VIDEO: Macedonia Quartet sings 'House' (1928, Memphis gospel)
listen along, opens in separate window
read bio of:
Sam Walter Foss
House by the Side of the Road
public domain
There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the place of their self-content;
There are souls like stars, that dwell apart,
In a fellowless firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze the paths
Where highways never ran-
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by-
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner's seat
Nor hurl the cynic's ban-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I see from my house by the side of the road
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife,
But I turn not away from their smiles and tears,
Both parts of an infinite plan-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead,
And mountains of wearisome height;
That the road passes on through the long afternoon
And stretches away to the night.
And still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice
And weep with the strangers that moan,
Nor live in my house by the side of the road
Like a man who dwells alone.
Let me live in my house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by-
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish - so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
Or See/ Listen to this: YouTube Video/Audio Reading
See the Sam Walter Foss page on Amazon.com
Friday, May 6, 2011
Publications
The Archon is the official organ of the sorority. It is published by the Editor and an appointed staff. Each financial soror receives a copy. The national officers, regions, and chapters furnish the material for the ARCHON at the request of the Editor or designee.
Z-blast - internest web-based informational strains received by the members who have registered their e-mail with the web master.
Z-blast - internest web-based informational strains received by the members who have registered their e-mail with the web master.
National Projects Continue
Z-HOPE - Zetas Helping Other People Excel

What are the objectives of Z-HOPE?
Z-HOPE is an outreach service program that has six primary objectives, corresponding measures of success and a mechanism for chapter recognition. The primary objectives are:
- To provide culturally appropriate informational activities according to the Z-HOPE program format
- To foster collaborative partnerships between community organizations with shared goals
- To promote the opportunities for expansion in Stork's Nest programs
- To facilitate community service and mentorship opportunities for members of the organization
- To provide an equitable chapter recognition program for community services rendered
- To provide a standard reporting format to concentrate efforts and demonstrate the organization's impact
Auxilaries of the Sorority
The auxilaries of the sorority are as follows:
As early as 1940, graduate chapters of Zeta Phi Beta began to realize the importance of the prestige, good will and cooperation of women who, for various reasons, were not members of any Greek-letter organization. During this time, a group of women organized to assist Zeta Phi Beta Sorority members in whatever capacity they were needed. They chose the Latin name Amicae (Friend) for their auxiliary. Under the administration of Soror Lullelia Harrison, the first chartered Amicae group was given to Lambda Zeta of Houston, Texas. The first undergraduate chapter to present an auxiliary was Kappa Alpha of Miner Teachers College, Washington, D.C. on February 23, 1949 during Kappa Alpha's Finer Womanhood Program.
The first clubs were formed in the 1950's under the name of Zetalites, Amicettes, and Archonettes. These clubs were composed of young ladies between the ages of nine (9) and eighteen (18) who were matriculating in junior and senior high schools.
These clubs are sponsored by various chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The Youth Group members are included, whenever appropriate, in Zeta Phi Beta programs and projects as observers and participants. Many programs have been developed and guidelines established for our Youth Groups and they have become viable links of the Sorority
History of Zeta Amicae

History of Zeta Youth Affiliates
Early in its existence, Zeta Phi Beta committed itself to improve the health and welfare of children and youth. Throughout its existence, Zeta has conducted national and local projects that would improve conditions among these populations. The sorority sponsored a national juvenile delinquency project the first 45 years of its existence. Different aspects were highlighted through special projects such as Foster Home Care, Youth Conferences, Tinker Shops and the development of youth groups, (i.e. Amicettes and Archonettes).The first clubs were formed in the 1950's under the name of Zetalites, Amicettes, and Archonettes. These clubs were composed of young ladies between the ages of nine (9) and eighteen (18) who were matriculating in junior and senior high schools.
