The name of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated will be prominently displayed in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in perpetuity. The Sorority’s name will be etched in stone for the September 24, 2016 opening of the museum when President Barack H. Obama cuts the ribbon.
The Museum is located in a prominent position on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Artifacts of Zeta’s history will be displayed in the Museum along with other Divine 9 organizations. The exhibits will tell the African American story from slavery, to the Civil Rights movement, through the presidency of President Barack Obama. Zeta’s contribution will be highlighted in the museum with other major donors.
This Centennial Commission initiative was funded with proceeds from the 2020 Visionary Campaign, the first of several major initiatives to be completed by the Commission. Further, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated matched the Centennial Commission donation through Boulé 2014 profit and a generous anonymous gift.
Photo Caption
Mr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, Founding Director for the Museum, is pictured with the following members of Zeta (from right to left):
Arayna Spratley, President, Alpha Chapter, Howard University, 2016 Graduate;
Rebecca Jackson, Zeta IHQ Office Manager;
Charbet Duckett, Founders’ Society Visionary Donor, Atlantic Region;
T Diane Surgeon, Esq., Eastern Region Director, Diamond Donor Region and 2020 Visionary Donor;
Ayanha Quwwee, President, Kappa Alpha Chapter, University of the District of Columbia;
Mary Breaux Wright, International President, Circle of Pearls Visionary Donor, Southern Region;
Maxine Davis, President, Sigma Pi Chapter, American University;
Lynette R. F. Smith, Founders’ Society Visionary Donor, Eastern Region;
Jylla Moore Tearte, Ph.D., 20th Past International President, Centennial Chair and Founders’ Society Visionary Donor, Great Lakes Region;
Marjay D. Anderson, Ph.D., Founders’ Society Visionary Donor, Eastern Region;
Janet Y. Bivins, Esq., Atlantic Region Director, Platinum Donor Region and 2020 Visionary Donor;
Donna Jordan, DC State Director and 2020 Visionary Donor, Eastern Region;
Angela Brennan, Member, Alpha Chapter, Howard University, 2016 Graduate.
Alpha Chapter President Spratley wrote the actual check that was signed by International President Wright and Commission Chair Tearte as a tribute to the Founders of Zeta and symbolic of passing this legacy to future generations. The Sorority’s $250,000 donation completed its major donor pledge.