Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
THE INDEZTRUCTIBLE IOTA MU CHAPTER
Our Founders
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded by five women: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Mrytle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, Pearl A. Neal, and Fannie Pettie Watts, also known as our Five Pearls. They dared to depart from the traditional coalitions for African American women and sought to establish a new organization predicated on the precepts of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood.
National History
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. by five phenomenal women. 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. As the sorority moves toward its centennial, it retains its original zest for excellence.
Chapter History
The idea to charter a chapter at this University was presented by Vivian Landrum, Kelly Woodall and Vernida Emerson in 1980, who were the first official intake process members. The Iota Mu chapter was officially chartered at the University of Kentucky on April 23rd, 1983 with the 7 charter members Vernida Emerson, Crystal Stephen, Audrey French, Karen Scott, Celeste Woodley, Olivia Coffman, and Regina Dalcourt.
Auxiliary Groups
An auxiliary group is an unofficial, unsanctioned partner organization to a fraternity or sorority. Zeta Phi Beta has both adult and youth auxiliary groups:
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Amicae
Adult women within the community who cooperate and help the local graduate chapters, and who are not members of any Greek-letter organization
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Archonettes
High school-aged young ladies who demonstrate an interest in the goals and the ideals of scholarship, sisterly love, and community service.
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Amicettes
Girls 9 to 13 years of age who are willing to strive toward the high ideals of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and who demonstrate potential for leadership in service to the community.
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Pearlettes
Girls under 9 years old who are mentored by ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. to become outstanding leaders in their community.
List of Firsts
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.
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It was the first National Pan-Hellenic Council organization to centralize its operations in a national headquarters.
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First to charter a chapter in Africa.
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First to form auxiliary groups.
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First to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.
Our 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+.
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Policy Against Hazing
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (the “Sorority”) has designed a process for the selection, intake, and education of women who aspire to membership in the Sorority. The goal of the process is to inform new members of the history, policies and procedures important to membership in the Sorority. Potential members of the Sorority have the right to participate in the process in environments that are not intentionally harmful. Individuals who engage in hazing activities risk sanctions by the Sorority and criminal sanctions. Hazing in any form or fashion is contrary to the philosophy and objectives of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and as such, the Sorority emphatically prohibits and denounces hazing. Members of the Sorority who become aware of hazing activities have a responsibility to report the activity to the Chapter Basileus, State Director, and Regional Director, as applicable, for further investigation. To see what defines hazing, click here.
For more information on Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., visit our national website.