Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Psi Psi Zeta Chapter
Chicago, Illinois
NATIONAL HISTORY
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded January 16, 1920, at Howard University, Washington, D.C. five coeds Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, and Fannie Pettie Watts envisioned a sorority which would directly affect positive change, chart a course of action for the 1920s and beyond, raise consciousness of their people, encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement, and foster a greater sense of unity among its members. These women believed that sorority elitism and socializing overshadowed the real mission for progressive organizations and failed to address fully the societal mores, ills, prejudices, and poverty affecting humanity in general and the black community in particular.
Since its inception, Zeta has continued its steady climb into the national spotlight with programs designed to demonstrate concern for the human condition both nationally and been innovative in that it has chronicled a number of firsts. It was the first National Pan-Hellenic Council organization to centralize its operations in a national headquarters, first to charter a chapter in Africa, first to form auxiliary groups, and first to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. The sorority takes pride in its continued participation in transforming communities through volunteer services from members and its auxiliaries. Zeta Phi Beta has chartered hundreds of chapters worldwide and has a membership of 100,000+.
Zeta‘s national and local programs include the endowment of its National Educational Foundation community outreach services and support of multiple affiliate organizations. Zeta chapters and auxiliaries 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.
As the sorority moves toward its centennial, it retains its original zest for excellence. It espouses the highest academic ideals and that has resulted in its members serving in groundbreaking roles in all fields of endeavor. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is poised for perpetual service to mankind into her second century and beyond.
For more information please visit the national website at www.zphib1920.org.
CHAPTER HISTORY
On June 15, 2011, Psi Psi Zeta was chartered by twenty-two women with the common goal of upholding the values of our illustrious organization within the Chicagoland area. Psi Psi Zeta Chapter consist of college educated women with very diverse backgrounds that has come together to uphold the values of our sisterhood. As a community conscious chapter, Psi Psi Zeta has continue to serve in our neighborhoods and form relationships with like minded groups with the same common goals.
Psi Psi Zeta Chapter provides community service on the South and West side of the Chicagoland area by partnering with two Chicago Public Schools-Bouchet International School and Piccolo School of Excellence, Imagine Englewood, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Cradles to Crayon, Annual Christmas Toy Drive with the People's Church of the Harvest COGIC, Breast Cancer Awareness, Domestic Violence Awareness, and Prematurity Awareness.
We are a group of women organized as Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Psi Psi Zeta Chapter bound by our founding principles: Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. In 2018, Psi Psi Zeta Chapter established the "Service and Success" Scholarship award in honor of our Past Illinois State Director and Charter Member Barbara Banks-Hayes for young ladies that are graduating from any high schools within the Chicagoland and its surrounding areas.