Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was chartered to raise consciousness of their people, encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement, and foster a greater sense of unity among its members. These women believed that sorority elitism and socializing overshadowed the real mission for progressive organizations and failed to address fully the societal mores, ills, prejudices, and poverty affecting humanity in general and the black community in particular.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. continually exemplifies its principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. This can be seen through its national programs such as Get Engaged, Z-Hope, and the National Educational Foundation; As well as its partnerships with national charity foundations such as the March of Dimes, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the American Cancer Society.
The Founders of Zeta were strong, principled coeds who possessed a great deal of modesty, strength of character and pride in academic achievement. Our Five Pearls are: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Viola Tyler Goings, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, and Fannie Pettie Watts.
Zeta Firsts
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is also known for being trail blazers and chronicling a number of Firsts. It is the FIRST National Pan-Hellenic Council organization to centralize its operations in a national headquarters with paid staff. The FIRST to charter a chapter in Africa and the United Emirates. The FIRST to establish youth and adult auxiliary groups. The FIRST and ONLY organization to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.