The Founding of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated

Name: The Founding of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated
Start: 1920-01-16
Location: Unspecified

The Establishment of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated

The year 1920 marked a significant milestone in the history of African American women's organizations with the founding of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. This revered sorority was established at Howard University in Washington, D.C., by a group of dedicated and visionary women, including its first president, Arizona Cleaver Stemons. Their vision was to create a sisterhood that emphasized the principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood.

From its inception, Zeta Phi Beta aimed to address the social injustices faced by African American women while also fostering a sense of pride and community among its members. The founders recognized that through unity and support, they could advance the status of women in society.

Founders of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

The founding members of Zeta Phi Beta - Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Vashti Turley Murphy, Fannie Pettie Watts, Pretty A. D. P. and others - created a legacy that would endure for generations. They established the sorority during a time when African American women were often excluded from mainstream organizations, thus creating a space that celebrated their achievements and addressed their unique challenges.

Zeta Phi Beta and Social Action

Zeta Phi Beta has always been committed to social action. The founders believed that education and community service were crucial components of empowerment. They emphasized not only personal growth for their members but also service to their communities, launching initiatives to support education, health, and social justice causes.

The Evolution of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

Over the decades, Zeta Phi Beta has evolved into a national organization with a strong presence in the United States and abroad. It has established numerous chapters and continues to promote the values envisaged by the founders while adapting to contemporary social issues.

Impact on African American Communities

The impact of Zeta Phi Beta on African American communities has been profound. Through scholarship programs and community service initiatives, the sorority has helped uplift many individuals, contributing to the greater good of society. Their work has paved the way for generations of women leaders who followed in their footsteps.

Membership and Outreach

Today, Zeta Phi Beta boasts thousands of members who embody the principles of the sorority. With outreach programs focused on education and health, the organization continues to work tirelessly to address the needs of the community, ensuring that the legacy of its founders remains alive.

Fun Fact

Zeta Phi Beta’s Unique Symbol

One interesting fact about Zeta Phi Beta is that its official symbol is the dove, which represents peace and harmony, core values that the founders sought to promote within their sorority and beyond.