Zeta was founded on the simple belief that sorority elitisim and socializing should in no way overshadow the true purpose and goals of an organization. On January 16, 1920 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. five women challenged themselves to join together to
establish a sorority to stand above the rest. These "Five Pearls" departed from traditional
coalitions for black women and began a new organization. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was created
and dedicated to the four principles on which our lovely sorority proudly stands. These principles are Finer Womanhood, Sisterly Love, Scholarship and Community Service. It was the idea of our five founders that Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. would reach college women in all parts of
the country who were sorority minded and desired to uplift the principles of our organizaiton.

Zeta's national and local programs include endowment of Z-HOPE,other community outreach services and support of multiple affiliate organizations. Zeta chapters and auxiliary groups 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.

Since the sorority's inception, Zeta has chartered hundreds of chapters and initiated thousands of
women around the world. Zeta has continued to thrive and flourish while adapting to the
ever-changing needs of the new century. Despite the Great Depression, discrimination and segregation and a host of other challenges, Zeta has continued to hold true to its ideals and purpose. As stated by one of the Sorority's founding mothers: "I believe that no [other] organization could have been
founded upon principles that were so near and dear to all of our hearts." (Founder Myrtle Tyler Fatihful)