26 minute read
Centennial Perspectives
Clockwise from left: Past President Jylla Moore Tearte and Grand Val present awards during the Founders’ Centennial gala; Past President Tearte celebrates with fellow Zetas after unveiling Centennial signage at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; Past Presidents Tearte and Mary Breaux Wright present the Trailblazer Award to Dr. Marjay Anderson at the 2018 Grand Boulé in New Orleans; Grand Val and Past President Tearte unveil the Arizona Cleaver Stemons Way sign in Philadelphia, PA; Past President Tearte takes a photo with Soror Chaka Khan and her models during the Founders’ Luncheon and Fashion Show; Past President Tearte takes a photo with her husband Curtis during the Founders’ Centennial celebration.
Centennial Perspectives
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The Genesis of the Journey In September of 2013 at the Capital Grille in Atlanta, Georgia, I had just finished a delicious lunch with Mary Breaux Wright, who was the International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, when she popped the question: Would I
serve as the Centennial
Chair? I had not expected the question and asked if I could have some time to think
The Centennial Journey From the Eyes of the Centennial Commission Chair about it and also talk with Curtis, my husband. With his concurrence, my mind was then racing with the By Dr. Jylla Moore Tearte thought of creating a strategic plan and needing all the 20th International President elements of a construct that would become a roadmap for the “Journey to Centennial” in 2020. Honestly, I was stuck on January 16, 2020 and the historical elements that needed to be interwoven into this massive undertaking. TO HONOR THE FOUNDERS became the singular most important goal on the roadmap that was developed. This vision drove the mission and purpose for all that was to be experienced on the journey because I personally knew three of the five Founders of the Sorority and had the privilege of being in their presence on a number of occasions. When I joined Zeta (Continued on page 16)
(Continued from page 15) in 1973 on the campus of Livingstone College, I was always intrigued with why these five women “dared to be different” on the campus of Howard University and not join either of the two established Sororities. It was intriguing to learn about a lovers’ stroll around the reservoir that led not to a marriage proposal but to the establishment in 1920 of a constitutionally bound organization with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, a first among the black Greek letter organizations. I found the story to be fascinating of the women who bonded as sisters to perpetuate the ideals of scholarship, service, sisterhood and finer womanhood.
Growing up in North Carolina, I observed the grace, gravitas influence and service the Zeta women exuded in their daily walk of life. I also thought about the former international presidents, who I had special relationships with 12 of the 24, and what they might envision for Centennial. So, this was more than an assignment. I felt a strong responsibility to commemorate Zeta in a professional, finer and dignified manner. The plan was to memorialize this historic milestone in honor of the Founders and all Zeta women, including my mother, Vera M. Moore. The journey was launched with lasting footprints and memories that will last a lifetime. Special Centennial Moments are reflected upon in this story of the journey to Centennial. Centennial Moments of Finer Womanhood
The “Refine Your Finer Luncheon” held in Orlando, FL, launched global celebrations of the journey. Other Finer Moments included: Celebrating Founders’ Day in Abu Dhabi with 90 members of Zeta in 2017; planting a Zeta banner on the continent of Antarctica in 2018; placing a Centennial prayer in the “Weeping Wall” for Zeta in 2018 in Jerusalem; sipping tea in Tokyo to launch the year of Sisterhood; and, hearing the Centennial Prayer, the Centennial Song and the Centennial Pledge authored by Sorors Rev. Teraleen Campbell, Melissa Walton-Jones and Danielle Green respectively, were pillars in the foundation of the journey. With hats and gloves abundant at these events, Finer Womanhood was uplifted along with “Empowering the Voices of Women” at the Finer Womanhood Empowerment Summit held on Jan. 17, 2020 in Washington, D.C., moderated by April Ryan, news commentator. The commissioned “Empowered Voices” brooch was presented to the panelists along with other distinguished women throughout the world.
A decade fashion show was great entertainment with the release of Chaka Khan’s fashion line, iKahn and St. John’s Sorority Line; the rededication ceremony with the Centennial robes and lights that were gifted to members, along with a ring of five pearls that was worn and adorned many. One-hundred members also were fortunate to obtain the Tiffany Centennial pearls with the Centennial logo affixed, while others secured “The Finer Collection”, a limited, numbered edition of uniquely designed jewelry sets with the Centennial logo that was produced through a partnership with Cerese Jewelry, Inc., a woman-owned minority firm in Atlanta, GA.
