Sorority marks its 104th year
Epsilon Zeta Zeta and Beta Beta chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. recently held their Founders’ Day observance to commemorate the sorority’s 104th anniversary.
The sorority was founded Jan. 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
“Since its inception, the sorority has continued to promote education by encouraging the highest standards of scholarship through scientific, literary, cultural and educational programs; promote charitable programs that provide voluntary service outreach; fund scholarships; support organized charities; and promote legislation for social and civic change,” according to a news release.
The observance was held at Damascus Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. Observance activities began with worship service that included the chapter’s youth auxiliaries: Amicettes and Pearlettes; and members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Gamma Psi Sigma Chapter, the constitutionally bound brothers of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
Participants collected baby items for a local agency as a community service activity that was part of the chapter’s Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) project for January.
This year’s theme for the observance program was “Embrace the Extraordinary: Commemorating the Milestones.” The chapter highlighted Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter’s 70th year as a chartered chapter that included a special ceremony for Anthonette Akins to commemorate her 70th year as a member of the chapter.
Special recognition was given to members of the sorority known as Zetas Crystal Doves, distinguished women who have been members of Zeta Phi Beta for 50 years or more. The Crystal Doves of Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter honored were: Anthonette Akins, Picola Anderson, Shirley Bruce, Mattie Glover, Lula Gray, Florentine Humphrey, Viola Ellison, Jewell Walker, Anola Byers, and Bonnie Dedrick.
Program participants were: M. Shayla Evans, Arkansas State Director; Nastassia Merriweather, president of Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter; Destiny Guillory, president of Beta Beta Chapter; Anissa Buckner, South Central Regional parliamentarian; Bobbie Bridges, Ollie King, Kashaunda Smith, Sharon Alexander, Latosha Simmons, and Este Frazier, members of Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter.