The Eastern Region

      From four geographical groupings to seven, to the 1945 reorganization which created the structure we recognize today, the Eastern Region has played a vital role in the development of the sorority.

         The Eastern Region, comprised of the District of Columbia, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, convened its first conference in Norfolk, Virginia May 18-22, 1945 with Beta Theta Zeta Chapter as the official hostesses. Under the esteemed leadership of the late Soror Carrie Michie of Tau Zeta Chapter of Charlottesville, Virginia, a most successful conference was held with the theme, “Zeta’s Part in Better Human Relationships.” The next conference was held May 3-5, 1946 in Richmond, Virginia with Nu, Phi, Alpha Phi Zeta and Alpha Omega Zeta Chapters as hostesses. That year’s theme was “Zeta’s Place in the Post War World.”

         The Eastern Region is especially proud of the contributions made to the sisterhood on the National and Regional Levels. These include, but are not limited to, two (2) National Presidents – the Late Soror Dr. Nancy Bullock McGhee of Hampton, Virginia and the late Soror Dr. Mildred Boone Bradham – a Richmond, Virginia resident at the time of her election.

      There have been twenty-four (24) National Presidents of Zeta and each has appointed dynamic Regional Directors who have helped the Region soar to great heights.  The growth of the Region has created the need to charter chapters in each of the four geographical areas especially in the large cities and on many of the large college campuses. Currently, there are 69 active graduate chapters and 43 undergraduate chapters and 18 Amicae Auxiliaries. The Eastern Region holds the distinction of chartering the first four letter chapter – Alpha Alpha Alpha Alpha Zeta which is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

       With the expansion of Chapters, there have also been many exciting Community Service Projects implemented to coincide with the National Initiatives. These Programs make Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated more visible in the communities of the Eastern Region. The Stork’s Nests, memberships in and support of the NAACP, NCNW, Urban League, UNCF, observances of Founder’s Day and Finer Womanhood, as well as, granting scholarship awards to deserving students, collaboration with other non-profit organizations to provide service are monuments that truly impact our communities.