Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. The founders created Zeta Phi Beta because they felt that elitism and socializing had overshadowed what should be the real mission of sororities, which is to address and correct the problems of society, particularly in the African-American community. The “Five Pearls” believed that active interest, high principles and standards, and a good scholarly average were the things that should determine membership rather than having a certain look or status. The sorority was founded on the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love, and Finer Womanhood.

Uncommon to all other Greek organizations, Zeta Phi Beta shares a constitutional bond relationship with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, making the Blue and White family the only true Greek family. Phi Beta Sigma was very instrumental in helping Zeta Phi Beta become established. Though over eighty years have passed since the Blue and White family inception, the love between sisters of Zeta Phi Beta and the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma is still strong and very visible in their support of each other.

Since its inception, the sorority has chronicled a number of first established among black sororities. In addition to being the only organization constitutionally bound to a fraternity, the sorority was the first to charter international chapters, those in West Africa and Germany; to form adult and youth auxiliary groups, the Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes and Pearlettes; an to organize its internal affairs with a central, national office, administered by a paid staff.

The purpose of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is to foster the ideals of service, charity, scholarship, civic and cultural endeavors, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. These ideals are reflected in the sorority’s national service programs for which its members and auxiliary groups provide untotaled hours of voluntary service to staff community outreach programs, fund scholarships, support organized charities and promote legislation a for social and civic change.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc is a community conscious action oriented organization and is incorporated in Washington, DC. and in the state of Illinois. The sorority is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), an umbrella organization of nine international Greek letter sororities and fraternities.

Founders (The Five Pearls)

• Arizona Cleaver Stemons
• Viola Tyler Goings
• Myrtle Tyler Faithful
• Fannie Pettie Watts
• Pearl Anna Neal

Amicae (Friends of Zeta)

As early as 1940, graduate chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. had begun to realize the importance of the prestige, good will, and cooperation of women who for various reasons were not members of any Greek-lettered organization. In 1948, with the recommendation of the Grand President, Lullelia Harrison, Zeta graduate chapters were allowed to organize auxiliaries that would be known as Zeta Amicae. These groups render valuable services to the sorority and their respective communities. These groups are located in areas where there are active graduate chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Amicae Insignia

• Motto: To Serve
• Flower: White carnation
• Colors: Royal blue and light blue
• Pin: Clasped hands covered by the letter “Z”