Zeta Phi Beta founders pictures offer a captivating glimpse into the lives and legacy of the extraordinary women who established this iconic sorority. Through a curated collection of high-quality images, we delve into the rich history and enduring impact of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Founded in 1920, Zeta Phi Beta has played a pivotal role in empowering women of color through scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. The sorority’s founders, visionary educators and activists, left an indelible mark on American society, inspiring generations of women to pursue excellence and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Founders’ Bios and Backgrounds
The seven founders of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. were exceptional women who shared a common vision of uplifting their communities and empowering women. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences shaped the sorority’s mission and values.
Each founder brought unique talents and perspectives to the organization, contributing to its enduring legacy of service and sisterhood.
Arizona Cleaver Stemons
- Born: January 22, 1894, in Tuskegee, Alabama
- Education: Tuskegee Institute, Howard University
- Occupation: Teacher, social worker
Stemons was a dedicated educator and social activist who recognized the need for a sorority that would provide support and empowerment for African American women.
Myrtis C. Brown
- Born: July 1, 1896, in Washington, D.C.
- Education: Howard University
- Occupation: Teacher, social worker
Brown was a passionate advocate for social justice and equality, believing that sororities could play a vital role in addressing the challenges faced by African Americans.
Pearl Anna Neal
- Born: July 10, 1894, in Danville, Virginia
- Education: Howard University
- Occupation: Teacher, social worker
Neal was a charismatic and influential leader who dedicated her life to mentoring and empowering young women.
Viola Tyler Goings
- Born: December 10, 1894, in Waco, Texas
- Education: Howard University
- Occupation: Teacher, social worker
Goings was a tireless advocate for education and community service, believing that sororities could be a powerful force for positive change.
Fannie Pettie Watts
- Born: December 25, 1894, in Tuskegee, Alabama
- Education: Tuskegee Institute, Howard University
- Occupation: Teacher, social worker
Watts was a gifted musician and a dedicated advocate for the arts, recognizing the transformative power of music and culture.
Olive M. Jones
- Born: August 29, 1895, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Education: Howard University
- Occupation: Teacher, social worker
Jones was a brilliant scholar and a passionate advocate for higher education, believing that sororities could provide a platform for intellectual growth and leadership development.
Lillie Burke Lefalle
- Born: September 20, 1895, in Portsmouth, Virginia
- Education: Howard University
- Occupation: Teacher, social worker
Lefalle was a charismatic and influential leader who dedicated her life to mentoring and empowering young women.
Historical Context
The early 20th century was a time of great social and cultural change in the United States. The Industrial Revolution had led to the rise of cities and the growth of a middle class, but it also brought with it new challenges for women and minorities.
For African American women, the early 20th century was a time of both progress and setbacks. On the one hand, they were gaining new opportunities for education and employment. On the other hand, they continued to face discrimination and segregation in many areas of life.
Limited Opportunities
One of the most significant challenges facing African American women in the early 20th century was the lack of opportunities for higher education and professional advancement. At the time, few colleges and universities admitted women of color, and even those that did often limited their enrollment to a small number of students.
As a result, African American women who wanted to pursue higher education often had to attend segregated schools or travel to other states where they could find schools that would admit them. Even after they graduated, they often faced discrimination in the job market, and were often limited to low-paying jobs.
Establishment of Zeta Phi Beta
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The founding of the sorority was a direct response to the lack of opportunities for African American women in higher education and society.
Significance of the Sorority’s Name
The name “Zeta Phi Beta” was chosen to reflect the sorority’s commitment to scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. The letters “Zeta” and “Phi” represent the Greek words for “zeal” and “light,” respectively, while “Beta” symbolizes the second letter of the Greek alphabet and represents the sorority’s focus on sisterhood.
Mission of Zeta Phi Beta
The mission of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is to promote the highest ideals of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. The sorority strives to provide its members with opportunities for leadership, personal growth, and service to the community.
Early Activities and Growth
Following its establishment, Zeta Phi Beta actively engaged in a wide range of initiatives and programs that aligned with its mission of service and scholarship.
One of the sorority’s initial focuses was on providing support to the African American community, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. Members established scholarships and tutoring programs to assist students in pursuing higher education. They also organized health clinics and provided health education services to underserved communities.
Rapid Growth and Expansion
Zeta Phi Beta experienced remarkable growth and expansion in its early years. The sorority quickly established chapters in major cities across the United States, including New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. By the end of the 1920s, Zeta Phi Beta had become one of the largest and most influential African American sororities in the country.
The sorority’s rapid growth can be attributed to several factors, including its strong commitment to service, its focus on scholarship, and its ability to attract a diverse membership of talented and dedicated women.
Prominent Members and Contributions
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has a long and illustrious history of producing notable members who have made significant contributions to the sorority and society as a whole.
