History
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded January 16, 1920, at Howard University, Washington, D.C. 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 coeds envisioned a sorority which would directly affect positive change, chart a course of action for the 1920s and beyond, raise the 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 fully the societal mores, ills, prejudices, and poverty affecting humanity in general and the black community in particular.
Zeta‘s national and local programs include the endowment of its National Educational Foundation community outreach services and support of multiple affiliate organizations. Zeta chapters and auxiliaries have given untotaled hours of voluntary service to educate the public, assist youth, provide scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change.
As the sorority moves toward its centennial, it retains its original zest for excellence. It espouses the highest academic ideals and that has resulted in its members serving in groundbreaking roles in all fields of endeavor. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is poised for perpetual service to mankind into her second century and beyond.
Past New York State Directors
Dr. Edith V. Francis* | 1st NYS Director (18th International Grand Basileus) |
Beryl T. Battle | 2nd NYS Director (7th Atlantic Regional Director) |
Dorothy Bass* | 3rd NYS Director |
Barbara O’Banyoun-West* | 4th NYS Director |
Angela Starks-Sprouse | 5th NYS Director |
Lorraine Clement | 6th NYS Director |
Maryanne Douglass-French | 7th NYS Director |
Andrea Hill* | 8th NYS Director |
Jacqueline Lemon-Denton | 9th NYS Director (13th Atlantic Regional Director) |
Shernette Morrison | 10th NYS Director |
Levette Jones-Okoro | 11th NYS Director |
Shanell L. Robinson | 12th NYS Director |
Nilda E. Rivera, Esq. | 13th NYS Director |
Ayris B. Granby | 14th NYS Director |
Amber D. Koiner, CPA | 15th NYS Director |
*Deceased