A Legacy in 100 Years: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

By Mariah Muhammad

Internationally diverse and dedicated to scholarship, service, and sisterhood, the women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. have always been destined for greatness. 

Founded in 1920, The eXquisite Xi Gamma chapter-members of this African-American sorority have been decked out in their white-and-blues for just over 50 years. 

Maria Edmondson, a third-year social work major, is just one of the newest batch of Zetas to cross this year, and after a copious amount of research, she says it was their values that sealed the deal. 

“They were the most welcoming group of people I had met,” Edmondson says. “I really felt like I was already striving for these [principles] on my way, and if I were to strive for them in a sisterhood, then the journey would be so much better.” 

Collectively referred to as the Divine Nine by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, sororities like Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sigma Gamma Rho, and even Delta Sigma Theta, have long held sway among Ohio State’s Greek population. 

Last year Zeta Phi Beta celebrated their centennial, and for some, the sorority experience was made even more personal. 

“Knowing the history behind the time period of when Zeta was founded, which was during women’s suffrage, makes it even more significant,” Edmondson says. “Crossing during this year serves as living proof that Zeta’s achievements are only going to get greater.” 

Although she had no expectations before joining, Edmondson believes that the one principle that makes Zeta Phi Beta so different from other sororities is their dedication to finer womanhood. 

“We hold ourselves to a very high standard, within our personal and professional lives,” she says. “We are constantly seeking ways to better our community.” 

And in order to serve that community, the Zetas have had to get creative.

From teaching Ohio State students and faculty how to construct masks at home, to explaining what you can do to help control the pandemic, events like “Kiki with the Zetas’,” and “Mask On,” are just a few examples of their recent service. 

Zeta Phi Beta also holds informationals to teach new recruits the history, policies, and procedures necessary to sorority membership. The process even allows potential members to participate in activities while in safe environments. 

According to Zeta Phi Beta’s website, the sorority holds a strict policy against hazing, dangerous initiation ceremonies that many Greek organizations are known for, boasting that ‘finer women don't haze.’ 

Edmondson’s own advice for someone thinking of joining a sorority boils down to making the right decision, for the right reasons. One of the most important reasons she chose to pursue a relationship with the Zetas is because of her passion for service. 

“As a future social worker, I have always strived to make my community better,” Edmondson says. “I want to try and continue to do my best to do service so my community can continue to grow and thrive.”

For more information on the NPHC and Greek life, visit http://org.osu.edu/nationalpan-helleniccouncil/about/