Zeta’s truly lived the vision “to be finer in 2020!” Centennial Moments of Scholarship
The final lasting footprint was presented by the Commission to Zeta at the end of 2020. The Centennial Commission deposited $350,000+ into the Zeta IHQ Account as voted on by Boulé 2020 to fund four additional Founder Stemons $100,000 scholarships to join Cayla Withers, the initial recipient. Five $100,000 Scholars in honor of the five Founders. It was fortuitous that Soror Arlene MJ Taylor, signed on as the Centennial Finance Director in 2015, and Soror Melissa Walton-Jones was elected as International Treasurer in 2018 and again in 2020. They remained vigilant in managing the finances of the Centennial and their focus and expertise was critical in the excellent financial stewardship delivery of a professional and wellmanaged Commission. This proved to be a difference maker in the flexibility and agility that the Commission experienced with the unexpected pandemic of 2020 and the resulting refunds of funds to all stakeholders. Zeta paid every bill. This example of “Financial Accountability” matters.
The Founders’ Endowed Scholarship Fund was established at Howard University to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics scholars. A total of $500,000 was contributed to endow the Fund with five major donors investing $15,000+, including: Dr. Marjay D. Anderson, Maxine CJones Bryant, Saniah M. Johnson, Karla D. Munden and Dr. Jylla Moore Tearte, along with 2020 Visionaries and other Friends of Zeta. This lasting footprint celebrates the Found¬ers, who were all Howard scholars. Centennial Moments of Service
The year 2017 was set aside as the year to recognize and demonstrate “World Class Service”, the theme of the 1992–1996 administration. With more than 90 members traveling to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, domestic U.S. sorors joined with the Abu Dhabi chapter and celebrated together at a beautiful dinner on our Founders’ Day. Service projects were conduct-
ed in the UAE while celebrating the global impact of Zeta.
While the pandemic forced the cancellation of participating in the Centennial celebration in South Korea, the spirit of service to our communities and to our country was ever present. January 2020 included more than 13,000 “bundles of warmth” being shared with residents of Washington, D.C., which was captured on the early morning news which invoked a stroll at the airport when the Centennial digital signage was unveiled. Stories of service were at the forefront of the Journey to the Centennial, ever present with Sorors, chapters, states and regions. The Zeta Service Management System, developed by the Commission to monitor service during the Centennial Journey, was later integrated into the reporting process to keep abreast of the impact of service by Zeta, an ideal held in high regard by sorors.
Zeta celebrated annually, a Global Day of Prayer and a Global Day of Service. This embedded period of observation allowed one to be reminded that the Founders on the campus of Howard were known as the “Praying Band”. Zetas continued to “pause, ponder and pray” as the pandemic was navigated. Centennial Moments of Sisterhood
What is most striking about the journey is the realization of the ideal of Sisterhood: sisters who shared the journey, sisters who passed during the journey; and, sisters who only started their journey during the Centennial year or even during the five-year journey. With sisterhood circles established, the bonding stories of the journey are uniquely crafted and remembered. Strengthened through service projects together and even my favorite hobby, travel, I recall placing a Zeta banner and pin on the continent of Antarctica; sipping tea at the Ritz in Tokyo with Sorors; and, tracking individual journeys with creative passport stamps for the three passports that were published.
Sisterhood Teas became a symbol for Centennial with women honored across the world while sharing social graces with youth affiliate organizations, Pearlettes, Amicettes and Archonettes, along with Undergraduate Sorors. Hats, gloves and little hankies became another symbol embodied within the Centennial understanding that Sisterhood is, in fact, “The Heart of It All”.
Of particular note, I was blessed to meet so many wonderful women on the journey. In particular, I acknowledge 2020 Visionaries, especially Founders’ Society ($10,000) and Circle of Pearls ($5,000) level gifts. Their shared belief in the Centennial Journey was demonstrated by their generosity and inspired me to work hard to honor their trust in the Commission. Soror Dorothy King, our first Founders’ Society Donor, proved to be an incredible source of inspiration and who will forever remind me of the beauty and the power of the bond of sisterhood. Zeta. THANK YOU, 2020 VISIONARIES!
