Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter was conceived in the minds of Katherine G. Durvan, Emma Jean Brown and Pauline Rayford in October 1953. They were concerned about embracing the activities of all the graduate members from Beta Beta Chapter who lived in and near Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Beta Beta Chapter was established on the campus of A. M. and N. College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, December 17, 1952. Katherine Durvan served as consultant; Emma J. Brown and Janie Townsend were sponsors. On October 18, 1953, Brown contacted the National Office for permission to form a graduate chapter. Formal application was made with the following members listed:

 

Velma Dalton Gilbert

Carolyn Williams

Kate Hall

Marilyn Williams

Lucille Isom Hankton

Emma J. Brown

Earsaline Porchia

Katherine G. Durvan

Pauline Rayford Brown

 

The first seven members transferred from Beta Beta Chapter. Emma J. Brown and Katherine G. Durvan were transferees from Alpha Phi Zeta. Epsilon Zeta Zeta was officially approved as a graduate chapter at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, December 3, 1953. Public announcement of Epsilon Zeta Zeta was made December 11, 1953, when it presented jointly with its undergraduate sisters of Beta Beta Chapter, the first Blue Revue: “An Extravaganza in Moods.”

 

The history of Epsilon Zeta Zeta began even before its formal establishment of its first official act, December 19, 1953. Epsilon Zeta Zeta established a Scholarship Loan Fund for Beta Beta Chapter. Christmas 1953, it jointly shared the Las Cherios Project of Beta Beta and held a joint Founders’ Day program January 18, 1954. Lullelia Harrison, National Executive Secretary at that time, was the speaker.

 

On March 7, 1954, Epsilon Zeta Zeta was formally presented its charter by P. L. Parr, Associate Regional Director of South Central. Guests for the occasion were: Associate L.W. Moss; representatives from Beta Beta, Alice Baker, President of Beta Beta and Erthylyn Glasco; Helen Phillips, President of Alpha Mu Zeta; I. M. Childs, P. L. Parr and Pauline Allen, Director of South Central Region.

Hearty congratulations and sisterly welcome into the official sisterhood of Zetadom were received from:

Beta Beta Chapter A. M. and N College

Alpha Sigma Zeta Selma, Alabama

Gamma Iota Zeta Chattanooga, Tennessee

Alpha Rho Zeta Montgomery, Alabama

Delta Nu Zeta Meridian, Mississippi

Alpha Mu Zeta Little Rock, Arkansas

Gamma Eta Zeta Selma, Alabama

Beta Zeta Columbus, Mississippi

Miss Doris Tate Little Rock, Arkansas

Beta Theta Chapter (Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.) A. M. and N. College

 

THE FIRST OFFICERS OF EPSILON ZETA ZETA

 

Katherine G. Durvan, President

Emma Jean Brown,Vice President and Dean of Pledgees

Pauline S. Rayford, Secretary and Treasurer

Earsaline Porchia, Parliamentarian

Marolyn R. Williams, Historian & Reporter

 

First pledge service was held Saturday, March 20, 1954. The following persons were

initiated: Zelda O. Pierce, Rose McKay, Rose Tillman and Antoinette Akins. With zeal and much enthusiasm to promote the ideals of Zeta, the newly elected officers and members expanded the membership to thirty-six by 1956.

 

Throughout its inception, Epsilon Zeta Zeta remained active in the community with its outreach programs and projects. In 1955, the Chapter sponsored an organization of teenagers called The Volteen Girls. The girls did volunteer work at the Loma Linda Nursing Home in Pine Bluff, AR. Members also worked with Brownies and Girl Scouts along with many other projects.

 

On January 13, 1956, Epsilon Zeta Zeta and Beta Beta Chapters presented their second Biennial Blue Revue at Caldwell Hall, on the campus of A. M. and N. College, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. In 1957, at the age of three, the Chapter was hostess to its first Regional Conference. Changes in family and work status caused some members to become inactive, but the work of Zeta was ever more present in the community and still is today. The Chapter continued to grow and promote the ideals of Zeta and finer womanhood. It always met its national and local commitment. During the Civil Rights movement, Epsilon Zeta Zeta was actively involved in programs that helped the youth of the community make the transition of integration.

