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Zeta Phi Beta was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia on March 30, 1923. The incorporators were Sorors Myrtle Tyler, Gladys Warrington, Joanna Houston, Josephine Johnson, and Goldie Smith.

The objectives of finer womanhood, sisterly love, and scholarship have brought together women from all parts of the country- women who have similar tastes and aspirations, similar potentialities for highest attainments, and similar desires for concerted action which will bring results in removing or blocking movements intended to retard the growth and progress of this group of women, especially in the field of academic and literary attainments.

The membership of Zeta Phi Beta includes women in the professions of medicine, law, dentistry, pharmacy, the fine arts, invention, music, painting, teaching, and other fields of higher learning. These women have become an integral part of the community life of the country and have interested themselves in civic and social betterment throughout the world. Wherever adverse legislation affecting minority groups has been proposed Zeta Phi Beta has been active in making its voice heard in protestation and appeal for fair play, in telegrams, letters to congressmen and senators, and public protest meetings and through membership in the American Council on Human Rights. Zeta has been outstanding in carrying its share of community relief work, in participation in voluntary services, in contributing to organized charity, as well as in granting scholarships and fellowships to deserving women students.

The sorority sponsors a national juvenile delinquency project which functions throughout the United States. Different aspects have been highlighted through special projects such as: Foster Home Care, Youth Conferences, Vocational Guidance Clinics, Tinker Shops, and the development of youth groups. There is a six-point African project jointly sponsored by the chapters in America and Africa. In such a way, better understanding has been developed between the two continents.

As a non-profit corporation incorporated in Washington, D.C. and also in the state of Illinois, the sorority is supported only by annual dues paid by its members for operating expenses. Scholarships are donated annually from a special fund contributed by chapter members.

Since Soror Arizona Cleaver, there have been fifteen national (or international) presidents: Soror Myrtle Tyler-Faithful, Joanna Houston-Ransom, Nellie Buchanan, Dr. S. Evelyn Lewis, Ruth Tappe-Scruggs, Fannie R. Givens, Violette Anderson, Nellie Rogers, Edith Lyons, Blanche Thompson, Lullelia W. Harrison, Dr. Nancy Bullock McGhee, Dr. Deborah Cannon Wolfe and Mildred C. Bradham. 

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