the founders
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded at Howard University, in Washington, D.C. on January 16, 1920 by five coeds. (pictured above Left-Right)
Arizona Cleaver (Stemons), Pearl Anna Neal, sisters Myrtle Tyler (Faithful), and Viola Tyler (Goings) and Fannie Pettie (Watts)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was the third sorority established at Howard University to promote the cause of education by encouraging the highest standards of scholarship through scientific, literary, cultural and educational programs; promoting charitable projects on college campuses and within the community; fostering the spirit of sisterly love; and, promoting the ideal of Finer Womanhood.
Since its founding, the Sorority has expanded throughout the United States in states and regions and in countries around the world. Beta Zeta Zeta Chapter is in the Great Lakes Region, in the State of Ohio.
BETA ZETA ZETA CHAPTER HISTORY
Organized in 1924, Iota Chapter in Covington, KY, was the first chapter in the Greater Cincinnati area. Iota members organized Beta Zeta Zeta Chapter, in 1943 across the Ohio River, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Beta Zeta Zeta is the second oldest graduate chapter within the seven states of the Great Lakes Region.
The charter members were: Theresa H. Breazeal, Ruth Johnson Crittenden (former president of Iota Chapter), Essie G. Frakes, Roby Hopson, Anna Frazier Johnson, Wilma E. Lacy, Hazel M. Lane, Martha Lovell, Hazel G. Lucas, Cordelia Mills, Alvaious Simon, Goldia Scott Ann Turnell, and Gladys D. Warrington.
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Once chartered, Beta Zeta Zeta Chapter members embarked on a mission to define and cement the chapter’s presence in the city through a variety of educational, social and community service projects and activities that upheld the Sorority’s objectives of scholarship, service, sisterhood and Finer Womanhood.
With over 60 members, Beta Zeta Zeta Chapter is one of the largest chapters in the State of Ohio and the Great Lakes Region. The chapter has won innumerable awards and recognitions throughout its history. The chapter has also hosted numerous State of Ohio meetings, Great Lakes Region conferences and Boulés, the Sorority’s national conference.
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Some chapter members have distinguished themselves through the Sorority’s history. Goldia Scott Smith and Gladys D. Warrington signed the 1923 District of Columbia Articles of Incorporation. Jylla M. Tearte, Ph.D, former national Third Vice President and Chair of the International Board, was elected the 20th International President in 1992. Doris M. Stokes, former ARCHON Editor, was the 17th Director of the Great Lakes Region. And, an additional dozen chapter members have held leadership positions in the State of Ohio, the Great Lakes Region or at the international level.