 

In 1966, Epsilon Zeta Zeta established and maintains a permanent Scholarship Fund. A scholarship is awarded each year to someone who attends or plans to attend A.M. and N. College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

During the administration of Lula Gray, the first Finer Womanhood Banquet was

presented to honor outstanding individuals in the fields of business, law, medicine, and education.

 

The seventies were prosperous years for Epsilon Zeta Zeta. With determination and the continuous effort to carry out the programs of Zeta, the Archonettes and the Amicae auxiliary groups were organized.

Under the leadership of Emma Goodrum, the Archonettes were established as an active club in Pine Bluff in 1974. The Archonette Club is made up of female students between the ages of fourteen and eighteen, who demonstrate the potential for good leadership, citizenship, and scholarship.The Club is designed to help young girls grow culturally, socially, and educationally. One of the primary goals of the program is to help the young ladies make a constructive impact in the community. In 1984, the Club held its first Archonette Coronation Ball as a culmination of activities for the group. Proceeds from the ball are used to help finance scholarships, educational and community service projects. The Archonette Ball is still a part of the Club’s activities.

 

In 1976, the Amicae auxiliary group was organized under the leadership of Mae Smith. Smith served as advisor and Maeola Tyler and Evelyn Ross served as co-advisors. The charter for the Amicae auxiliary group was given on January 7, 1977. The charter members were:

Alfreda Aikins Juanita Jackson

Eloise Allen Kerma Jones

Myrtle Collins Barbara J. Lacy

Odessa Davis Buenia Lee

Arnetha Harris Zanetta Smith

 

While Epsilon Zeta Zeta has been the beneficiary of the enthusiastic efforts of the fine ladies in the Amicae group, the Chapter continues to offer love and support to their friends. The entire community benefits from all their endeavors. Velma Gilbert one of the advisors for the Amicae, served graciously for more than 18 years.

During Smith’s administration, the Chapter was awarded nationally for having the

highest membership intake in 1976.

 

Epsilon Zeta Zeta bears the torch for committed service. The Chapter has dedicated itself to the improvement of the health and welfare of children, youth and their parents. Projects are targeted to benefit this group of people.

During the eighties, under the leadership of Georgia Mendenhall, the first “Little Miss Greek Pageant” was presented as one of the fundraisers for Epsilon Zeta Zeta. The pageant is an annual event that includes activities that enhance social, talent and educational skills. Participants are girls from the ages of nine to twelve. The program also includes activities that involve other youth from the community.

 

Under Johnnie Branch’s leadership, the Chapter continued in its many outreached

programs and projects with special emphasis on youth activities. During Sharon’s Fletcher administration, programs were revitalized and new ones were implemented that enhanced the Chapter’s image tremendously. The Zeta Career Awareness Program (Z-CAP) was implemented under the leadership of Sharon Fletcher. Students from the local high schools spent a day to shadow their mentors from various professions on the job. Z-CAP is one of the annual programs of the Chapter. Activities for drug and substance abuse became an active part of the Chapter’s many worthwhile projects.

 

The Stork’s Nest was opened on April 8, 1989. It was located on the corner of Harding

and Walnut Streets. Space for the Stork’s Nest was donated by Patricia Thorns, owner of

LaPetite Academy. Janice Foster, the national Stork’s Nest Director, dedicated the Stork’s Nest.

Epsilon Zeta Zeta had a rewarding experience in October 1989, when the Chapter received the “All Civic Night” award held at the Convention Center in Pine Bluff. All Civic Night was sponsored by the city of Pine Bluff to honor individuals, clubs, churches and agencies that contribute to the under privileged within the Jefferson County area.

Entering the last decade before the new millennium proved to be just as prosperous for Epsilon Zeta Zeta. The Chapter continued its growth and being a positive force in the community.

 

Under Vivian Kelley’s administration the Amicettes were organized in Pine Bluff.

