The Divine Nine: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated

Founding and History

• Founded in 1920 by five women at Howard University.
• Aimed to raise consciousness, promote scholastic achievement, and foster unity.
• Initial Idea: In Spring 1919, Charles Robert Samuel Taylor of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity proposed the idea of a sister organization to Arizona Cleaver.
• Formation: Official meeting held on January 16, 1920.
• Name: Chose "Zeta Phi Beta."
• First Convention: Held in December 1920 with Phi Beta Sigma.
• Incorporation: First incorporated on March 30, 1923, in Washington D.C.

Headquarters

• Located on New Hampshire Avenue, Washington D.C.

Founders

• Strong, principled, modest, academically successful.
• Arizona Cleaver Stemmons: First president of Alpha Chapter and first National President. Studied Social Work.
• Pearl Anna Neal: Studied at Juilliard, first black woman in NY to earn a master’s degree in music from Columbia University.
• Myrtle Tyler Faithful: Second National President, high school teacher, blood sister to Viola Tyler.
• Viola Tyler Goings: Graduated with a teaching degree, active in community affairs.
• Fannie Petty Watts: Bachelor's in education, organized additional Zeta chapters.

Mission Statement

• Foster ideals of service, charity, scholarship, civil and cultural endeavors, Sisterhood, Finer Womanhood.
• National Programs: Involve voluntary service, community outreach, scholarships, charity support, and legislation promotion.

Step Shows

• Stepping is a significant part of Zeta Phi Beta's culture.
• Zetas compete nationally in step competitions.

Notable Members

• Zora Neale Hurston: Writer and folklorist.
• Donna Edwards: U.S. Representative.
• Dr. Elmira Mangum: President of Florida A&M University.
• Selena Johnson: Singer, songwriter, model, actress.
• Wendy Palmer: Former WNBA player, NCAA women’s basketball coach.

Learn More

• Visit blackfacts.com for more black history information.