A Brief History of
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded in the nation's capitol of Washington, D.C. on the campus of Howard University in the year 1920. It is the sister organization to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and was given humble beginnings by five women: Arizona Cleaver, Myrtle Tyler, Viola Tyler, Fannie Pettie and Pearl Neal. The founding women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated chose not to embrace the tenets of established black sororities, and founded Zeta Phi Beta Sorority to encourage thorough scientific, literary, cultural, and educational programs; promote service projects on both college campuses and within the community; foster sisterhood; and exemplify the ideal of finer womanhood. A private nonprofit organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is incorporated in Washington, D.C. and in the state of Illinois.

 

Since its inception, the sorority has chronicled a number of "firsts" amongst other established sororities. In addition to being the only organization constitutionally bound to a fraternity, the sorority was the first to charter international chapters, those in West Africa and Germany; to form adult and youth auxiliary groups, the Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes and Pearlettes; and to organize its internal affairs within a central, national office administered by a paid staff.

 

Zeta Phi Beta's purpose is to foster the ideals of service, charity, scholarship, civic and cultural endeavors, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. These ideals are reflected in the sorority's national programs for which its members and auxiliary groups provide untotaled hours of voluntary service to community outreach programs, scholarships, support to organized charities, and advocation for legislation aimed towards social and civic change.

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Please visit our international and regional websites for additional information on how Zeta Phi Beta is working to impact communities nationwide.