Kelley served as advisor to the Amicettes. A tutoring program was implemented with the acronym ALTO (Archonettes Love Tutoring Others).

The program for the Finer Womanhood Banquet changed to honor those who had retired with dedicated service in the field of education. One of the highlighted projects was the Challenger Kid’s program (National Project). A

6^th grade male was sent to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

 

In 1995, Epsilon Zeta Zeta hosted the 66^th South Central Regional Leadership Conference. Regional Conference Marshal was Shirley Bruce and Co-Marshall was Vivian Kelley. Under Mattie Glover’s tenure, the Chapter continued its commitment to promoting the ideals of Zeta. Strengthening the Zeta-Sigma relationship was a highlighted effort and the recruitment of inactive . The Chapter also added new members. Glover served as advisor to Beta Beta Chapter for ten years. She helped to revitalize the Undergraduate Chapter on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

 

Peggy Evans served as President of Epsilon Zeta Zeta for two terms. During her leadership, Epsilon Zeta Zeta acquired a house that was located on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The location of the house on UAPB’s campus was the result of reconstruction and renovation during the campus’s regrowth. Simmons Bank donated the current UAPB Alumni House to Epsilon Zeta Zeta. However, we did not have the funds to have the house moved from its location at the time. Determined to make a sorority house become reality, Sharon Fletcher approached Mrs. Clytie Watkins, a member of her church. Mrs. Watkins was selling her property to UAPB. However, the university did not want the house. Mrs. Watkins agreed to give the house to Fletcher for the Sorority. Fletcher, Antionette Akins and Lula Gray, met with then Chancellor, Lawrence A. Davis, Jr. An agreement was formed, to let the house remain where it currently is, with the following stipulations: Epsilon Zeta Zeta must maintain the upkeep, provide lawn care, insurance, only UAPB students could be residents and UAPB would take ownership of the land it sits on. Thus the Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. house was birthed. The property acquisition committee was appointed to take care of the fiscal and physical affairs of the house. Committee members are: Anthonette Akins, Lula Gray, and Sharon Fletcher.

 

Marva Thomas served as President for the 2001-2003 term, and during this time the members of Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter continued to be visible in the community with many activities and projects that benefited the city and surrounding areas. Epsilon Zeta Zeta, sponsoring chapter for Beta Beta, highlighted Beta Beta’s 50^th year with a special celebration on November 9, 2002.

 

The Chapter was honored to have Sharon Fletcher, member of Epsilon Zeta Zeta, appointed as South Central Regional Director. Fletcher was the first from Arkansas to ever be appointed as the Region’s Director. A reception was given in her honor at the Joy Community Church of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Past International President Barbara Moore, and members of South Central commended Fletcher for her services as South Central Regional Director from 2002 to 2006.

 

Epsilon Zeta Zeta continues to be active in the community especially when it comes to being a service to others through outreach, education, health disparities, and government. In January of 2003, the Chapter hosted a reception to celebrate the election of Pine Bluff, Arkansas’s first African American mayor. Over 500 attendees came out to join in the celebration of this historical occasion. Representatives from state, county and local governmental officials, community leaders, business leaders, social and civic organizations were participants during the program.

 

Patricia Johnson served as President for two terms, 2003-2007. During this term, Epsilon Zeta Zeta hosted the South Central Regional Conference in June 2006. The Regional Marshal was Peggy Evans and Co-marshal was Helen Emerson. The Conference was held at the Royal Arkansas Hotel/Convention Center in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Epsilon Zeta Zeta was awarded a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council. The title of the proposal was “Historical Moments of Retired Southeast Arkansas Educators,” a video presentation profile that included interviews from selected past retired honorees. A special program was held for viewing of this historical presentation during a joint Founders Day program with Gamma Psi Sigma, local chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. The program was held at the Hathaway Fine Arts Auditorium on the campus of University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, on January 13, 2007.

 

Annually, Epsilon Zeta Zeta honors retired educators of Southeast Arkansas for their dedicated service to education during Finer Womanhood Observance Banquet. Over 300 retired educators have been recognized for this special tribute in their honor. Epsilon Zeta Zeta is pleased to benefit from its resources of a strong legacy.

