Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated was founded Friday January 16th 1920 on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. The sorority was founded by Arizona Cleaver Stemmons, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, Fannie Pettie Watts, and Pearl Anna Neal. Zeta Phi Beta was founded with the help of our brother fraternity Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated. We were founded on the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. 

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What is Finer Womanhood?

 

"The distinguishing characteristics of a woman-one superior in kind, quality or appearance, marked by or affecting elegance or refinement." Finer Womanhood is a principle unique to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

 

Unique to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is the ideal of Finer Womanhood, which became a trademark in 1923 with the celebration of Finer Womanhood Week. In recent years the event has expanded to Finer Womanhood Month, which is celebrated during the last full week in February until the end of March. Each chapter plans its own programs which may include a religious service, a week emphasizing the standards, morals, customs, and attributes of fine women. Some chapters recognize an outstanding woman in their community based on such criteria as scholarship, religious activity, community service, and character.