsts. It was the first to charter a chapter in Africa, first of the National Pan-Hellenic Council to have a centralized headquarters, first to establish auxiliary groups, and the first, and only, to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.  With 100,000+ members, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has transformed many communities thorough volunteering with its members and auxiliaries. It is very fulfilling for the ladies to be able to give back to their communities in such amazing ways.

 

Some ways that these women are able to give back are through their programs and initiatives, which include the National Education Foundation, Stork’s Nest, March of Dimes, and Z-HOPE, just to name a few. Both the members and the auxiliaries have dedicated countless hours of volunteering to educating the public, assisting the youth, providing scholarships, helping charitable organizations, and promotion legislation for social and civic change.

 

As the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. come closer and closer to their centennial year, they will continue to uphold its ideas of excellence. Its high standards for academic achievement has resulted in Zeta women pursuing and being successful in amazing roles in all forms of labor. Regardless of the time period, Zeta will alway be prepared to service mankind.