Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded January 16, 1920 by coeds at Howard University in Washington D.C.: Arizona Cleaver, Myrtle Tyler, Viola Tyler, Fannie Pettie and Pearl Neal. Seeking to transcend sorority elitism and socialization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. sought to create a sorority that would be a progressive organization, focusing on societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty, and health. Our founders, also known as our Five Pearls, did not hesitate to eschew from the traditional coalitions for black women and sought to establish a new organization predicated on the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love and Finer Womanhood.
The sorority prides itself on the numerous accomplishments that put Zeta in the forefront in Greek Life. Zeta Phi Beta was the first Greek-letter organization to charter a chapter in Africa (1948); to form adult and youth auxiliary groups; to centralize its operations in a national headquarters; and to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.
Since 1920 the finer women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. have been striving to improve our community, and never undermine the true meaning of our beloved sorority. Zetas persevere through all challenges, and understand the importance of aiding our communities. We truly are a community conscious, action oriented organization!