Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. International History
Gamma Xi Zeta, Westchester County
Chapter History
Sixty Years in Westchester County
THE GAMMA XI ZETA CHAPTER OF ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY was organized May
15, 1948 at the home of Soror Estelle Gillman, 67 Highland Avenue,
Tuckahoe, NY. A brief business meeting was held, at which time the
chapter's constitution was read and discussed. Regional Director, Soror
Dorothy T. Payne had charge of the organizing. She was assisted by
Sorors Theresa Gauldin and Alberta Alston of Epsilon Chapter. The
Charter Members are Sorors Stephanie Davis, Daisy Alexander, Estelle
Gillman, Evelyn Hunt, Louise Sills and Shirley Williams. A partial
election of officers was held. Soror Stephanie Davis was elected
Basileus, Soror Evelyn Hunt, Anti-Basileus and dean of Pledgees. The
remainder of the officers were to be elected on May 23, 1948. A pledge
service was then held, at which time Nora Bates, Pauline Flippens and
Barbara Mason were accepted in the Pledge Club. It was agreed by all
Sorors that the next regular meeting of the sorority would be held on
May 23, 1948 at 2:00 pm, at which time the three pledgees would be
initiated in the Sorority.
GAMMA XI ZETA CHAPTER OF ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC. has grown to
include members throughout Westchester County, Northern Bronx and
Southern Connecticut. The Chapter has two auxiliary groups: the New
Rochelle Zeta Amicae, also chartered in 1948 and Omega Lambda, an
undergraduate chapter chartered at lona College in New Rochelle in 1981.
SCHOLARSHIP - From its inception, Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter provided annual
scholarships to high school students. This tradition continues today
with the assistance of the New Rochelle Zeta Amicae and now includes
scholarships for members of the undergraduate chapter as well as
incentive awards for high school students.
FINER WOMANHOOD -The Chapter was one of the first African American
organizations in Westchester to honor the extraordinary achievements
and service of women throughout the county on an annual and
multi-ethnic basis. In addition, the Chapter submitted posthumously the
name of Bessie Emanuel Smith to the Westchester County Women's Hall of
Fame. Soror Smith was the first African American woman accepted to the
county's Hall of Fame.
COMMUNITY SERVICE - Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter initially ran an after school
tutoring program and participated in voter registration drives.
However, its service has always included an emphasis on youth and La
Jeunesse (French for youth) was the name given to its first youth
group. In working with their two youth groups today, the Archonnettes
and the Amicettes, Pearlettes chapter members emphasize scholarship,
leadership, service and career development. In addition, the group
actively supports the resident youth of Abbott House in Irvington, New
York in both educational programs and fundraising. Members also
participate annually in the March of Dimes Walk America fundraising
effort and have received several plaques in recognition of their
support.
ORGANIZATIONAL SERVICE - In addition to all their other activities,
Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter members have served the sorority on national,
regional and state levels. Two national presidents, two regional
directors, one state director, Chair of the National Trustee Board and
a representative to the National Council of Women - USA, have been
elected or appointed from the Chapter.
