Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Mu Zeta Chapter
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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Mu Zeta Chapter had its beginning on the campus of Southern University (Baton Rouge) in 1934. Several dynamic, intellectual, and professional women felt the need to blaze a new trail in Zetadom. This trail lead to the founding of Mu Zeta Chapter by the following charter members: Erelene L. Bradford†, Minnie Champ†, Inez W. Chrisentery†, Isabel M. Herson†, Marjorie L. Hines†, and Eula P. Smith†. Other Zetas joining the chapter were Octavia H. Clark†, Emma N. Mayberry†, Rebecca F. Netterville†, and Camille Shade†.
Mu Zeta Chapter functioned under the leadership of the late Soror Minnie Champ, the first President until she left the university. Following the administration, there have been sixteen other Basilei – Ruby F. Henton†, Isabel M. Herson† (served two terms), Fannie Doris Lusk†, Eula P. Smith†, Grace S. Jackson†, Rebecca F. Netterville†, Glady B. White†, Ardessie C. Prophet†, Inez W. Chrisentery†, Donnie Faye Hull, Georgia D. Sanders†, Geraldine A. Simms, Mary G. Burton, Bernestine B. McGee, Constance F. Carroll, Julie S. Carnes, Melba Wilson, Rachel Thomas, Ph.D., and the incumbent Cynthia Sampey. Deceased† |
The accomplishments of Mu Zeta are many through its outreach service activities and projects. These activities and projects include:
- Holding National Recognitions
- National Committee Members
- National Officers
- Holding Regional Recognitions
- Regional Committee Members
- Regional Officers
- Holding National and Regional Recognition of Pan-Hellenic Council
- Serving on the Local March of Dimes Board
- Sponsoring the chartering of Alpha Gamma Zeta Chapter, New Orleans, Omega Eta Chapter, Lafayette; and Theta Theta Theta Chapter, Hammond
- Sponsoring two undergraduate chapters – Beta Alpha Chapter, Southern University and Rho Epsilon Chapter, Louisiana State University
- Contributing financially to civic, social, and religious organizations
- Awarding of scholarships
- Giving of volunteer time to charitable organizations
- Providing cultural programs for the Baton Rouge Community
- Sponsoring Stork’s Nest – Zeta National Project which is an incentive program for promoting prenatal care in order to reduce birth defects
- Sponsoring the First Greek Program in Baton Rouge (The Blue Revue)
- Conducting leadership workshops
- Participating in civic and social projects
- Holding membership in national affiliations
- Sponsoring youth groups
- Sponsoring Latch-Key Program funded by the State Department of Education
- Establishing a Zeta Food Bank
- Establishing community Stork’s Nest Board
- Recognition of outstanding Fifth Grade students enrolled in local schools
- Sponsoring Amicae – Friends of Zeta
- Awarding certificates of achievement to high school graduates through the church of chapter members
- Instituted Zeta Saturday Academy
- Adopted CAWSC (Community Association for the Welfare of School Children) as an agency through which volunteer services are provided
- Construction of Zeta House located on Harding Boulevard in Baton Rouge
- House the Archival Center for all chapters in the State of Louisiana
Mu Zeta is very proud of its accomplishments and achievement through the years. We are also pleased to have rendered services to the Baton Rouge Community for more than eighty years.