Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. History
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 had 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, the first to charter a chapter in Africa, the first to form auxiliary groups, and the 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.
About Xi Xi Zeta
Organizational efforts began early in 1988 after Triumpient Soror Genonva Hightower Lawrence and others met and decided that there was no chapter in the Lithonia/Stone Mountain area. On March 15, 1989, Xi Xi Zeta Chapter was officially chartered under the Past International President Eunice S. Thomas. The chartering members were Sorors (Triumphant) Genova Hightower Lawrence, Angeline Wead, (Triumphant) Josephine Cloud, Ethel Chapman, Cleotha Griffith, Ann Kimbrough, Patricia Feilder, Angela Daniels, Shirley Jefferson, and Winifred Abdullah.
The chapter espouses the precious ideals of our founders. Their wisdom and commitment have given us the courage to face the future, the knowledge of who we are, and the guiding principles that lead us to be of service to our communities. Our chapter is very active. We have enfolded our National Community Service Initiatives thrust by assisting in March for Babies, NAMI, Autism Speaks, Grow with Google, dFree, and other community outreach activities such as local and national elections.
- Adopt A School – Flat Rock Elementary in Lithonia, and Freedom Middle School in Stone Mountain
- Adopt A Family – Thanksgiving, and Christmas
- Wreaths Across America
- Women Veterans Rock
- Relay for Life
Zeta Up - Georgia Forward
The State of Georgia is comprised of dedicated and hardworking members of the Sorority who are committed to bettering our local communities, our state, our country and the world. We display this commitment through programming such as ZHOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel through Mind, Body and Spirit), our Stork’s Nests and our partnerships with the March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society. Through countless hours of community service and donations, Zetas are making a difference!
Second to None - Southeastern Region
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Southeastern Region is the home of Founder Fannie Pettie Watts, the 18th International President, Dr. Edith Francis, the 19th International President, Dr. Eunice S. Thomas, the 20th International President, Jylla Moore Tearte, the 22nd International President, Barbara C. Moore. Culturally and geographically diverse, the Southeastern Region encompasses 3 states and 3 Islands — Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas and Trinidad & Tobago.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta was founded on the campus of Howard University on January 16, 1920. The Sorority's international programs such as Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) through Mind, Body and Spirit serve to empower people from all walks of life. As the sorority moves toward its centennial, it retains its original zest for excellence. It espouses the highest academic ideals and that has resulted in its members serving in groundbreaking roles in all fields of endeavor.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., January 9, 1914, by three young African-American male students. The Founders, Honorable A. Langston Taylor, Honorable Leonard F. Morse, and Honorable Charles I. Brown, wanted to organize a Greek letter fraternity that would truly exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.