Historically Black Sorority Turns 100
LANSING — On January 16, 1920, at the campus of Howard University, five women came together to form an organization based on the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. State Rep. Issac Robinson (D-Detroit) introduced House Resolution 217 yesterday to commemorate Jan. 16, 2020, as Zeta Phi Beta (Zetas) Sorority’s Centennial Founders’ Day in the state of Michigan. Robinson, a member of Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity Inc. the brother organization of the Zeta’s, introduced the resolution on their behalf. Angela Philmore, State Director Michigan State Organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Wayne County Commissioner and Soror Jewel Ware, Soror Tyree Hall and sorority members from across Michigan were special guests at yesterday’s house session. Joe’L Bowling, social media coordinator for the Michigan House of Representatives and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was on the House Floor when the historic resolution was adopted. In November 2019, Soror Bowling reminded Robinson about the upcoming centennial Anniversary and the importance of recognizing Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
“Rising up since 1920, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc has stretched out from humble beginnings in Washington DC on January 16th reaching across the world, spreading scholarship, community service, sisterly love, and finer womanhood,” said Robinson. Extending their hands in many Michigan chapters, standing for 100 years, today, making Michigan- ZetaLand. The leadership of the Michigan State Organization and Zeta Chapters across Michigan is absolutely phenomenal.”
The organization was created to empower and unify African American women in a time where being a minority woman created obstacles that were impossible to overcome. Since Zeta Phi Beta’s founding, the sorority has placed an emphasis on activism, education, and equality for minority women and children. Its philanthropy serves March of Dimes, World Elder Abuse Day, Stork’s Nest, and Z-HOPE to empower women globally. With more than 100,000 members internationally, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. continues to be a force of volunteerism to promote policy for social change and equality.
“Our two organizations are really close and like family,” added Robinson. “Because we are constitutionally linked to each other, it was my duty to ensure my sisters were honored on their special day. It was an incredible honor for me to celebrate with the courageous ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on their centennial anniversary.”
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated has a powerful and far-reaching presence in the great State of Michigan, as an integral part of the Great Lakes Region with eighteen Graduate Chapters, eleven Undergraduate Chapters, nine Amicae Auxiliaries and sixty-three Youth affiliates (14 Archonettes, 20 Amicettes, and 29 Pearlettes).