Zeta Phi Beta Celebrates 96-Year Anniversary Today

ST. CROIX — One day following the celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s 108-year anniversary by the St. Croix and St. Thomas chapters, another sisterhood, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s local chapter, issued a press release announcing its 96th year of existence, with celebrations set to take place today.

According to the release, Zeta Phi Beta was founded January 16, 1920 at Howard University by five trailblazing women. Their belief was that the social nature of sorority life should not overshadow the real mission for progressive organizations. The international organization’s 125,000+ initiated members, operating in more than 850 chapters, have given millions of voluntary hours to educate the public, provide scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change.

When Zeta populated the United States Virgin Islands in 1987, their main focus was to ensure that their community concerns were also addressed. Being a community-conscious, action-oriented organization, the members have demonstrated an interest in serving their community by anticipating their needs meanwhile initiating various outreach efforts, and through this, has made numerous charitable contributions while promoting the founding precepts of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood, the release adds.

With a backdrop of sandy beaches with crystal blue waters, the sorority has two very active chapters on St. Croix: Nu Chi Zeta Graduate Chapter and Chi Rho Undergraduate Chapter at the University of the Virgin Islands. Nu Chi Zeta Chapter President, Etta Mitchell says that, “The work of a service organization is sometimes a thankless one, but it warms our heart to know that we have made an impact, even if it is with just one person.”

The release concludes by stating that Zeta Phi Beta has a history of supporting community members throughout all spectrum of life, to include the tiny ones that are born too soon, the homeless population, and the wise and seasoned members of our community. The chapters have also collaborated with several reputable local organizations, helping citizens to make healthy lifestyle choices, and has received numerous awards and recognition for their efforts in the community.

As they begin their journey to the Centennial in 2020, the chapters will continue to grow with intentions of keeping at the forefront of their goals of inspiring and assisting the community.