Lecture Notes: Centennial Celebration of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated
Introduction
- Centennial Celebration: Celebrating 100 years of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.
- Comparison: Highlighted achievement compared to older sororities.
Founding of Zeta Phi Beta
- Founding Date: January 16th, 1920.
- Founders:
- Erika
- Arizona Cleaver-Stevins
- Pearl Anne O'Neal
- Myrtle Tyler Faithfull
- Viola Tyler Goings
- Fannie Petty Watts
- Location: Established on the campus of Howard University.
Foundational Principles
- Academic Excellence: Achieved highest GPAs among sororities.
- Community Service: Focus on uplifting black communities rather than status.
- Difference From Other Sororities: Not founded for status or competition.
Strategic Development
- Chapter Expansion:
- Focus on the deep south to uplift black communities.
- Established chapters in cities like Baltimore, Atlanta, Talladega, Lowerman, Mississippi, and Marshall, Texas at black colleges.
- Commitment to Genuine Sisterhood: Distanced from elitist traditions, emphasized sisterhood and community service.
Milestones and Achievements
- 1923: First sorority to establish a chapter below the Mason-Dixon line.
- 1947: First sorority to establish auxiliary groups to expand impact.
- 1948: Charted a chapter in Monrovia, Liberia, first in Africa.
- 1949: First sorority with a centralized headquarters.
- Business Orientation: First to have a paid executive secretary.
Noteworthy Members
- Famous Zetas:
- Zornel Hurston
- Gwendolyn Brooks
- Sarah Vaughn
- Minnie Riperton
- Dionne Warwick
- Sheryl Underwood
Conclusion
- Unsung Heroes: Many members have contributed significantly without seeking glory.
- Fraternity Brother’s Pride: Expressed pride and congratulations to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority on their centennial anniversary.
These notes capture the essence of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s history, achievements, and their role in the community over the past century, emphasizing their commitment to service and sisterhood.