Sorority History

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded January 16, 1920 at Howard University, Washington, D.C., during a very turbulent time in our nation’s history. The Klan was very active during this period, and the Harlem Renaissance was acknowledged as the first important movement of Black artists and writers in the U.S. This same year the Volstead Act became effective heralding the start of Prohibition, and Tennessee delivered the crucial 36th ratification for the final adoption of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote. The worst and longest economic recession to hit the U.S. would define the end of the decade - The Great Depression.

It was within this environment that five trailblazing young women (our Beloved Five Founders) 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 the societal mores, ills, prejudices and poverty that affected humanity, especially in communities of color.

To this day, ZETA remains a community-conscious, action-oriented organization focused on the pressing issues of modern society.

We fully believe that we must be the change we seek and be engaged in all aspects that impact our world. 

Our Five Founders (as pictured from left to right): Arizona Leedonia Cleaver Stemons, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Pearl Anna Neal, Viola Tyler Goings and Fannie Pettie Watts.

Rho Sigma Zeta chapter was originally chartered in 1999. 

The charter members were:

·  Soror Ebony Frith

·  Soror Regina House

·  Soror Tameki Tarver

·  Soror Salena Gavin

·  Soror Katina Morgan-Oaks.

As we all know, chartering and sustaining a brand new chapter is very difficult. As a result, Rho Sigma Zeta chapter as only active for one sorority year.

Many years later, several Sorors had settled in Erie, PA, and by reaching out to each other in the community, these Sorors began working with Past Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Director Barbara Cousar and her Executive Board to re-charter Rho Sigma Zeta. With strong will and determination, the Resilient Rho Sigma Zeta chapter was re-chartered on February 6, 2015. The re-charter members were:

·  Soror Ebony Frith – who is also an original charter member

·  Soror Tameko Gray (Lindsey)

·  Soror Jamilia Gates

·  Soror Cheryl Keys

·  Soror Nettie Johnson

·  Soror Devin Barnett

The chartering ceremony took place in July 25, 2015, at the Chubb Hotel & Conference Center in Lafayette Hill, PA. Past Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Director Barbara Cousar officiated and Past Atlantic Regional Director Janet Y. Bivens, Esq. was in attendance along with other Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Executive Board Members.