In January of 1965, several women, who were eager to plant the Zeta seeds of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, chartered the Zeta Pi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Chapter History
In January of 1965, several women, who were eager to plant the Zeta seeds of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, chartered the Zeta Pi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in Portsmouth, Virginia. There to witness this momentous occasion were the Sorority’s National President Soror Mildred C. Boone (Bradham), Eastern Regional Director Soror Audrey B. Robinson, and National Historian Soror Irma B. Thompson.
To steer the chapter through its first year were: Soror Susie S. Keele, President; Soror Elnora C. Cook, First Vice President; Soror Grace Jackson, Secretary; Soror Emma Jones, Treasurer; Soror Addie S. Brown, Historian; and Soror Catherine Spellman, Parliamentarian. Members of the charter chapter included: Vivian Boykins, Violet Clark, Hortense Edwards, Lucille Jackson, Margie McDonald, Lester McKnight, and Vivyan Pritchett.
Throughout the years Zeta Pi Zeta has grown to become very involved in the community and continues to look for creative and innovative ways to shine the light of Zeta.
Who We Are
What We’ve Achieved
Susie S. Keele CHROME (Cooperating Hampton Roads Organization for Minorities) Community Club sponsor since 1989
Host of several Finer Womanhood luncheons, banquets, and dinners, with distinguished guests including Senator Louise L. Lucas and the late Senator Yvonne Miller
Participation in March of Dimes programs, walks, and fundraisers
Outreach efforts at Bell’s Residential Adult Care assisted living facility in Portsmouth, VA
Little Miss Blue Revue Pageant sponsor since 1985
2008 Recipient of the Minority Economics Development Challenge Award for Non-Profit Organizations at the NAACP’s 65th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet
Involvement in Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) Programs throughout the year each year
Adopt-a-Spot
Adopt-a-School: Douglas Park Elementary School in Portsmouth, VA
“We may be small in number, but we’re large in heart.”