Sorors who passed during the Centennial Journey, or at any point subsequent to the first introduction as sisters, particularly caused detours of sadness. While I think of and honor all the triumphant members, including my Mother, Vera M. Moore, former Eastern Regional Director, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge those who had contributed to the journey but passed prior to Founders’ Day 2020. They include Sorors: Past International Presidents Dr. Edith V. Francis and Barbara C. Moore; Dr. Marjay D. Anderson, Frances Elaine Faithful; Amber Pratcher; Karen Walters Blount, Florida State Director; Janet K. Bell; Christine Hart-Wright; and, Dr. Rosie T. Pridgen, former South Central Regional Director. Centennial Moments with the Blue and White Family
Presenting to the Amicae at their 2017 National Leadership meeting resulted in Amicae of the Great Lakes Region contributing $10,000 to the Centennial. This donation along with Phi Beta Sigma’s presentation of $20,200 at their Conclave in 2017 were testimonies to the excitement experienced by the family. The anthology saluting the family was met with great participation and a special opportunity to share stories.
Legacy members were welcomed with great acclaim during the journey along with new Life Members and Honorary Members. The family unit was fortified for the work of Zeta to continue for generations. Founders’ Day Weekend, 2020 and beyond… Our Lasting Footprints
Founders’ Day Weekend, 2020, was truly magical. As the clock struck midnight on the campus of Howard University, hearing the voices of the five Founders in Burr Gym and then seeing the sea of blue and white on “the yard” were Centennial moments that will be forever etched in my mind. I doubt that the Founders imagined such a loving spirit of sisterhood with the pilgrimage back to Howard. Zeta leaves at Howard a Founders’ Monument Plaza in the valley with the names and images of the Founders that replaced the 75th Anniversary Monument. The Lovers’ Stroll (Continued on page 18)
Marker was placed at the entry of the reservoir on the campus of Howard, approved by the Army Corps of Engineers.
The story of Zeta is captured now in a decade documentary, “A Journey through Time”. This animated story explores the rich history of the Sorority as produced by Sorors Angellic Ross, Jorie Goins and Rhonda Lawson. A movie will be released that depicts the major milestones in Zeta that correlate to our country’s history from 1920 – 2020. Books have been published that are available online including an Annual Centennial Report for each year of the journey, 2015-2019; a Devotional: Faith of our Founders; four Anthologies with stories told by members, Sigmas and affiliate groups on the topics of Finer Womanhood, Scholarship, World-Class Service, Sisterhood and the Blue and White Family.
In 2016, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture was opened in Washington, DC. With a major donation in 2015, Zeta’s name is forever etched in stone on the donor wall combining the history of Zeta with the history of African Americans. During the opening celebration, it was a surreal moment to watch Soror Anita Hill, Esq. see her photo for the first time in the Museum. Equally riveting was being in the room dedicated to Dr. Dorothy Height and the National Council of Negro Women with Alexis Herman, former U. S. Labor Secretary and NCNW Chair.
In 2018, another memorable moment is attending the first Women’s Summit sponsored by the NMAAHC, when Oprah shared on stage the words of Maya Angelou, 10,000 to the 10th degree… that later became the vision for the attendance of the June 2020 celebration. Indeed, 10,000 would have attended had it not been for the unforeseen, untenable, unimaginable Pandemic that crippled the world.
The NMAAHC is another home for Zeta in Washington, DC. We christened the “Corona” and shared our crowns by standing in the midst of the Museum on the night of January 16, 2020 at an exquisite, “finer” reception befitting of our organization of Finer Women. The dream was planted early on in the Journey to Centennial and was a provocative evening to experience with the ongoing commitment to the Museum through the establishment of a Centennial Endowed Fund to support the operation of the Museum.
“Their Eyes Envisioned Finer Women” is an art installation of bronze busts of the Founders with their most cited quote at the International Headquarters Office. I love this footprint and recall walking into the studio of the artist in Massachusetts as we first plotted the vision. A video recording was captured as the busts were unveiled which brought the dream to reality. It is certainly a stunning and impressive salute to the Founders.
