Philadelphia was the chosen location for the recent Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, national convention (boule). With a theme of “Honoring Our Founders, Continuing Their Legacy, The Dream Lives On!” over 6,000 members from across the globe made the trek to conduct business meetings, service-oriented projects, and lots of celebrations.
As a 26 year member and Philadelphia native, it was wonderful to welcome my sorors to the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection. In 2020, our centennial celebration was cut short due to the pandemic so everyone was excited for a face to face meeting. And it didn't hurt that we boosted the Philadelphia economy.
As tourism to the city is growing, we sold out hotels, restaurants and bought practically everything royal blue and white at the Downtown Macy's store. Thanks to a growing relationship with Kasper, a fashion show was hosted showcasing the sorority collection. WyQuasia King-Thomas, a director and buyer of day dresses at Macy’s, inspired the sorority collection. As a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, she had her own struggles shopping for sorority outfits, so she personally understands the market of Black sororities.
Valerie Hollingsworth Baker, The 25th “Centennial” International President stated, “It was an absolute honor to celebrate our 2022 Grand Boulè in Philadelphia this year. Over the week-long period, our sorority brought over 6,000 members to the city, provided over $640,000 in donations, and left behind an economic impact of over $6.5 million. With scholarship being a principle I hold in high regard, I am especially happy that Zeta Phi Beta provided a $125,000 scholarship to a deserving high school student as she embarks on a college education.”
What the week included….
A Zeta National Educational Foundation (Z-NEF) sponsored “Z-NEF Scholars for Dollars” event that comprised of a Battle of the DJs and Step Show
The 2022 Grand Boulè Opening Ceremony where the Founder Myrtle Tyler Faithful $125,000 scholarship was awarded to Skyler Evans, a high school senior from Baton Rouge; Zeta members Opal Lee, “the Grandmother of Juneteenth,” and Elisabeth Omilami, actress and CEO of Hosea Helps, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization, received recognition as P.E.A.R.L.S. Society honorees
The Macy's x Kasper Fashion Show event was Heldon the ground floor of the downtown store in the area near the historic eagle. Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, walked the white carpet showcasing items from the sorority collection. The event began with an amazing song the sorority's choir and concluded with a private shopping event.
Honorary member induction of Dawnn Lewis, actress, singer and philanthropist into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
A gala awards dinner where the work of local chapters across the sorority were honored and celebrated. Donations were provided to St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Micah's Voice, and Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia.
Special guest included members Vivica Fox and Syleena Johnson.
A concert by the legendary Mary J. Blige and a closing inspirational breakfast with performances by gospel artists Jekalyn Carr and Hezekiah Walker
About Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1920 on the campus of Howard University, and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Zeta has initiated a diverse membership of more than 125,000 college-educated women with more than 850 chapters in North America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East.
For more information about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. visit www.zphib1920.org.
