Why we reflect  

 

February 2019

Some say that in order to truly appreciate what we have today, we must periodically pause to reflect on the scarifies, contributions and achievements of those that came before us.  In February we poise to acknowledge the contributions of people and organizations in the black community that have support the advancement of African Americans in the US and around the world. In like manor, let us pause my sisters to reflect on the magnificent contributions of our illustrious sisterhood of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Inc. Let these very brief reflections of our sisterhood remind us that we too have a rich and inspirational legacy in Zeta that we should be proud of and embrace the fact that our illustrious Founders where visionaries, trail blazers and pioneers.  They have set the foundation for supporting women and the advancement for people of color despite adversities. This that we must uphold.

 

Zeta…breaking new ground:

When Zeta was founded in 1920, racism was still alive and well.  Our founders saw a clear need to establish some of the first chapters not just in the urban North but in the deeply divided South including Talladega, AL, Lorman, MS and Charlotte, NC. In 1923, Zeta founded Theta chapter at Wiley College making it the first chapter of a black sorority in the state of Texas. Zeta was the first seize the opportunity to impact the lives of women of color beyond US boarders and founded the first chapters in Africa (1948), Abu Dhabi (2014) and Tobago (2016).  In 1937, Zeta took a bold stand against racism and was the first to host a convention south of the Mason Dixon line.

 

Zeta, expanding the family:

Realizing the value the sisterhood brought to the lives of women regardless of their level of education and the support they could provide to youth, Zeta was the first to embrace women who were not afforded the opportunity to attend college yet had a heart to serve their community and founded Zeta Amicae as well as youth auxiliaries: Pearlettes, Amicettes and Archonettes which now exist throughout the world. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. were the first and remain the only constitutionally bound brother and sister fraternal organizations.

 

Sorors, reflect on the work of our Founders, pick up the sword of their spirit and let’s continue to blaze new paths for women, expand our reach in service and strengthen the bond with our sisters, with zeal!