ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC. Affiliate Spotlight: A Community-Conscious, Action-Oriented Organization Founded on January 16, 1920, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was born out of the simple belief that sorority elitism should not overshadow the real mission for progressive organizations to address societal ills, prejudices, poverty, and health concerns of the day. Zeta began as an idea conceived by five coeds at Howard University in Washington, D.C., predicated on the precepts of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. Today these ideals are reflected in each member’s desire to engage the underrepresented, serve where they are most needed, and advocate for change. For over 100 years Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has been a pioneering trailblazer. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was the first organization under the National Pan-Hellenic Council to have a national headquarters for all operations, the first to charter a chapter in Africa (Monrovia, Liberia), the first and only to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, and the first to form auxiliary groups. Archonettes are high school-aged young ladies who demonstrate an interest in the goals and the ideals of scholarship, sisterly love, and community service. Amicettes are girls 9 to 13 years of age who are willing to strive toward the high ideals of Zeta Phi Beta and who demonstrate the potential for leadership in service to the community. Pearlettes are girls under 9 years old who are mentored by members to become outstanding leaders. Providing community service and they learn and grow. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is led by its dynamic 25th International President Valerie Hollingsworth Baker. Ms. Hollingsworth Baker, who was elected in July 2018, is a diamond-life member. Scholarship and service are principles Ms. Hollingsworth Baker
12
SISTERS | MAGAZINE
Valerie Hollingsworth Baker 25th International President
holds dear. She learned the importance of service by watching her mother, who was a grassroots volunteer in their Brooklyn, NY community. Valerie graduated from York institute as the class valedictorian at the age of fourteen and received a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Fordham University. The International President noted, “I chose Zeta because the principles aligned with my personal beliefs.” During the sorority’s Centennial Celebration in January 2020 in Washington, DC, members collected and packaged over 12,000 bundles of blankets, hats, gloves, and socks. The packages were dropped off at homeless shelters and police stations. Even during a time of celebration, Zeta members served the community. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is a community-conscious, action-oriented organization. Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE) is the national service program of the sorority that provides education and awareness programs and activities to help people and their communities make positive lifestyle choices across the life-span. Z-HOPE focuses on five demographic areas: women, men, seniors, youth, and international women of color. Z-HOPE has a proven track record of being implemented in communities worldwide. In addition to being an Affiliate of NCNW, Zeta has partnerships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to engage urban youth in outdoor recreation, biological sciences, and healthful activity in nature.