These clubs are sponsored by various chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The Youth Group members are included, whenever appropriate, in Zeta Phi Beta programs and projects as observers and participants. Many programs have been developed and guidelines established for our Youth Groups and they have become viable links of the Sorority
Day 3
STRUCTURE CONTINUES
The Offices of the sorority are following nation officers:
Basileus (National President)
First Anti-Basileus (National First Vice-President)
Second Anti-Basileus (National Second Vice-President)
Third Anti-Basileus (National Third Vice-President)
Grammateus (National Secretary)
Tamias (National Treasurer)
Phylater (National Parliamentarian)
Chairman of the Executive Board
The Offices of the sorority are following nation officers:
Basileus (National President)
First Anti-Basileus (National First Vice-President)
Second Anti-Basileus (National Second Vice-President)
Third Anti-Basileus (National Third Vice-President)
Grammateus (National Secretary)
Tamias (National Treasurer)
Phylater (National Parliamentarian)
Chairman of the Executive Board
Day 3
National Pan-Hellencil Council, Inc.
The National Pan-Hellencil Council was organized in May, 1930 at Howard University, Washington, D.C. The charter members were:
Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities.
The purpose of the organization was "Unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of greek-lettered collegiate fraternities and sororities and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organizations."
Presently the National Pan-Hellenic Council consist of 9 Fraternities and Sororities they are as follows:
Alpha Phi Alpha founded December 4, 1906 at Howard University.
Alpha Kappa Alpha founed February 21, 1908 at Howard University
Kappa Alpha Psi founded January 10, 1911 at Indiana University in
Bloomington, Indiana.
Omega Psi Phi founded November 19, 1911 at Howard University
Delta Sigma Theta founded January 13, 1913 at Howard University
Phi Beta Sigma founded January 9, 1914 a Howard University
Zeta Phi Beta founded January 16, 1920 at Howard University
Sigma Gamma Rho founded November 12, 1922 at Butler University in
Indianapolis, Indiana
Iota Phi Theta founded On September 19, 1963, at Morgan State
College in Baltimore, Maryland
The National Pan-Hellencil Council was organized in May, 1930 at Howard University, Washington, D.C. The charter members were:
Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities.
The purpose of the organization was "Unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of greek-lettered collegiate fraternities and sororities and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organizations."
Presently the National Pan-Hellenic Council consist of 9 Fraternities and Sororities they are as follows:
Alpha Phi Alpha founded December 4, 1906 at Howard University.
Alpha Kappa Alpha founed February 21, 1908 at Howard University
Kappa Alpha Psi founded January 10, 1911 at Indiana University in
Bloomington, Indiana.
Omega Psi Phi founded November 19, 1911 at Howard University
Delta Sigma Theta founded January 13, 1913 at Howard University
Phi Beta Sigma founded January 9, 1914 a Howard University
Zeta Phi Beta founded January 16, 1920 at Howard University
Sigma Gamma Rho founded November 12, 1922 at Butler University in
Indianapolis, Indiana
Iota Phi Theta founded On September 19, 1963, at Morgan State
College in Baltimore, Maryland
Day 3
PRAYERS:
National Prayer (Opening)
"Oh, Lord, our Heavenly Father, we come to thank Thee for the blessings Thou has bestowed upon us. We ask Thee to be our shield of protection and to make our lives such that they may be examples for others to follow. Help us at all times to be kind and honest, and to do those things which are pleasing in Thy sight. All of these things we ask in Thy name, Amen."
Closing Prayer
"Help us, Oh Lord, to be a protection one for the other while we are apart."
Our are our guiding post at the beginning and end of all sorority meetings wheather local, state, regional, national, call, etc.
National Prayer (Opening)
"Oh, Lord, our Heavenly Father, we come to thank Thee for the blessings Thou has bestowed upon us. We ask Thee to be our shield of protection and to make our lives such that they may be examples for others to follow. Help us at all times to be kind and honest, and to do those things which are pleasing in Thy sight. All of these things we ask in Thy name, Amen."
Closing Prayer
"Help us, Oh Lord, to be a protection one for the other while we are apart."
