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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University, Washington, D.C. The Klan was active during this period, and the Harlem Renaissance was acknowledged as the first important movement of Black artists and writers in the U.S. This same year the Volstead Act became effective, heralding the start of Prohibition and Tennessee delivered the crucial 36th ratification for the final adoption of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote. The worst and longest economic recession to hit the U.S. would define the end of the decade-The Great Depression.
Within this environment, five coeds envisioned a sorority that would directly affect positive change, chart a course of action for the 1920s and beyond, raise people’s consciousness, 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 of progressive organizations and failed to address fully the societal mores, ills, prejudices, and poverty affecting humanity in general and the black community in particular.
Since its inception, Zeta has continued its steady climb into the national spotlight with programs designed to demonstrate concern for the human condition both nationally and internationally. The organization has been innovative because it has chronicled several firsts. It was the first National Pan-Hellenic Council organization to centralize its operations in a national headquarters, first to charter a chapter in Africa, first to form auxiliary groups, and first to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. The sorority takes pride in its continued participation in transforming communities through volunteer services from members and its auxiliaries. Zeta Phi Beta has chartered hundreds of chapters worldwide and has a membership of 100,000+.
Zeta’s national and local programs include the endowment of its National Educational Foundation community outreach services and the support of multiple affiliate organizations. Zeta chapters and auxiliaries have given untotaled hours of voluntary service to educate the public, assist youth, provide scholarships, support organized charities, and promote social and civic change legislation.
As the sorority moves toward its centennial, it retains its original zest for excellence. It espouses the highest academic ideals, resulting in its members serving in groundbreaking roles in all fields of endeavor. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is poised for perpetual service to mankind into her second century and beyond.
Arizona Cleaver Stemons
Arizona Cleaver was the first president of the Alpha Chapter and the first national president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She completed her graduate and post-graduate studies in social work and was responsible for chartering numerous undergraduate and graduate chapters throughout the United States.
Pearl Anna Neal
After graduating from Howard University’s Conservatory of Music, Founder Neal continued her studies at the Julliard School of Music. In 1938, she was the first black woman in New York to earn a master’s degree in music from Columbia University. An extremely accomplished musician, Founder Neal taught music in North Carolina public schools and served as a director of seniors majoring in music at Teachers College in Winston Salem, NC.
Myrtle Tyler Faithful
Myrtle Tyler was the second national president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and blood sister to Viola Tyler. High school mathematics and English teacher, Founder Tyler was an active member of the Alpha Zeta Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland.
Viola Tyler Goings
Viola Tyler graduated from Howard University with a teaching degree and a major in mathematics. She taught school in Ohio for many years and was always active in community affairs.
Fannie Pettie Watts
Fannie Pettie graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education and taught junior and senior high schools in Savannah, Georgia. She was credited with organizing two additional Zeta chapters and had active membership in the Delta Alpha Zeta Chapter.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Our Brothers
Zeta Phi Beta must acknowledge the encouragement and support provided to its members by the men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, especially Charles R.S. Taylor and A. Langston Taylor. From the Sorority’s inception, the members of Zeta Phi Beta and Phi Beta Sigma have collaborated on various community service projects, shared national, regional, state and local activities, and developed and enjoyed the bonds afforded a sisterhood and brotherhood with a shared purpose. No other two organizations can boast of such a rich, mutually beneficial relationship that has resulted in a complete and comprehensive record of service to our communities’ men, women, and children.
