National History

 

The year 1920...start of a new decade shortly after World War One and a time of great prosperity for the United States.  This decade was known as the "Roaring 20s", bringing out new looks as well as new issues for the community of color.  The Klan was very active during this period. On the bright side, The Harlem Renaissanse emerged, discovering a multitude of black artists and writers across the US.  Also during this decade, the 19th Amendment was finally adopted, allowing women the right to vote.

 

Within the decade of numerous events, including the ones mentioned, the dovely colors of royal blue and pure white developed a deeper meaning.  It was January 16, 1920 when Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded, abiding by the simple belief that sorority elitism and socializing should not overshadow the real mission for progressive organizations- to address social mores, ills, prejudices, and health concerns of the day.  The idea was conceived by five coeds at Howard University in Washington, D.C.: Arizona Cleaver Stemmons, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, Fannie Pettie Watts, and Pearl Anna Neal.  These dovely ladies dared to depart from traditional coalitions for black women and sought to establish a new organization, based off of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.  These five attributes are the sorority's five main principles with Scholarship always being first.