Our are our guiding post at the beginning and end of all sorority meetings wheather local, state, regional, national, call, etc.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Day Two Continues - Zeta History
PROPERTY
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
The National Headquarters is located at 1734 New Hampshire Ave. N.W. in Washington, D.C. This three level building houses offices and meeting facilities. The National Office maintains computerized fiscal and membership records and transactions are recorded daily.
The location of the building is in the historic section of our nation's capital. It is in close proximity to the White House, government offices, embassies, Metro-rail, and accessible to the entire city.
BIRCH HAVEN
The summer cottage Birch Haven is located in Idlewild, Michigan. This property was willed to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority by Soror Violette Anderson, eighth Grand Basileus. It was designed to provide an opportunity for healthful recreation as well as a shrine to the memory of Violette Anderson.
The unique possession is shared by Zetas throughout the world. The membership and friends participate in and enjoy the lakeside cottage in the popular summer resort area. Each year Zetas observe Violette Anderson Day in the month of April.
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
The National Headquarters is located at 1734 New Hampshire Ave. N.W. in Washington, D.C. This three level building houses offices and meeting facilities. The National Office maintains computerized fiscal and membership records and transactions are recorded daily.
The location of the building is in the historic section of our nation's capital. It is in close proximity to the White House, government offices, embassies, Metro-rail, and accessible to the entire city.
BIRCH HAVEN
The summer cottage Birch Haven is located in Idlewild, Michigan. This property was willed to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority by Soror Violette Anderson, eighth Grand Basileus. It was designed to provide an opportunity for healthful recreation as well as a shrine to the memory of Violette Anderson.
The unique possession is shared by Zetas throughout the world. The membership and friends participate in and enjoy the lakeside cottage in the popular summer resort area. Each year Zetas observe Violette Anderson Day in the month of April.
Day Two Continues - Zeta History
NATIONAL OBSERVANCES
Founder's Day - is celebrated on January 16 or as near to it as possible, by every chapter to commemorate the founding of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Finer Womanhood Week is the last full week in February and the month of March of each year at which time the renewal of the Zeta Phi Beta Pledge is observed by every soror whether active or inactive, functioning with a chapter or not. Observance of the pledge is a rededication of each individual soror to the ideals and principles upon which Zeta was founded.
During this period also every chapter in the sorority must bring before the local community some expressions of its emphasis upon the national programs and ideals.
Founder's Day - is celebrated on January 16 or as near to it as possible, by every chapter to commemorate the founding of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Finer Womanhood Week is the last full week in February and the month of March of each year at which time the renewal of the Zeta Phi Beta Pledge is observed by every soror whether active or inactive, functioning with a chapter or not. Observance of the pledge is a rededication of each individual soror to the ideals and principles upon which Zeta was founded.
During this period also every chapter in the sorority must bring before the local community some expressions of its emphasis upon the national programs and ideals.
Day Two - Zeta History
STRUCTURE
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is divided into nine regions in the United States and Africa. Each region is composed of states geographically grouped together. The regional and state directors are appointed by the Grand Basileus to manage their assigned regions and/or states. The regional director is immediately responsible to the Grand Basileus for the chapters in her region, establishing new chapters, and implementing the programmatic thrust. State directors assist the regional director in implementing programs, establishing new charters, and monitoring chapters activities and internal affairs.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was the first greek-letter sorority organized in Africa in the year 1928. Delta Iota Zeta chapter and Upsilon Beta chapter were organized in Liberia. Since that time, many Liberian women have joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in Sierra Leonna and Nigeria.
The Nine regions consists of the following:
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is divided into nine regions in the United States and Africa. Each region is composed of states geographically grouped together. The regional and state directors are appointed by the Grand Basileus to manage their assigned regions and/or states. The regional director is immediately responsible to the Grand Basileus for the chapters in her region, establishing new chapters, and implementing the programmatic thrust. State directors assist the regional director in implementing programs, establishing new charters, and monitoring chapters activities and internal affairs.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was the first greek-letter sorority organized in Africa in the year 1928. Delta Iota Zeta chapter and Upsilon Beta chapter were organized in Liberia. Since that time, many Liberian women have joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in Sierra Leonna and Nigeria.
