Our Founders: The Five Pearls
The Birth of a Movement
On January 16, 1920, five visionary women at Howard University established Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated—not merely as another Greek organization, but as a transformative movement. During a time when the Ku Klux Klan was active, the Harlem Renaissance was emerging, and women had just gained the right to vote, these pioneering women envisioned something revolutionary.
To our Five Pearls, Zeta represented more than membership in an organization—it embodied a commitment to Service, Scholarship, Sisterly Love, and Finer Womanhood. They believed that sorority life should transcend social gatherings and address the pressing societal challenges facing humanity, particularly within the Black community. This founding vision continues to inspire Zetas worldwide to uphold the ideals established by these remarkable trailblazers.
The founding concept originated during a conversation between Charles Robert Samuel Taylor of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Arizona Cleaver, who then shared the vision with Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler, Viola Tyler, and Fannie Pettie. Together, these strong, principled women—characterized by their modesty, strength of character, and dedication to academic excellence—laid a worthy foundation for our illustrious Sorority.
To our Five Pearls, Zeta represented more than membership in an organization—it embodied a commitment to Service, Scholarship, Sisterly Love, and Finer Womanhood. They believed that sorority life should transcend social gatherings and address the pressing societal challenges facing humanity, particularly within the Black community. This founding vision continues to inspire Zetas worldwide to uphold the ideals established by these remarkable trailblazers.
The founding concept originated during a conversation between Charles Robert Samuel Taylor of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Arizona Cleaver, who then shared the vision with Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler, Viola Tyler, and Fannie Pettie. Together, these strong, principled women—characterized by their modesty, strength of character, and dedication to academic excellence—laid a worthy foundation for our illustrious Sorority.
Arizona Cleaver Stemons
First President of Alpha Chapter & First National President
Arizona Cleaver served as the inaugural president of Alpha Chapter at Howard University and became Zeta Phi Beta's first National President. After completing graduate and post-graduate studies in social work, Founder Stemons dedicated herself to expanding the Sorority's reach, chartering numerous undergraduate and graduate chapters throughout the United States. Her leadership and vision established the organizational framework that would guide Zeta's growth for generations.
First President of Alpha Chapter & First National President
Arizona Cleaver served as the inaugural president of Alpha Chapter at Howard University and became Zeta Phi Beta's first National President. After completing graduate and post-graduate studies in social work, Founder Stemons dedicated herself to expanding the Sorority's reach, chartering numerous undergraduate and graduate chapters throughout the United States. Her leadership and vision established the organizational framework that would guide Zeta's growth for generations.
Pearl Anna Neal
Pioneer in Music Education
After graduating from Howard University's Conservatory of Music, Founder Neal pursued advanced studies at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. In 1938, she became the first Black woman in New York to earn a master's degree in music from Columbia University. An extraordinarily accomplished musician, Founder Neal devoted her career to music education, teaching in North Carolina public schools and serving as director of music majors at Teachers College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Her achievements demonstrated the high standards of excellence Zeta women would embody.
Pioneer in Music Education
After graduating from Howard University's Conservatory of Music, Founder Neal pursued advanced studies at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. In 1938, she became the first Black woman in New York to earn a master's degree in music from Columbia University. An extraordinarily accomplished musician, Founder Neal devoted her career to music education, teaching in North Carolina public schools and serving as director of music majors at Teachers College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Her achievements demonstrated the high standards of excellence Zeta women would embody.
Myrtle Tyler Faithful
Second National President
Myrtle Tyler served as the second National President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and was the blood sister of fellow Founder Viola Tyler. A dedicated educator, Founder Tyler taught high school mathematics and English while maintaining active membership in Alpha Zeta Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland. She once reflected on the Sorority's foundation, stating her belief that no organization could have been established on principles more meaningful to the Founders' hearts. Her leadership helped ensure the permanence and growth of the organization during its formative years.
Second National President
Myrtle Tyler served as the second National President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and was the blood sister of fellow Founder Viola Tyler. A dedicated educator, Founder Tyler taught high school mathematics and English while maintaining active membership in Alpha Zeta Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland. She once reflected on the Sorority's foundation, stating her belief that no organization could have been established on principles more meaningful to the Founders' hearts. Her leadership helped ensure the permanence and growth of the organization during its formative years.
Viola Tyler Goings
Champion of Education and Community
Viola Tyler graduated from Howard University with a teaching degree and a major in mathematics. She dedicated many years to teaching in Ohio while remaining deeply involved in community affairs. Founder Tyler articulated the Sorority's inclusive vision, expressing that in the ideal collegiate environment, "there is a Zeta in a girl regardless of race, creed, or color, who has high standards and principles, a good scholarly average and an active interest in all things that she undertakes to accomplish". Her philosophy helped shape Zeta's commitment to excellence and community engagement.
Champion of Education and Community
Viola Tyler graduated from Howard University with a teaching degree and a major in mathematics. She dedicated many years to teaching in Ohio while remaining deeply involved in community affairs. Founder Tyler articulated the Sorority's inclusive vision, expressing that in the ideal collegiate environment, "there is a Zeta in a girl regardless of race, creed, or color, who has high standards and principles, a good scholarly average and an active interest in all things that she undertakes to accomplish". Her philosophy helped shape Zeta's commitment to excellence and community engagement.
Fannie Pettie Watts
Educator and Chapter Builder
Fannie Pettie graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education and devoted her career to teaching in junior and senior high schools in Savannah, Georgia. Founder Watts played a crucial role in expanding the Sorority, receiving credit for organizing two additional Zeta chapters. She maintained active membership in Delta Alpha Zeta Chapter, exemplifying the lifelong commitment to sisterhood that defines Zeta women.
Educator and Chapter Builder
Fannie Pettie graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education and devoted her career to teaching in junior and senior high schools in Savannah, Georgia. Founder Watts played a crucial role in expanding the Sorority, receiving credit for organizing two additional Zeta chapters. She maintained active membership in Delta Alpha Zeta Chapter, exemplifying the lifelong commitment to sisterhood that defines Zeta women.