Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. on 16 January 1920. We were the third sorority to be founded on Howard’s campus in the span of 15 years during a period in American history when Black communities were routinely, systemically, and incorrectly judged by skin colour rather than character, intelligence, or ability.

Our 5 founders, ranging in ages from 19 to 21 years of age, came together to establish an organisation of like‑minded women committed to:
-Supporting and promoting education as a pathway to pursue upward socio-economic mobility.
-Identifying and addressing their community's needs through direct service, especially to those denied equitable access to the educational opportunities they were fortunate to have.
-Building a lasting sisterhood where women could confide in, work alongside, and encourage one another in their efforts.

Over time, through the work of our members and countless others, the social context in which we were founded evolved, and in turn - the nature of our work has evolved over time to meet current needs while staying true to our principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.