The Nine regions consists of the following:
- Atlantic Region
- Eastern Region
- Great Lakes Region
- Midwestern Region
- Pacific Region
- South Central Region
- Southeastern Region
- Southern Region
- West Africa Region
Day One Continues - Zeta History
MEMBERSHIP
The sorority includes women with college training. Baccalaureate, Masters, Doctoral degress (earned and honorary), and professional degrees. Its membership includes women in all professions such as medicine and health, law, education, public administration and government, corporate management and the physical and social sciences. Zeta women are achievers and many of them set standards of excellence in their chosen fields.
The sorority extends its membership also to women who have achieved national or international distinction and honor by inviting them to become honorary members.
GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Graduate chpaters are distinguished by the use of Zeta at the end of the chapter's name. Membership in the graduate chapter shall be memebers of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority who are college or university graduates and/or approved applicants for membership in graduate chapters. Undergraudate chapters are named by Greek letters in order of the Greek alphabet. Undergraduate members are students matriculating in an accredited college or university.
The sorority includes women with college training. Baccalaureate, Masters, Doctoral degress (earned and honorary), and professional degrees. Its membership includes women in all professions such as medicine and health, law, education, public administration and government, corporate management and the physical and social sciences. Zeta women are achievers and many of them set standards of excellence in their chosen fields.
The sorority extends its membership also to women who have achieved national or international distinction and honor by inviting them to become honorary members.
GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Graduate chpaters are distinguished by the use of Zeta at the end of the chapter's name. Membership in the graduate chapter shall be memebers of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority who are college or university graduates and/or approved applicants for membership in graduate chapters. Undergraudate chapters are named by Greek letters in order of the Greek alphabet. Undergraduate members are students matriculating in an accredited college or university.
Day One Continues - Zeta History
GOVERNANCE
The sorority is governed by the constitution, policies, and procedures voted on by chapter delegates at the sorority's biennial boule' (convention). The Grand Basileus is the president and chief executive officer of the sorority and is responsible for establishing the sorority's programmatic thrust.
The National Executive Board is responsible for overseeing the implementation of policies established during the Boule', overseeing the operation of the sorority and its budget, and acting on issues that arise between boule's. The National Trustees oversees the upkeep of sorority property.
The sorority is supported by dues and gifts from its members, chapters, and auxiliary groups which are restricted for educational and charitable programs, services, and the operational expenses of the organization. The sorority is in compliance with accepted business practices and procedures and its financial operations are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is tax exempt under Section 501 (c) (7) of the Internal Revenue Code. The sorority is exempt from paying Federal Income Tax on the income received from dues, chapter tax, interest, sales of certain items, etc. Contributions to the sorority are not tax deductible.
The sorority is governed by the constitution, policies, and procedures voted on by chapter delegates at the sorority's biennial boule' (convention). The Grand Basileus is the president and chief executive officer of the sorority and is responsible for establishing the sorority's programmatic thrust.
The National Executive Board is responsible for overseeing the implementation of policies established during the Boule', overseeing the operation of the sorority and its budget, and acting on issues that arise between boule's. The National Trustees oversees the upkeep of sorority property.
The sorority is supported by dues and gifts from its members, chapters, and auxiliary groups which are restricted for educational and charitable programs, services, and the operational expenses of the organization. The sorority is in compliance with accepted business practices and procedures and its financial operations are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is tax exempt under Section 501 (c) (7) of the Internal Revenue Code. The sorority is exempt from paying Federal Income Tax on the income received from dues, chapter tax, interest, sales of certain items, etc. Contributions to the sorority are not tax deductible.
zetahistory
Day One
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was organized at Howard University on January 16, 1920 as the result of encouragement given to the five founders by Charles Taylor and Langston Taylor, members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. These Sigma brothers felt the campus would benefit by the development of such an organization as sisters to the fraternity. Thus, Zetas and Sigmas became the first official Greek-letter sister and brother organizations.
