Beta Zeta Chapter History

Beta Zeta Chapter was chartered in Washington, D.C. on February 20, 1925 as the sorority’s 2nd oldest graduate chapter by women of foresight and purpose. Sorors Georgie E. Sheffey Johnson, Emma H. Askew Parker, Rachael Guy Moore, Mary H. Plummer, Lucy W. Kiddrick, Isabel G. Walker and Justine T. Maloney were the chapter pearls.

Since its propitious inception, the members of the chapter have always promoted worthy causes such as women's suffrage issues; human and civil rights; economic empowerment opportunities; abolition of racial discrimination and prejudice; scholastic achievements; and accomplishments and efforts in academic and technical sciences, creative and performing arts, and humanities.  Over the decades, Beta Zeta Chapter has established a rich heritage and legacy of excellence continuing to maintain the highest standards of Scholarship, Sisterhood, Service, and the ideal of Finer Womanhood.

Community outreach programs and projects have always been the hallmark of effective chapter efforts throughout the decades. The chapter membership has advocated the efforts of action-oriented groups and agencies, including the YWCA, NAACP, Urban League, Red Cross, Women's Commission, March of Dimes, UNCF, NCNW, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the Iona Whipper Home.

The chapter has consistently won numerous awards and recognitions for noteworthy projects that have enriched and enhanced the lives of citizens in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Current signature programs include sponsorship of the Stork's Nest to help low income pregnant women; annual Finer Womanhood public program to recognize the achievements of outstanding members of the community; annual scholarships; and additional ongoing service programs through its Z-HOPE™ (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) initiative.

Beta Zeta Chapter serves as the sponsor for three local undergraduate chapters: Alpha Chapter at Howard University; Kappa Alpha Chapter at the University of the District of Columbia; and Sigma Pi Chapter, a citywide chapter that encompasses members from American, Catholic, Georgetown, and Trinity Washington Universities.