Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C.  In an effort to be different, five women who believed in the need for a new and different type of Greek-lettered organization acted upon that need. To these women, Zeta was more than an organization-it was a movement, a belief system that reflected, at its core, the desire to provide true Service, to embrace Scholarship, to set a standard for Sisterly Love and to define the noble concept of Finer Womanhood. This belief has sustained and encouraged Zetas around the world to hold fast to the ideals initiated and developed by its earliest members. The five founding members, lovingly known as our 5 Pearls, are Arizona Cleaver (Stemons), Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler (Faithful), Viola Tyler (Goings), and Fannie Pettie (Watts). 

The Founders of Zeta were strong, principled coeds who possessed a great deal of modesty, strength of character and pride in academic achievement. They are indeed a worthy foundation upon which to base our illustrious Sorority. We seek to continue the road they paved through our efforts of upholding their founding principles.