 

Marian Shayla Evans, daughter of former President Peggy Evans, was elected President for the 2007-2009 year. The use of technology was introduced and utilized to improve the efficiency of communication within the Chapter. The establishment of a chapter e-mail address and the use of text messaging have been very valuable and less time consuming for the members of the Chapter. A membership survey was conducted to update roster and legacies of the Chapter. Epsilon Zeta Zeta’s positive efforts toward education, health disparities, youth, and governmental affairs were evident in the many sponsored projects through Z-HOPE, and community involvement.

 

Juanita Cook served as President for the 2009-2011 term. Epsilon Zeta Zeta is proud of its years of services rendered to the city of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, state, county, and nation. Reflecting back on its humble beginnings, the hard work and the determination that have made the Chapter one that Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. can boast of, encourage us to do more for the future.

 

Epsilon Zeta Zeta is proud to have members that have served as officers in the state, regional and national levels. Emma J. Dewberry served as National Executive Secretary in 1965. Alice Mays was instrumental in organizing the first statewide conference in 1968 on the A. M.and N. College campus (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). Mays served as state director for eight years. Lula Gray served as National Trustee and State Director for 12 years. Florentine Humphrey also served as State Director. Velma Gilbert served as State Coordinator for Amicae. Helen Emerson served as Regional Parliamentarian. Mattie Glover served as Regional Treasurer and State Parliamentarian. Johnnie Branch (former member) served as State Secretary. Shirley Bruce served as State Secretary. Vivian Kelley served as State Youth Coordinator. Marva Thomas served as State Treasurer. Billie Dorn served as State Youth Coordinator and State Treasurer. Sharon Fletcher served 8 years as Arkansas’s State Director and South Central Regional Director for 4 years (2002-2006). Mary Liddell served as South Central Regional Secretary. Maryilyn Butler served as Arkansas Historian. Patricia Johnson has served as Arkansas State Director 2007-2014. Carleen Markland served as Arkansas Secretary-Treasurer. Vivian Kelley served three terms as South Central Regional Historian (1987-1990, 2006-2008, 2008-2010). Marian Shayla Evans served as Chair of the State’s Executive Board from 2011-2015. Mattie Glover was elected to serve as chair of the South Central Executive Board in 2009. Mattie Glover also served as State Director. Soror Genevia Kelsey-Thomas served as the State's Treasurer for many years. Anissa Buckner served as the State's Undergraduate Coordinator. Marian Shayla Evans serves as the Region's Youth Coordinator and Nastassia Merriweather serves as the State's Youth Coordinator.

 

EPSILON ZETA ZETA CHAPTER

PRESIDENTS

1954-2018

In order by date of first election

 

Katherine G. Durvan………………………………………………....1954

Emma Brown……………………………………………………….1959

Vhaness D. Henderson…………………………………………….. ..1963

Pauline Brown Allen……………………………………………….. .1965

Anola Byers………………………………………………………… .1967

Emma Goodrum……………………………………………………. .1968

Lula Gray…………………………………………………………… .1969

Florentine Humphrey……………………………………… ……….. 1971

Emma Goodrum ……………………………………………………. 1973

Mae Smith ………………………………………………………….. 1975

Florentine Humphrey…………………………………………………1977

Emma Goodrum……………………………………………………...1978

Georgia Mendenhall………………………………………………….1981

Johnnie Branch………………………………………………………. 1985

Sharon Fletcher………………………………………………………..1987

Vivian Kelley………………………………………………………… 1991

Mattie Glover……………………………………………………….....1995

Peggy Evans…………………………………………………………. .1997

Marva Thomas…………………………………………………….…..2001

Patricia Johnson……………………………………………………….2003

Marian Shayla Evans…....………………………………………………..2007

Juanita Cook......……………………………………………………………2009

Marian Shayla Evans ..............……………..…………………………2013

Anissa Evans ................………………………………………………...2017

Nastassia Merriweather...........................................................2021