Donor plaques are housed on walls at IHQ thanking Commission major contributors and 2020 major donors. For each of the Founders, markers were placed at their burial sites and tributes conducted at their birthplace. Of particular note were: the Hannibal, Missouri Marker honoring Founder Stemons; a park shelter and marker in Springfield, Ohio at Eden Park honoring Founders Faithful and Goings; the Bench in Charlotte, NC remembering Founder Neal; and, streets named for Founder Watts in Brooklyn, NY and Founder Stemons in Philadelphia, PA. The Journey Continues
There are now several footprints and many stories that were left in the history books that tell the story of “The Journey to Centennial”. They commemorate the accomplishments of the journey. There was no single destination, but many markers along the way with new stops and detours that collectively depicted five years of leading this magnificent once-in-a-lifetime celebration. These were opportunities fulfilled through the passion and determination of members of the Centennial Commission who worked tirelessly to bring the journey to life. From zero seed money to $16 million, our vision was funded with believers in the Centennial vision who included 2020 Visionaries who donated $50 to $10,000; sponsors and partners who joined in the shared vision; and, members and guests anxious to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
When thoughts of the 2020 Centennial come to mind decades and centuries from now, I trust that a portrait will be of the work that our sisterhood continues to “get engaged” in with the Centennial examples for continued inspiration. I pray that we will continue to be stewards of our houses by the side of the road in communities across the globe. I hope that the bond of sisterhood will continue to be a reflection when we look into the eyes of the Founders on the Bronze Busts and ponder if we live up to the installations’ name: “Their Eyes Envisioned Finer Women”. Many will stand in close proximity to the wax figures of the Founders when they visit the Great Blacks in Wax Museum and hopefully be renewed to serve.
I will forever ask: What must Zeta continue to
do to be of service and to live up to the principles
established for the sisterhood? We must always HONOR the vision of OUR FOUNDERS!
Soror Kim Sawyer waves to the crowd, followed by Past International Presidents Barbara West Carpenter and Mary Breaux Wright during the Centennial celebration at Howard University.
What Centennial Means to Me: My Perspective
By Kim D. Sawyer
Centennial Commission Vice Chair
When soror Kim D. Sawyer received the call from International Grand Basileus Valerie Hollingsworth Baker with a request to serve as the Centennial Vice Chair, she was excited. She knew that she would have a significant task on her hands. During the initial meeting, soror Sawyer knew that Grand Val had a vision for Centennial.
“The challenge was integrating different styles and personalities,” said soror Sawyer. “However, we realized our collective purpose was to make this the best Centennial that it could be for our Founders, members and guests. We wanted the Centennial to be an EPIC celebration that will be remembered and talked about for years to come. We wanted to leave lasting footprints that honored our Founders. And so, we came together and started building on the plans already in place.”
As the Centennial Vice Chair, soror Sawyer oversaw many of the lasting footprints to include the Founders’ Bronze Bust, the Centennial Monument, the Lovers’ Stroll Plaque and the making of the Lovers’ Stroll video.
“Watching the creation of the Founders’ Bronze Busts through every phase was just magical. A visit with the designer right before bronzing of the bust left me speechless. The details that went into crafting every Founders’ feature were phenomenal. The unveiling of the final product at our International Headquarters was heart-warming. The look in the Founders’ eyes tells the story of how they envisioned an organization made up of Finer Women.”
Working with the Centennial Commission and the Monument designers was a special moment for soror Sawyer. Their vision was to have a Monument and plaza with seating that would last for another 100 years, a place where sorors can gather and enjoy with pride. The Centennial Commission and sorors thought that the final product was breathtaking.
Strategically situated across from Howard University near the Lovers’ Stroll reservoir, The Lovers’ Stroll Plaque represents the beginning of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and our constitutional bond with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. The reenactment of the Lovers’ Stroll portrayed by the Zeta and Sigma undergraduates at Howard University was done with meticulous details by the production company to capture that moment’s essence.
“I enjoyed every aspect of planning the Centennial Celebration. My favorite event was the Founders’ Day Luncheon Fashion Show, as I was part of a small team of dedicated and determined sorors who planned the
event. Hard work went into that event, from finding designers, models, and vocalists down to the decorations that would capture the vision,” said soror Sawyer. “Kudos to sorors Vanessa Arnold, Santita Mitchell, Felicia Orr, and Tenisha Campbell Holloway, who pulled off the Centennial’s highest-rated event.”
Another highlight of the January celebration was the Bundle of Warmth Centennial Service Project. Zeta donated 13,000 bundles of blankets, scarves, and hats to Martha’s Table, a non-profit organization and active charity and volunteer center that helps Washington, DC residents who are in need.
“I cannot say enough about the work that went into this project from the chapter donations to the packaging by the Z-HOPE Team and Grand Val. We showed the world the reason Zeta exists – to serve,” said soror Sawyer.
The anticipation leading up to the January Centennial was high. The closer we got to the date, the more excited soror Sawyer became.
