Zeta Amicae of Brooklyn is an auxiliary of Delta Alpha Zeta Chapter, Zeta
Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded on the campus
of Howard University as the sister organization to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
Their focus is to to encourage the highest standards of scholarship through
scientific, literary, cultural and educational programs; to promote service
projects on college campuses and in the community; to foster sisterhood,
and exemplify the ideals of finerwomanhood.
Zeta Amicae of Brooklyn is an auxiliary dedicated to lending assistance to
Zeta activities. In the early part of 1940, graduate chapters of Zeta Phi
Beta realized the importance of the good will, prestige, and cooperation of
women who for numerous reasons were not part of any-Greek Letter organization.
Quite a number of active auxiliaries were formed and rendered valuable
services to the Chapters and their communities serving as role models for
other cities to endeavor similar auxiliaries. In 1948, a group was formed
and the Latin name Amicae was chosen.
Zeta Amicae of Brooklyn was originated by Sorors Louise Batson, Fannie Watts,
Edith Bowen, and Elgiva Ball, who were members of Delta Alpha Zeta Chapter of
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Zeta Amicae of Brooklyn was formed on April 13, 1950,
and chartered on September 25, 1954. Amica Grace Goddard, (Lady Grace) is a
charter member of Zeta Amicae of Brooklyn.
Who We Are
Zeta Amicae of Brooklyn assist the Sponsoring Chapter and render
independent community service projects that incorporates their ideals. All
Amicae activities are for scholarships and other charitable endeavors.
The women in the Auxiliary are from various backgrounds and professions.
Some are retired; others hold full time jobs. With professional expertise in
banking, telecommunications, public administration, and education, the women
of Zeta Amicae of Brooklyn volunteer their time, skills, talents and
abilities to serving, thereby exemplifying a sincere dedication and commitment
to their motto - "to serve."
With a membership of 10 women strong, it is evident that the activities
carried out by Zeta Amicae of Brooklyn depict the altruistic character of
its membership.
What We Do
Our Yearly Calendar of Events include but are not restricted to the
following:
As a result of an idea of an Amica named Waple Newton, Zeta Amicae of
Brooklyn formed a Charm School in 1957. Hazel Coulter was hired as the
school's first instructor. When Ms. Coulter died in 1973, the school's name
was changed to the Hazel Coulter Charm School in her memory. The Charm
School remained in existence for a number of years.
With the awareness of the rapid changes taking place within our society and
the profound effect those changes had on our youth, Zeta Amicae Youth
Workshop manifested itself from the visions of Amicae Mary Terry and
Edna Dixon-Lawson. Amica Edna Dixon-Lawson was the first Youth Workshop
Chairperson.
The Youth Workshop is held yearly in September or October. Guest speakers
discuss topics pertinent to the daily lives of our young people. The
presenters also encourage open discussions of their topics. Various topics
are presented; among them: peer pressure, self-esteem, education, health and
hygiene, drug and substance abuse, career planning, exploring the internet,
etiquette for the 90's and voter registration.
STATE RETREAT
At the beginning of each calendar year, the Amicae meet with the
Sponsoring Chapter, Delta Alpha Zeta, to plan and discuss ways to become
more efficient and effective in fulfilling the goals and purpose.
The Scholarship Dinner Dance is held annually at the Fort Hamilton
Officer's Club in Brooklyn. In continuing efforts to stress the importance
of higher education, two scholarships are awarded at the Dinner Dance.
During the Thanksgiving season, Zeta Amicae of Brooklyn (sometimes
alongwith Delta Alpha Zeta) serve a homecooked Thanksgiving dinner to the
residents at the Family Shelter.
At Christmastime, gifts are given to the children at the Family Shelter. A
program with songs, poems, and readings accompany the giving of gifts.
The second Sunday in January is the time that Zeta Amicae of Brooklyn
worship with the Sponsoring Chapter at Nazarene Congregational Church in
Brooklyn (in memory of one of our founders, Soror Fannie Pettie Watts, who
was a faithful member of Nazarene for many years.
Soror Watts passed departed this life on August 23, 1995.
A Black History Program is given annually during the month of February
to commemorate Black History Month. Residents of the community are
encouraged to participate.
The Black History Program was started in the middle 70's by Amica Olive
Bryant.It is given a different theme each year; guest speakers speak around
the theme. Young people display their skills, talents, and abilities through
expressions of song, dance, poetry, etc. Local entrepreneurs are invited to
share their experiences and display their products. Informational hand-outs
are available to guests. A voter registration table is always prominently
displayed.
The Black History Program is always meaningful and well-attended; it gives
the auxiliary and all attendees the opportunity to reflect on their past,
to embrace their present, and to look forward to their future.
Refreshments are served at the conclusion of the program.
The Finer Womanhood Luncheon is given by the Sponsoring Chapter, Delta
Alpha Zeta and is attended by the Amicae. It is during the luncheon that
the Amicae of the Year is recognized for her outstanding accomplishments and
achievements to the group during the past year. The Sorority also recognizes a Girl of the Year, Woman of the Year, Media Woman of the Year, and sometimes a Family of the Year.
June ends the Amicae Calendar Year. This is the time to reflect and plan.
Chairpersons are appointed so that implementing can began for the next
year's projects.
INSIGNIA
MOTTO: To Serve
FLOWER: White carnation
COLORS: Royal blue and light blue
PIN: Clasped hands covered by the letter "Z"
Zeta Amicae of Brooklyn is a non-profit Auxiliary; therefore, donations
are accepted for scholarship and community service projects.
If you would like information about becoming a member, sending a donation,
or volunteering to work with us on a project, please write
to:
