Zeta Phi Beta was founded on January 16, 1920 on the campus of  Howard University in Washington, D.C. by five coeds. These women dared to depart from the traditional coalitions for Black women and sought to establish a new organization based on the principals of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love and Finer Womanhood. Since its inception, the Sorority has expanded to more than 500 graduate and collegiate chapters. These chapters are located throughout the United States, Alaska, Hawaii, the Bahamas Islands, Eastern Caribbean Islands, West Africa, and Germany and are organized into Nine Regions.

 The Sorority is the first organization to charter a chapter in Africa (1948); to form adult and youth auxiliary groups, the Amicae, Archonettes and the Amicettes; and to be constitutionally bound to a brother fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Zeta’s national and local programs include endowment of its National Education Foundation, community outreach services, and support of multiple affiliate organizations. Zeta chapters and auxiliary groups have given untotaled hours of voluntary service to educate the public, assist youth, provide scholarships, support organized charities and promote legislation for social and civic change.

 A non-profit organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is incorporated in Washington, D.C. and in the state of Illinois. The Sorority is supported by the dues and gifts of its members.