“I could feel it because I know the sorors who contributed to the January Centennial Celebration planning did it with love,” said soror Sawyer. “The media coverage, the billboards, and Zeta signage in the train stations and airports around the country kicked-off the celebration and announced to the world; the Zetas Are Coming! The Pilgrimage to Howard, the Wreath Laying Ceremonies in Honor of our Founders, the Centennial Experience, the program, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Founders Luncheon Fashion Show, the Bundle of Warmth Centennial Service Project, the Sisterhood Into-the-Night Denim and Pearls Party, the Centennial Brunch, the Finer Womanhood Summit and finally, the Founders’ Gala collectively made our January Centennial Celebration EPIC!”
Not long after the January Centennial Celebration, soror Sawyer and the rest of the Centennial Commission were expecting unprecedented times as the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact the world.
“We had a feeling in February and March that the COVID-19 pandemic was going to impact the June Centennial Celebration. So, we prepared ourselves to switch gears from our normal plans for the June Centennial Celebration,” said soror Sawyer. “It broke my heart knowing that some sorors and auxiliary members who were not able to celebrate with us in January would not have the opportunity to attend the June Centennial Celebration because of the pandemic.”
Despite the broken hearts from the cancellation of the June Centennial Celebration and the postponement of our Grand Boulé, sorors embraced the challenges. They continued honoring our Five Pearls and being Finer while doing it. “Although we had to pivot because of the pandemic, all was not lost. Grand Val was determined to celebrate in June,” said soror Sawyer. “Sorors were honored throughout the Year in Review Virtual event.”
“I want to thank the International Centennial President, Valerie Hollingsworth Baker, for bestowing the honor on me to serve as Centennial Vice Chair. I am grateful to the Centennial Commission, to our sponsors, and Centennial Committees who helped plan the Centennial,” said soror Sawyer.
Despite the challenges, soror Sawyer and the Centennial Commission displayed excellent leadership throughout the journey, and we are proud to honor our Founders while doing so.
“As someone who has always been proud of Zeta, it was heartwarming to watch it all unfold and to see sorors’ joy during the January Centennial Celebration and the June Virtual Events,” said soror Sawyer. “In 1920, our Founders came together to fill a void on Howard’s campus and in their community. It is the responsibility of each of us to keep our Founders’ vision and legacy alive.”
Zeta Proud to Honor our Five Founders
By Dr. Mary Breaux Wright, 24th International President
More than 50 years ago, I was humbled and honored to become a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; but one of my greatest joys has been serving the sorority as we prepared to celebrate our Centennial milestone! While 2020 was our Epic year, the hard work began years prior. With the appointment of Dr. Jylla Moore Tearte as the 2020 Centennial Chair in 2015, the sorority officially launched its journey to 100 years. The dedication of Dr. Tearte and her phenomenal team allowed Zeta to showcase our Founders and sorority in trailblazing ways, including our $250,000 donation to the National Museum for African American History and Culture and our Centennial monument on the campus of Howard University.
As we began the journey, focusing on the business of Zeta was paramount to ensuring we were on solid footing to step into our next century. We paid off the mortgage and completed the rebuild of our International Headquarters; launched signature initiatives focusing on seniors and students. We expanded Zeta’s reach through chartering more than 100 chapters and auxiliaries, including chapters in the United Arab Emirates, England, Trinidad and Tobago, Belgium, and the sorority’s first international Zeta Amicae Auxiliary in Brussels. We also launched the sorority’s anti-hazing initiative, Finer Women Don’t Haze. To broaden our reach, we launched to sorority’s social media platforms and updated the sorority’s website. We also increased the rigor of the Zeta Organizational Leadership program, launching retreats for the undergraduates and our Amicae; and updated the majority of our governing documents, including the National Handbook and Torchbearers of a Legacy.
We also made sure the world knew Zeta Phi Beta was about Service! We strengthened our current community partnerships with organizations such as the March of Dimes; and created new partnerships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We launched our Get Engaged TM Social Action initiative and hosted numerous town-hall events focusing on the portrayal of African Americans in the media, increasing the number of talented women having a seat at our political tables and our right to have quality health care. We also launched a strong military initiative with partnerships and donations to Operation Homefront and Women Veterans ROCK! We also gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to worthy students through scholarships and grants.
Past President Mary Breaux Wright surprises the audience and models during the Founders’ Lunch and Fashion Show.
I am even more Zeta Proud with how we showcased our SISTERHOOD! We made it our mission to honor all Five Founders and the Triumphant Past Grand Basilei through ceremonies, signature events and lasting tributes such as benches, headstones, markers and museum installations. We celebrated chapter and auxiliary milestones, including the Zeta Amicae’s 60th Anniversary!
