Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. History
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. Five women, also known as our Five Pearls, Arizona Cleaver, Myrtle Tyler, Viola Tyler, Fannie Pettie and Pearl Neal, dared to depart from the traditional coalitions for black women and sought to establish a new organization predicated on the precepts of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love and Finer Womanhood. It was the ideal of our Founders that the Sorority would reach college women in all parts of the country who were sorority minded and desired to follow the founding principles of the organization.
It was within this environment that five coeds envisioned a sorority which would directly affect positive change, chart a course of action for the 1920s and beyond, raise consciousness of their people, encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement, and foster a greater sense of unity among its members. These women believed that sorority elitism and socializing overshadowed the real mission for progressive organizations and failed to address fully the societal mores, ills, prejudices, and poverty affecting humanity in general and the black community in particular.
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 in that it has chronicled a number of firsts. It was the first National Pan-Hellenic Council organization to centralize its operations in a national headquarters, first to charter a chapter in Africa, first to form auxiliary groups, and first to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. The 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+.
Zeta‘s national and local programs include the endowment of its National Educational Foundation community outreach services and support of multiple affiliate organizations. Zeta chapters and auxiliaries have given untotaled hours of voluntary service to educate the public, assist youth, provide scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change.
As the sorority moves toward its centennial, it retains its original zest for excellence. It espouses the highest academic ideals and that has resulted in its members serving in groundbreaking roles in all fields of endeavor. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is poised for perpetual service to mankind into her second century and beyond.
For more information please visit our National Headquarters website
Psi Omicron Zeta Chapter History
Psi Omicron Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., was founded November 6, 2010. The charter members were Sorors: eight (8) zealous women: Mishta Brooks, Tameko Friend, Andrea Jones, Loleta Lewis, Judy Meekins, Trica Miles, Valanda Riley and Kenya Whitener.
Since the chartering, the chapter has participated in various community service projects over the years, such as:
Community Involvement and Accomplishments:
Awarding Scholarships to Prince Williams County High School Seniors
Providing assistance and donate toiletry items
Providing meals and gifts to SERVE Homeless Shelter to disadvantaged families each year.
Partnering with local churches to empower the community on Health Issues, Economic Issues, and other social issues.
Providing products and services to Birmingham Senior Center
Mentored the young girls through the SMART GIRLS program at Martin K. Alloy Boys & Girls of Greater Washington in Manassas, VA
Establish a youth auxiliary for girls ranging from age 4 to 18 years of age
Adopt-A-School partnership with Metz Middle School
Active participant in Wreath Across America, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, and St Jude