January 16

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is a historically African American sorority committed to scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. It is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) collaborative umbrella composed of historically African American fraternities and sororities, commonly called the Divine Nine.

The sorority was founded on January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. by five trailblazing women known as the “Five Pearls” — Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, and Fannie Pettie Watts. These visionary founders sought to create a sorority that emphasized purpose over social prestige, one that addressed the needs of the community through action and compassion.

Zeta Phi Beta was also the first to charter a chapter in Africa, form auxiliary groups, and be constitutionally bound to a brother fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma.

Some of the most famous members of Zeta Phi Beta who reflect the sorority’s commitment to scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood include:

• Zora Neale Hurston — renowned author and anthropologist best known for Their Eyes Were Watching God;
• Esther Rolle — acclaimed actress from the television series Good Times;
• Minnie Riperton — legendary singer known for her five-octave vocal range and hit song “Lovin’ You”;
• Sheryl Underwood — comedian and co-host of The Talk; and
• Dionne Warwick — iconic singer and humanitarian with a career spanning decades.

Its mission is to foster the ideals of service, scholarship, sisterhood, and finer womanhood through programs that uplift communities and promote personal development.