Gamma Zeta Chapter, Charleston, SC was chartered May 9, 1952; the charter members were: Addie Dayson Crawford, Geneva B. Dansby, Ruth Morrison Deas, Maude Dayson Frasier, Susie U. Simmons and Marilyn Banks Watson. The noble ideals of Scholarship, Finer Womanhood, Sisterly Love and Service were emphasized. Emphasis were also placed on juvenile delinquency, service to humanity, security through greater educational opportunities, and the prevention of cruelty to children.  One might consider this long impressive list a very tall order- but for years the astute Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has achieved an unprecedented list of accomplishments in every one of these areas and much more. 

Gamma Zeta’s impressive list continued with the organization of The Art Exhibit featuring both elementary and high school children’s art work had its beginning in 1958.  It was in 1962 that Gamma Zeta organized Zeta Amicae of Charleston; these friends of ours are interested in Zeta ideals and are always willing to lend assistance to Zeta activities.  The day camp and Zeta tutorial program had early beginnings at Reid House of Christian Service. The Archonettes of Gamma Zeta Chapter was organized in 1969; this group consisted of high school young ladies who possessed the quality of finer-womanhood and demonstrated good leadership abilities. The Zeta ensemble was organized in 1974.  Zeta Phi Beta’s Parent-Child centers evolved into what is now known as Stork’s Nest, which today is the joint national program of Zeta Phi Beta and the March of Dimes. Gamma Zeta Opened her Stork’s Nest on September 23, 1979. The prime objective of this program is to reduce the extremely high mortality rate of babies born to indigent mothers. In 1997, Gamma Zeta opened an Adoption Closet at the Reid House of Christian Service (The Adams Building) to provide services to children being adopted through The Reid House African American Adoption Center.

Since chartering in 1952 the Gamma Zeta Chapter has received the final recognition for “best practices” for the transitioning of undergraduates sorors into the graduate chapter. Also, the Gamma Zeta chapter is the largest chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in the state of South Carolina!