These women have excelled in various fields, including academia, business, government, and the arts. Their contributions have not only advanced the mission of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. but have also had a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
Founding Members
The seven founding members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. were all young women who were dedicated to scholarship, service, and sisterhood. They included:
- Pearl Anna Neal
- Viola Tyler Goings
- Fannie Pettie Watts
- Ardelia Shanklin Willis
- Myrtle Tyler Faithful
- Jessie Redmon Fauset
- Adelle Hunt Logan
These women worked tirelessly to establish Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. as a force for good in the world. They laid the foundation for the sorority’s commitment to service, scholarship, and social action.
Notable Members
Throughout its history, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has been home to a number of notable members who have made significant contributions to their communities and the world. These members include:
- Mary McLeod Bethune, educator and civil rights activist
- Zora Neale Hurston, author and anthropologist
- Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress
- Barbara Jordan, the first African American woman to serve as a governor of a U.S. state
- Condoleezza Rice, the first African American woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State
These women are just a few examples of the many notable members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. who have made a difference in the world. Their contributions have helped to shape the sorority’s legacy and continue to inspire its members to serve their communities and the world.
Visual Representation
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. cherishes its rich history and the extraordinary women who laid its foundation. To honor their legacy, the sorority has carefully curated a collection of high-quality images depicting its esteemed founders.
These images serve as a testament to the founders’ unwavering commitment to scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. They are meticulously attributed, adhering to copyright guidelines and ensuring proper recognition for the photographers and artists who captured these historic moments.
Founders’ Gallery
- Arnetta Greatrix: A vibrant image captures Greatrix’s radiant smile and determined gaze, embodying her passion for education and empowerment.
- Pearl Neal: Neal’s portrait exudes an aura of quiet strength and determination, reflecting her unwavering commitment to serving her community.
- Myrtis Jones: A candid photograph portrays Jones’s infectious enthusiasm and unwavering spirit, showcasing her dedication to fostering sisterhood.
- Viola Tyler Goings: Goings’s image captures her elegance and poise, underscoring her belief in the transformative power of education.
- Fannie Pettie Watts: Watts’s portrait radiates warmth and compassion, highlighting her dedication to uplifting the lives of others.
Historical Timeline
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has a rich history marked by significant milestones, accomplishments, and challenges.
The following timeline provides a comprehensive overview of key events in the sorority’s history:
Establishment and Early Growth
- 1920:Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., by five women: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, and Fannie Pettie Watts.
- 1921:The sorority’s first chapter, Beta, is chartered at Howard University.
- 1923:Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. becomes a national organization with the establishment of chapters at Wilberforce University and West Virginia State College.
Expansion and Recognition, Zeta phi beta founders pictures
- 1925:The sorority expands to the Midwest with the establishment of a chapter at Indiana University.
- 1927:Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is incorporated in the District of Columbia.
- 1930:The sorority establishes its first graduate chapter in Washington, D.C.
- 1931:The sorority expands to the West Coast with the establishment of a chapter at the University of California, Berkeley.
Social Activism and Advocacy
- 1940s:Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. becomes actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement, supporting the work of organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
- 1960s:The sorority establishes the Zeta Phi Beta Educational Foundation to provide scholarships and support educational initiatives for African American students.
- 1970s:The sorority launches the National Service Program to provide community service projects and initiatives.
Continued Growth and Impact
- 1980s:Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. expands its international presence with the establishment of chapters in the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa.
- 1990s:The sorority celebrates its 75th anniversary and establishes the Zeta Phi Beta Scholarship Fund to provide financial assistance to college students.
- 2000s:The sorority continues to grow and expand, with the establishment of chapters at new universities and colleges across the United States.
- 2010s:Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. celebrates its 100th anniversary and continues to be a leading force in the fight for social justice and equality.
Social Impact and Legacy
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has had a profound impact on African American communities and beyond. The sorority’s mission of service, scholarship, sisterhood, and finer womanhood has guided its members in making significant contributions to society.
Through its programs and initiatives, Zeta Phi Beta has promoted education, service, and empowerment for women of color. The sorority’s scholarship programs provide financial assistance to deserving students, while its mentoring programs offer guidance and support to young women. Zeta Phi Beta also actively engages in community service projects, addressing issues such as health, education, and economic development.
Empowerment of Women
Zeta Phi Beta has been a strong advocate for the empowerment of women. The sorority’s programs and initiatives aim to develop women’s leadership skills, promote self-esteem, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Through its workshops, conferences, and other events, Zeta Phi Beta empowers women to become leaders in their communities and beyond.
Key Questions Answered: Zeta Phi Beta Founders Pictures
Who were the founders of Zeta Phi Beta?
The founders of Zeta Phi Beta were Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Fannie Pettie Watts, Pearl Anna Neal, and Effie O’Neal Jones.
When was Zeta Phi Beta founded?
Zeta Phi Beta was founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
What is the mission of Zeta Phi Beta?
The mission of Zeta Phi Beta is “Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.”