The Five Founders chose not to embrace the tenets of established sororities and chartered Zeta Phi Beta Sorority to encourage the highest standards of scholarship through scientific, literary, cultural and educational programs; promote service projects on college campuses and in the community; foster sisterhood; and exemplify the ideal of Finer Womanhood.
The Five Founders and chartered members (called our "Five Pearls") of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. are:
It was the ideal of the Founders that sorority would reach college women in all parts of the country who were sosority minded and desired to follow the founding principles of the organization. These founding principles are: Finer Womanhood, scholarship, service, and sisterly love.
The introduction to Greekdom and the Howard University community was at a formal reception at the Whitelaw Hotel in Washington, D.C. Brothers Langston and Charles Taylor served as hosts. The camupus reception was held in the Assembly Room of Minor Hall at Howard University by Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta, the only other sororities. The first president of Zeta Phi Beta was Arizona Cleaver (Stemons).
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority held its first Boule' convention jointly with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity conclave in December, 1920 in Washington, D.C. However, in 1922 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority found it necessary to establish the National Board to take over the responsibilities which had been carried on by the Alpha Chapter. In June 1927, the growth of the organization made it possible to have its first regional meeting held at Howard University.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia on March 30, 1923. The incorporators were Myrtle Tyler, Gladys Warrington, Joanna Houston, Josephine Johnson and Goldie Smith. The sorority is also incorporated in the states of Illinois and North Carolina.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's purpose is to foster ideals of service, charity, scholarship, civil and cultural endeavors, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. These ideals are reflected in the sorority's national program for which it members and auxiliary groups provide voluntary service to staff, community outreach programs, fund scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social change and civic change.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was organized at Howard University on January 16, 1920 as the result of encouragement given to the five founders by Charles Taylor and Langston Taylor, members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. These Sigma brothers felt the campus would benefit by the development of such an organization as sisters to the fraternity. Thus, Zetas and Sigmas became the first official Greek-letter sister and brother organizations.
The Five Founders chose not to embrace the tenets of established sororities and chartered Zeta Phi Beta Sorority to encourage the highest standards of scholarship through scientific, literary, cultural and educational programs; promote service projects on college campuses and in the community; foster sisterhood; and exemplify the ideal of Finer Womanhood.
The Five Founders and chartered members (called our "Five Pearls") of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. are:
- Arizona Cleaver (Stemons)
- Pearl A. Neal
- Myrtle Tyler (Faithful)
- Viola Tyler (Goings)
- Fannie Pettie (Watts)
It was the ideal of the Founders that sorority would reach college women in all parts of the country who were sosority minded and desired to follow the founding principles of the organization. These founding principles are: Finer Womanhood, scholarship, service, and sisterly love.
The introduction to Greekdom and the Howard University community was at a formal reception at the Whitelaw Hotel in Washington, D.C. Brothers Langston and Charles Taylor served as hosts. The camupus reception was held in the Assembly Room of Minor Hall at Howard University by Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta, the only other sororities. The first president of Zeta Phi Beta was Arizona Cleaver (Stemons).
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority held its first Boule' convention jointly with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity conclave in December, 1920 in Washington, D.C. However, in 1922 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority found it necessary to establish the National Board to take over the responsibilities which had been carried on by the Alpha Chapter. In June 1927, the growth of the organization made it possible to have its first regional meeting held at Howard University.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia on March 30, 1923. The incorporators were Myrtle Tyler, Gladys Warrington, Joanna Houston, Josephine Johnson and Goldie Smith. The sorority is also incorporated in the states of Illinois and North Carolina.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's purpose is to foster ideals of service, charity, scholarship, civil and cultural endeavors, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. These ideals are reflected in the sorority's national program for which it members and auxiliary groups provide voluntary service to staff, community outreach programs, fund scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social change and civic change.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)