Dr. Eunice S. Thomas Honored in Centennial Exhibit

By Jean Jones

Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter

In honor of Zeta’s 100th year of service, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter in Columbus, GA displayed a Zeta exhibit at the Columbus Public Library in the Genealogy department during Black History Month. The chapter’s Zeta Amicae helped create the exhibit and worked diligently throughout this entire process.

The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting took place on Feb. 9, 2020, and included a reception. The theme, Embracing Our History—Centennial and Beyond, featured 19th International President Triumphant Dr. Eunice S. Thomas, who was also a member of this chapter. The exhibit documented the chapter’s local history, including Sigma Brother Dr. S. P. Charleston, who felt that a sister organization was needed in keeping with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.’s founding history. Therefore, Brother Charleston sought to locate Zetas living in the Columbus area and mentored them through the process of obtaining a charter. These five ladies, Erma Abercrombie, Ruth Barnett, Gwendolyn Earl, Elizabeth Leonard and Pongee Threatt, chartered as founding members of Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter on June 17, 1954.

This chapter, rich with history, mentored sorors who became National, Regional and State Officers. Seventh Georgia State Director, Malinda Stovall, 11th Southeastern Regional Director, Triumphant Dr. Eunice S. Thomas, Regional and State Amicae Coordinator, Mary StrozierWeaver, and M. Marlene Sharpe, Regional Tamias Grammateus are just a few of the members who advanced to leadership positions from Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter. The exhibit included artifacts that documented Zeta’s history internationally.