Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., during a time of great social and political upheaval.

The early 1920s saw the rise of the Harlem Renaissance, an influential cultural movement that gave voice to Black artists, writers, and intellectuals. Amid these cultural advancements, the Ku Klux Klan was active, Prohibition was ushered in through the Volstead Act, and the United States saw the historic passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

Arizona Cleaver was the first president of Alpha chapter and the first national president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She completed her graduate and post-graduate studies in the field of social work and was responsible for chartering numerous undergra
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Within this complex social landscape, five visionary coeds — Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, and Fannie Pettie Watts — sought to create a sorority that would be different. These women envisioned an organization built on the principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. They believed in confronting societal challenges head-on, raising awareness of the issues affecting the Black community, and inspiring academic excellence. Their vision was to create a sorority that prioritized the betterment of humanity over elitism and socializing.

From its humble beginnings, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has grown into a global organization with over 100,000 members worldwide and hundreds of chapters. Zeta has been a trailblazer, achieving many firsts among Black Greek-letter organizations, including being the first to establish a national headquarters, the first to charter a chapter in Africa, the first to form auxiliary groups, and the first to constitutionally bond with a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Zeta’s influence extends through national and international programs focused on addressing societal needs. From the National Educational Foundation to various community outreach initiatives, Zeta Phi Beta is committed to empowering youth, supporting education, and advocating for social justice. Our chapters and auxiliaries dedicate countless hours of voluntary service to the communities they serve, offering scholarships, supporting charitable organizations, and influencing legislative change. As we move forward into our second century of service, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. remains steadfast in its dedication to the principles established by our Founders. We continue to raise the bar for academic excellence and community impact, empowering our members to serve as leaders in all fields of endeavor.