The History of the Mesmerizing State of Missouri
Since 1944, the “Mesmerizing” State of Missouri has had the privilege of being one of 11 states that collectively represent the “Magnificent” Midwestern Region. Additionally, for many members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated worldwide, and more importantly for our members, Missouri remains a very significant state because it is home to one of Zeta’s five founders - Triumphant Founder, Arizona Leedonia Cleaver Stemons.
Founder Stemons was influential in structuring our beloved organization as she led the charge to establish a sorority to complement Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. After receiving approval to form an organization on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., she led the foundation of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and was elected to serve as the organization’s first president on January 16, 1920.
Born on January 30, 1898, in Pike County, Missouri, Arizona Cleaver later returned to serve in Hannibal, Missouri, where she began her professional career in education at Douglass School, serving as the Head of the High School and teacher of French and Commercial Training. Cleaver left Hannibal for Philadelphia, where she married James S. Stemons in 1928. The State of Missouri continues to honor her legacy by remaining committed to advancing Zeta through our collective efforts of service to the local community and exemplifying “Finer Womanhood” with various community interactions.
The State of Missouri is comprised of 20 active chapters, specifically 9 undergraduate and 11 graduate, as well as Zeta Auxiliaries, including Zeta Youth, Zeta Amicae, and the Zeta Male Network. Our “Mesmerizing” Missouri Zetas and affiliated auxiliaries diligently work to further advance the ideals of our founders’ vision while maintaining a “community-conscious, action-oriented” spirit.
Founder Stemons was influential in structuring our beloved organization as she led the charge to establish a sorority to complement Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. After receiving approval to form an organization on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., she led the foundation of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and was elected to serve as the organization’s first president on January 16, 1920.
Born on January 30, 1898, in Pike County, Missouri, Arizona Cleaver later returned to serve in Hannibal, Missouri, where she began her professional career in education at Douglass School, serving as the Head of the High School and teacher of French and Commercial Training. Cleaver left Hannibal for Philadelphia, where she married James S. Stemons in 1928. The State of Missouri continues to honor her legacy by remaining committed to advancing Zeta through our collective efforts of service to the local community and exemplifying “Finer Womanhood” with various community interactions.
The State of Missouri is comprised of 20 active chapters, specifically 9 undergraduate and 11 graduate, as well as Zeta Auxiliaries, including Zeta Youth, Zeta Amicae, and the Zeta Male Network. Our “Mesmerizing” Missouri Zetas and affiliated auxiliaries diligently work to further advance the ideals of our founders’ vision while maintaining a “community-conscious, action-oriented” spirit.
Mission
Encourage enduring sisterhood, personal development, and community service as the means to nurture empowerment and solidarity within the State of Missouri.
Vision
To aspire to be a beacon of leadership, scholarship, and service, motivating our sisters to achieve excellence in every facet of their lives.
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Dr. Stacie NC Grant
26th International President & CEO Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated |
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