Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

Zeta Phi Beta (ZBT) stands on the pillars of scholarship, service, and sisterly love. The sorority's rich history helped shape its commitment to community in the form of education and community service. With programs like Z-HOPE, ZPB sisters support community programs on a local and international level.

The History of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

The strength of Zeta Phi Beta is due, in part, to its history. The national prosperity and growing racial tension of the Roaring 20s set the stage for Zeta Phi Beta, formed on January 16, 1920. Its goal was addressing societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty, and health concerns.

Five coeds at Howard University were the original ZPB members. Zeta Phi Beta members celebrate these women as the Five Pearls, and recognize the bravery it took to depart from traditional coalitions for black women. As founder Viola Tyler said, "there is a Zeta in a girl regardless of race, creed, or color, who has high standards and principles, a good scholarly average and an active interest in all things that she undertakes to accomplish."

Notable Zeta Phi Beta Members

Zeta Phi Beta boasts notable members in fields as diverse as education, sports, entertainment, and politics including:

• Zora Neale Hurston: writer and folklorist of the Harlem Renaissance
• Violette Anderson: first woman of color to practice law before the US Supreme Court
• Dr. Elizabeth D. Koontz: first black president of the National Education Association
• Julia Carson: US Representative from Indiana

Historically Black Colleges with Zeta Phi Beta Chapters

Today, over 100,000 Zeta Phi Beta members comprise over 650 active chapters, including groups in West Africa, Germany, South Korea, and Italy. This strong and growing sorority also has an active presence in a number of historically black colleges, including:

• Howard University (DC)
• Dillard University (LA)
• Elizabeth City State University (NC)
• Morris Brown College (GA)

As Zeta Phi Beta sorority grows, the organization continues to evolve with the changing needs of their international community. By supporting programs like the Human Genome Project, ZPB proves its ability to stay vital in national and international trends.

Sources
International History of ZPB
Zeta Phi Beta