History

Founded January 16, 1920

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded on the campus of Howard University on January 16, 1920 as the sister organization to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Five phenomenal women: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, Fannie Pettie Watts and Pearl Anna Neal chartered Zeta Phi Beta Sorority to encourage the highest standards of scholarship through scientific, literary, cultural and educational programs; promote service projects on college campuses and in the community; foster sisterhood; and exemplify the ideal of Finer Womanhood.

Since its inception the sorority has chronicled a number of “firsts” among the established black sororities.  In addition to being the only organization constitutionally bound to a fraternity, the sorority was the first to charter international chapters in West Africa and Germany, to form adult and youth auxiliary groups, and to organize its internal affairs within a central office, administered by a paid staff. The sorority has continued to expand by chartering chapters in London, Abu Dhabi, Belgium, St. Thomas and  Trinidad & Tobago

Auxiliary Groups include:

• Amicae – Meaning “friends” in Latin, the Amicae was organized in 1948 for women who do not have college degrees, but have an interest in assisting local auxiliaries with activities.
• Archonettes – Youth group for young ladies age 14 to 18 currently in high school.
• Amicettes – Youth group for girls ages 9 to 13.
• Pearlettes – Youth group for young girls age 4 to 8.

Zeta Phi Beta’s mission is to foster the ideals of community service, scholarship, sisterly love, and Finer Womanhood. These ideals are reflected in the sorority’s national programs for which its members and auxiliary groups provide many hours of voluntary service to staff community outreach programs, fund scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change.