Of course, we can’t forget moving our 2014 Grand Boulé to Washington, D.C. to celebrate the Centennial of our Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, and their generous donation to our celebration!
I am grateful for that Lovers’ Stroll around the reservoir. I am grateful for our trailblazing Founders – Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings and Fannie Pettie Watts. I am grateful for every hug, every laugh and every tear shared with me as your 24th International Grand Basileus.
As we embark on our next 100 years, may we continue to serve For the Love of Zeta.
The Centennial reflected on our Founding Principles: Scholarship – The study of our rich history and remarkable past as we prepare for our amazing future; Service –Learning from those who came before us and embracing the new innovations of those who came after us; Sisterhood – For 100 years we have advanced sisterhood with the spirit of Sisterly Love like no other organization has and we’ve been Finer Women doing it!
Scholarship, Service and Sisterhood
By Sheryl Underwood
23rd International President
As the 23rd International Grand Basileus of our illustrious organization, I am truly blessed, honored and humbled to be a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Our Centennial has allowed us to celebrate our history all the way back to when Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., envisioned having a “Sister” sorority. Our Brothers had the vision, our Pearls completed the vision. That is why the Sigma/Zeta bond is Unbreakable! The Centennial reflected on our Founding Principles: Scholarship – The study of our rich history and remarkable past as we prepare for our amazing future; Service – Learning from those who came before us and embracing the new innovations of those who came after us; Sisterhood – For 100 years we have advanced sisterhood with the spirit of Sisterly Love like no other organization has and we’ve been Finer Women doing it! It is a blessing from God that each one of us was allowed to witness our Centennial. And though our Centennial year has been challenging with the pandemic and racial unrest, through it all Zeta has been resilient and ever present as we continue to serve our communities. May God continue to bless and keep our great Sisterhood as we journey forward to the next 100 years.
Past President Sheryl Underwood is one of Zeta’s only four living past presidents.
Thankful for Our Centennial Celebration
By Barbara West Carpenter 21st International President
As the 21st International Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., I never thought that I would live to see the Centennial. I was excited to see our great sorority reach the pinnacle of 100 years. As a politician, being a member of Louisiana House State of Representatives representing District 63, Zeta’s Centennial came at a time when we were also celebrating 100 years of the women’s suffrage movement, with the 19th amendment giving women the right vote. I often wondered, what were the Founders thinking as they were preparing to organize a new organization given the climate of the day. I am sure in the early beginning; they were in the trenches fighting with other organizations for racial and civil rights, thus thinking of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority as a socially conscious and active organization, thus laying out the groundwork for us today. Ironically despite progress, Black women were not granted the right to vote until I graduated from college in 1965. Unfortunately, while our Centennial was challenged with the COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustices, I was even more thankful that I attended the January Centennial Celebration. I was looking forward to experiencing more reverence given to the Founders in a serious and serene atmosphere versus the occasion of our Centennial being primarily celebrated in a party atmosphere.
One hundred years for any organization is something to be celebrated and our Founders would have been proud that the Sorority continued to honor the precepts of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood... Although the unexpected pandemic changed the course of history around the world and for our June Centennial extravaganza, it was wonderful that we were able to celebrate the opening of our Centennial at the January event.
With All My Sisterly Love
By Mercedes Alexander National Meeting Planner
My Dearest Sorors — As the National Meeting Planner for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., it was exciting to be involved with the planning of such a momentous and historic event. One hundred years for any organization is something to be celebrated and our Founders would have been proud that the Sorority continued to honor the precepts of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood. It was a blessing that I had the opportunity to live and see it.
This celebration was truly a cherished moment for me knowing that in my lifetime, I would see Zeta celebrate 100 years of service. I have cherished for years the gifts given by Zeta for its 50th and 75th anniversaries passed on to me by my mother, Triumphant Soror Mable Boswell Mitchell. It was with anticipation that I was looking forward to the Centennial 2020 gift that could be passed on to my legacy.
Although the unexpected pandemic changed the course of history around the world and for our June Centennial extravaganza, it was wonderful that we were able to celebrate the opening of our Centennial at the January event. The Centennial Commission Planning Team worked extremely hard to make every experience an Epic event. The Founders would have been amazed as to how far we have come and the milestones we reached through Zeta’s 100 years.
Thank you very much my Sisters, for blessing me with the opportunity to serve as your National Meeting Planner for a total of 13 years under three Administrations. It truly has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life.
God is good, time is swift, but Zeta love has proven to be everlasting……
