Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, incorporated

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University, Washington, D.C. The Klan was active during this period, and the Harlem Renaissance was acknowledged as the first important movement of Black artists and writers in the U.S. This same year the Volstead Act became effective, heralding the start of Prohibition and Tennessee delivered the crucial 36th ratification for the final adoption of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote. The worst and longest economic recession to hit the U.S. would define the end of the decade-The Great Depression. 

Within this environment, five coeds envisioned a sorority that would directly affect positive change, chart a course of action for the 1920s and beyond, raise people’s consciousness, 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 of 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 internationally. The organization has been innovative because it has chronicled several 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, Incorporated. 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 the 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 social and civic change legislation. 

On February 6, 1984, Mu Rho Zeta graduate chapter was chartered. But did you know Mu Rho Zeta chapter was originally known as Epsilon Upsilon Zeta chartered in the early 1960’s remaining active throughout the early 1970’s. 

Sorors Ruth Travis, Beatrice Neely, Anne Elam and Annie Bowman were among the original charter members of Epsilon Upsilon Zeta chapter.     

Early in 1983 Sorors in the Akron area met to discuss the reactivation of Epsilon Upsilon Zeta. The following Sorors participated in the reinstatement of the chapter: Triumphant Soror Ruth Travis, Ellen O. Goggins, Mary J Parnell, Debra Stroud, Anita Dowdell, Jean King, Dianna Butler, Mel Causey, Thelma Boyd, Linda Broaddus (Woodson), Triumphant Gayle Ward (Walker) and Antoinette Bell. 

Since the reactivation of the chapter along with the name change from Epsilon Upsilon Zeta to Mu Rho Zeta, we have hosted three state conferences, sponsored an Amicae Chapter (1993- 1997), participated in various community services events, awarded scholarships to area students, while continuing to grow the chapter. 

Chapter Information:

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated -Mu Rho Zeta Chapter 

P.O. Box 382

Akron, Ohio 44309

Email: murhozeta1920@yahoo.com

website: www.murhozeta.com

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