Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920, by five trailblazing women on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D. C.- Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, and Fannie Pettie Watts. These fearless women believed that sorority elitism and socializing overshadowed the fundamental mission of the progressive organization. They also believed that previously founded organizations failed to fully address the societal mores, ills, prejudices, and poverty affecting humanity and the black community.
Since its inception, Zeta has continued its steady climb into the national spotlight with programs designed to demonstrate concern for the human condition. The organization has been innovative in that it has chronicled many firsts. Zeta was the first National Pan-Hellenic Council organization to centralize its operations in a national headquarters, 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 auxiliaries. Zeta Phi Beta has chartered hundreds of chapters worldwide and has a membership of 100,000+.
A Community-Conscious, Action-Oriented Organization
"Let us be faithful and vigilant to our cause." -Triumphant Founder Fannie Pettie Watts