Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Celebrates 100 Years of Service and Sisterhood

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, the third oldest national predominately African-American sorority, celebrates its centennial on January 16, 2020. Zeta Phi Beta was founded on the campus of Howard University on January 16, 1920, upon the ideals of Service, Scholarship, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood.

The five founders of the organization, also known as the "Five Pearls," envisioned a sorority that would raise the consciousness of its people and believed that sorority elitism and socializing overshadowed the real mission for progressive organizations. Since its founding, Zeta Phi Beta has historically focused on addressing social causes.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was first incorporated in Washington, DC in 1923 and later incorporated in the state of Illinois in 1939. In 1948, Zeta Phi Beta became the first Greek-letter organization to charter a chapter in Africa (in Monrovia, Liberia.) In 1959, the international sorority purchased its current headquarters, located at 1734 New Hampshire Avenue NW on Dupont Circle in Washington, DC.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's colors are Royal Blue and Pure White, its symbol is the dove, and its flower is the White Rose. The century-old sorority is a non-profit 501(c)(7) organization with more than 800 chapters located in the USA, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's membership consists of over 125,000 college-educated, community service-driven, diverse and professional women. Famous Zetas include Sarah Vaughan, Dionne Warwick, and Sheryl Underwood.

Happy Centennial Founders' Day to all members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.!