Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded January 16, 1920 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D. C. by five coeds. These women 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. The trail blazed by the founders has been traveled by thousands of women dedicated to the emulation of the objectives and ideals of the Sorority.

The sorority is the first organization to charter a chapter in Africa (1948); to form adult and youth auxiliary groups, the Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes, and Pearlettes; and to be constitutionally bound to a brother group, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

Zeta’s national and local programs include endowment of its National Education Foundation; community outreach services; and support of multiple affiliate organizations. Zeta chapters and auxiliary groups 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.

A nonprofit organization, Zeta Phi Beta is incorporated in Washington, D. C. and in the state of Illinois. The Sorority is supported by the dues and gifts of its members.

The first chapter to organize in Mississippi was Alpha Delta Zeta in Jackson. The chapter was organized on October 14, 1938 and chartered under the leadership of Pauline Allen Davis of Eta Zeta Chapter in Memphis, Tennessee. Pictured above from left to right are the State Charter Members: Julia Clark, Estelle G. Young, Lullelia M. Harrison, Jennil Johnson, Mollie Young, Mable Rosmond, Berdia Graves and Helen Allen Cooper.