Zeta Phi Beta 50th Anniversary
Oretha (Colston) Carpenter, BS ’73, Cleveland, OH, wrote: “June 5, 1971, will long be remembered as the day the Sigma Alpha chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was chartered at Kent State University, with 15 charter members. More than 500 Zetas, family and friends traveled from across the nation for the installation of the sorority’s newest chapter.
The 15 charter members of the Sigma Alpha chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority pose for a group photo on the Kent Campus on June 5, 1971, the day the chapter was chartered. Standing with them are the Zeta Phi Beta’s national grand president and vice president at the time. (Oretha (Colston) Carpenter is standing sixth from left, wearing a white ribbon in her hair.)
“Zeta Phi Beta was founded in 1920 at Howard University and is one of nine historic Black Greek letter organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council, referred to as ‘The Divine Nine.’
“Life takes us many places, but love brought the Zetas back to Kent State University for homecoming and to celebrate the chapter’s 50th anniversary. The Sigma Alpha chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority took a ride down memory lane during Homecoming Weekend 2021. Just being on the beautiful Kent Campus was awesome and amazing—and the occasion was filled with excitement, Zeta pride and pure joy!
“Homecoming started out with a bang as the Sigma Alphas marched in the parade, waving to all the sisters smiling on the sidelines. The Zetas wore T-shirts adorned with a big 50 that included the names of all 15 charter members. The excitement continued as we gathered on the front lawn of Oscar Ritchie Hall to take a drone photo that will be placed in the hall. The historic photo will depict the Zetas’ legacy at Kent State University throughout the decades.
“We Zetas wore our colors, royal blue and white, as we mingled at our tailgate party at Dix Stadium. We had a blast! People were dancing, talking, laughing, hugging, taking pictures and enjoying delicious food and drinks. The Stepping in the Yard [a type of line dance unique to each Black fraternity and sorority] was more than entertaining—it energized your soul!
Members of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority celebrate the Sigma Alpha chapter’s 50th anniversary at a tailgate party during Kent State’s Homecoming Weekend 2021. (Oretha (Colston) Carpenter is standing fourth from left, wearing a white jacket.)
“I was the first president of the Sigma Alpha chapter, and I prepared a 50th anniversary souvenir booklet with the history of Zeta Phi Beta, biographies of the Sigma Alpha chapter charter members and photos. One highlight of the tailgate party was when Kent State President Todd Diacon and Randale Richmond, the new director of athletics, came to our tent to greet us.
“The night ended with an old-school dinner dance at Black Wolf Hall in Stow. The Zetas were honored and celebrated by Silas Ashley, president of the Kent State Black Alumni chapter, and we enjoyed a special champagne toast and a cake iced with a blue and white ‘Happy Anniversary’ message.
“What a weekend! The Zetas showed up and showed love! We were interviewed by [Cleveland rapper and hip-hop historian] Kevin ‘MC Chill’ Heard and talked about the history of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and how it got started on the Kent Campus.
“On Sunday, during the Sensational Sigma Alpha Brunch at the One Red Door Restaurant, the charter members were presented with a certificate of recognition for the chapter’s 50 years from Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson. We ended our celebration by presenting a donation to the current undergraduate members of the Sigma Alpha chapter, who are grateful to have participated in this historic event.
“Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has brought much joy to my life and a lifetime of friendships. As we move ahead, we will continue to uphold the principles of our great sorority: service, scholarship, sisterhood and finer womanhood. And we honor the legacy and life of Hester Shoto, our first Sigma Alpha chapter advisor, for planting the seed of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority at Kent State University. It has continued on the Kent Campus for 50 years—and is still growing today.”