WHEREAS, The Philadelphia City Council traditionally recognizes significant contributions to our community, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is one such contributor an
d are celebrating
Zeta Day at City Hall on Thursday, September 26, 2024
; and
WHEREAS, On January 16, 1920, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. by Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, and Fannie Pettie Watts; and
WHEREAS, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority 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; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 10
4
years, members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. have led countless initiatives addressing a variety of crucial issues, including voting rights, affordable health care, financial literacy, economic empowerment, support for historically Black colleges and universities, political awareness and involvement; and
WHEREAS, The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated have come to Philadelphia City Hall as part of their mission to be community conscious and action oriented; and
WHEREAS, One of the most important issues impacting Black women today is the disparity in maternal mortality. Black women have historically had the highest maternal mortality rates due to a combination of effects from institutional racism that have resulted in susceptibility to certain health conditions and lack of access to quality prenatal care. Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. have advocated for continued investments in improving maternal health outcomes on Capitol Hill, in state capitols across the country, and now, in Philadelphia City Hall; and
WHEREAS, One of the most important ways to achieve policy outcomes is to make your voice heard at the ballot box. The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. timed their advocacy at City Hall to align with National Voter Registration Day to raise awareness about the importance of the upcoming election and to promote voter registration;
now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we recognize, honor and congratulate Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on the occasion of Zeta Day at City Hall.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End