Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter 

Who We Are

The Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Soroity, Inc. was organized May 15, 1948 at 67 Highland Avenue, Tuckahoe, NY, the home of Estelle Gillman. A brief business meeting was held, at which time the chapter’s constitution was read and discussed. Regional Director, Soror Dorothy T. Payne had charge of the organizing. She was assisted by Sorors Theresa Gauldin and Alberta Alston of Epsilon Chapter. The Charter Members are Sorors Stephanie Davis, Daisy Alexander, Estelle Gillman, Evelyn Hunt, Louise Sills and Shirley Williams. A partial election of officers was held. Soror Stephanie Davis was elected Basileus, Soror Evelyn Hunt, Anti-Basileus and dean of Pledgees. The remainder of the officers were to be elected on May 23, 1948. A pledge service was then held, at which time Nora Bates, Pauline Flippens and Barbara Mason were accepted in the Pledge Club. It was agreed by all Sorors that the next regular meeting of the sorority would be held on May 23, 1948 at 2:00 pm, at which time the three pledgees would be initiated in the Sorority.

Since then, the Gamma Xi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has grown to include members throughout Westchester County, Northern Bronx and Southern Connecticut.

Our Mission

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded on the simple belief that sorority elitism and socializing should not overshadow the real mission for progressive organizations – to address societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty, and health concerns of the day.

The five founders, also known as the Five Pearls, dared to depart from the traditional coalitions for black women and sought to establish a new organization predicated on the precepts of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love and Finer Womanhood.

Founder Viola Tyler was oft quoted to say “In the ideal collegiate situation] 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.”

What We Do

From its inception, Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter provided annual scholarships to high school students. This tradition continues today with the assistance of the New Rochelle Zeta Amicae and now includes scholarships for members of the undergraduate chapter as well as incentive awards for high school students.
The Chapter was one of the first African American organizations in Westchester to honor the extraordinary achievements and service of women throughout the county on an annual and multi-ethnic basis. In addition, the Chapter submitted posthumously the name of Bessie Emanuel Smith to the Westchester County Women’s Hall of Fame. Soror Smith was the first African American woman accepted to the county’s Hall of Fame.
Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter initially ran an after school tutoring program and participated in voter registration drives. However, its service has always included an emphasis on youth and La Jeunesse (French for youth) was the name given to its first youth group. In working with their two youth groups today, the Archonnettes and the Amicettes, Pearlettes chapter members emphasize scholarship, leadership, service and career development. In addition, the group actively supports the resident youth of Abbott House in Irvington, New York in both educational programs and fundraising. Members also participate annually in the March of Dimes Walk America fundraising effort and have received several plaques in recognition of their support.
We aim to foster a spirit of sisterhood and empower one another.

Scholarship • Service • Sisterhood • Finer Womanhood

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is affiliated with and supports the following organizations: