The 101st anniversary of the founding of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated just passed and in honor of this milestone, we will be covering twelve prominent members of this historic Greek organization.
Dionne Warwick
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Dionne Warwick is a famous singer, actress, and television host with a career spanning over 50 years. This Grammy Award-winning legend has sold over 100 million records with 75 songs hitting the top of the music charts. She has is considered a cornerstone of American pop music having written songs for popular television shows such as “The Love Boat” and “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”.
Sheryl Underwood
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Sheryl Underwood is an actress, comedian, and talk show host. Her rise to fame began when she made history as the first female finalist in “The Miller Lite Comedy Search”. Although she did not win, she has had a successful career in comedy and as a public figure. She has won many awards and was elected the 23rd International Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta in 2008.
Zora Neale Hurston
Zora Neale Hurston was one of the most prominent authors of African-American literature. Her novels managed to capture the early racial struggles of the American south during the 1900s. She wrote four novels including the popular Their Eyes Were Watching God which was made into a movie.
Esther Rolle
Esther Rolle was an American actress that is best known for her role as Florida Evans in the sitcoms Maude and Good Times. During her career, she was nominated for numerous Golden Globe Awards.
Syleena Johnson
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Syleena Johnson is a talented American R&B and soul singer and songwriter. She has received two Grammy Award nominations throughout her career. Her first nomination was for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for Kanye West’s “All Falls Down”. In 2014 she received her second Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Album for R&B Divas.
Minnie Riperton
Minnie Riperton was a singer and songwriter known as the “queen of the whistle register.” Her claim to fame came as a result of her five-octave coloratura soprano range. She also blessed music listeners with the song “Lovin’ You” released in 1975.
Towanda Braxton
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Being a member of the talented Braxton family, Towanda is no stranger to the spotlight. She is an actress who has also produced various projects. She along with her sisters sang backup vocals for their sister Toni.
Annie Malone
Annie Malone was a chemist and entrepreneur who became a millionaire by developing and marketing hair care products to black women in St. Louis, Missouri. The wealth she obtained was used to promote the advancement of other African-Americans. To this day her wealth and financial contributions to communities in St. Louis live on through the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center.
Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Vaughan is a jazz singer who has earned many awards and accolades in her time. With nicknames such as “Sassy” and “The Divine One”, she won four Grammy Awards.
Traci Braxton
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Traci Braxton, like her sister Towanda, served as a backup singer for her other sister Toni. She has gained fame as a radio personality with her radio show The Traci Braxton Show.
Gwendolyn Brooks
Hailed as one of the most influential and read poets of the 20th century, Gwendolyn Brooks was a true talent. Many of her poems focused on personal celebrations and the harsh struggles of the ordinary people from her community. She made history as the first African-American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize in 1950.
Camille Cooper
WNBA superstar Camille Cooper was drafted in the first round of the 2001 WNBA Draft. She was drafted to the Los Angeles Sparks. Since then she has become an attorney.
