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Zeta Phi Beta (ΖΦΒ) 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.

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

Signature Programs

Since 1971, Zeta Phi Beta has enjoyed a partnership with the March of Dimes in an effort to encourage women to seek prenatal care within the first trimester of pregnancy, thereby increasing the prevention of birth defects and infant mortality. Nationwide, Zeta Phi Beta sponsors over 175 Stork's Nests. In 2005, the Stork's Nest program served over 28,000 women.

The Stork's Nest Program is designed to promote prenatal care participation and healthy behaviors during the pregnancy through two components - incentives and education. Stork's Nest clients "earn" points toward incentives, such as maternity or baby care items, through a variety of positive, health-promoting activities such as attending prenatal care appointments, participating in prenatal education classes, keeping appointments for well-baby visits. The Stork's Nest prenatal education sessions provide information, educational materials, and a variety of other resources and referrals that help clients take good care of themselves and their babies.

In 1997, Zeta celebrated its 25th anniversary of collaboration with the March of Dimes. The program was updated to include a new national logo, new educational materials and new incentive items for those mothers participating in the program.

Z-HOPE - Zetas Helping Other People Excel. From the Sorority's inception, Zeta Phi Beta has long demonstrated an interest in serving the needs of the community. Spanning the Sorority's nearly thirty-year partnership with the March of Dimes to its relationship with the Human Genome Project, Zeta Phi Beta has been at the forefront of anticipating the ever-changing needs of society.

It is within this framework that International Grand Basileus Barbara C. Moore proudly introduces the new International Service Initiative for Zeta Phi Beta: Z-HOPE: Zetas Helping Other People Excel ™. "Since 1920, our national service programs have evolved to meet the critical societal needs of the time," said International Grand Basileus Moore. "This administration has identified some key areas of concern as part of our programmatic thrust, and all of our efforts will be consolidated under the banner of Z-HOPE."

ZOL - Zeta Organizational Leadership Program. The Zeta Organizational Leadership Program is a future-focused, nationally structured, intense leadership training certification program and a blue print for leadership development and enhancement. It was developed by a think tank of talented members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, who are experts in their respective fields and are from diverse backgrounds. The overarching goal of the ZOL program is to provide members of Zeta Phi Beta with the essential knowledge and skills to be exceptional leaders. The target audiences for this program include, but are not limited to:

• Members aspiring to be national elected officers
• Members interested in being appointed regional and/or state directors
• Local chapter officers -- undergraduate and graduate
• Elected regional and state officers
• Advisors to undergraduate chapters
• Sponsors and coordinators of Zeta Amicae Auxiliaries
• Advisors to Youth Affiliates
• Members aspiring to be leaders.

Notable members

List of Zeta Phi Beta members

External links

• Zeta Phi Beta official website
• Zeta Phi Beta members message board (unofficial)

• 1920 establishments
• International student societies
• National Pan-Hellenic Council
• United States student societies