Honoring Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., on reaching the historic milestone of 105 years of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood.

Bill Number

H.Res. 51

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-01-16: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2025-07-21T19:44:15Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 51) aims to honor Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a historically Black sorority, on the milestone of its 105th anniversary. It recognizes the organization's long-standing commitment to scholarship, service, sisterhood, and "finer womanhood" (a core value emphasizing personal and community excellence).

Key Provisions

• Founding and History: Founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, DC, by five women known as the "Five Pearls" (Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, and Fannie Pettie Watts). Incorporated in 1923 to ensure its ongoing operations.
• Growth and Structure: Now has over 100,000 members across more than 875 chapters in eight regions worldwide, including the United States, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. It has expanded to both predominantly white institutions and historically Black colleges and universities.
• Innovations and Achievements: First among National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations to establish a national headquarters, charter a chapter in Africa, form auxiliary groups, and form a constitutional bond with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Its vision focuses on community awareness, high academic standards, and unity.
• Notable Members and Legacy: Highlights influential alumni such as Bernette Johnson (first Black woman on the Louisiana Supreme Court and Chief Justice), Syleena Johnson (Grammy-nominated singer), Dr. Elizabeth Koontz (educator), Dionne Warwick (UN Goodwill Ambassador), Zora Neale Hurston (author and anthropologist), and Sheryl Underwood (comedian and TV host).
• Ongoing Impact: Commends the sorority as a "community-conscious, action-oriented organization" that continues global service in line with its founders' principles.
• Resolution Clause: The House of Representatives congratulates and commends the sorority on 105 years of its core values.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a simple resolution, which is a non-binding expression of the House's opinion and does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It requires no presidential approval and has no legal force.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens and Communities: Provides symbolic recognition that may inspire members and supporters, highlighting the sorority's role in education, service, and cultural contributions, particularly for women of color. It could encourage greater public awareness and support for similar organizations.
• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, potentially fostering informal ties between Congress and educational/community groups.
• On International Relations: Indirectly positive, as it acknowledges the sorority's global chapters and service, promoting U.S.-based values of scholarship and community action abroad without formal diplomatic effects.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.: Primary beneficiary, receiving official congressional commendation to celebrate its history and ongoing work.
• Members and Alumni: Over 100,000 individuals worldwide, including notable figures in law, arts, education, and entertainment, who inherit and build on the organization's legacy.
• Sponsoring Members of Congress: Representatives like Ms. Kamlager-Dove, Ms. Wilson of Florida, and others (totaling 19 co-sponsors), who demonstrate support for community service and historically Black institutions.
• Broader Community: Particularly African American women, students at historically Black colleges, and global chapters in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, through raised visibility of the sorority's initiatives.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: No enforceable legal effects, as resolutions like this fall under Congress's power to express views (Article I of the U.S. Constitution) without binding authority. It upholds free association and speech rights by recognizing a private organization's contributions.
• Political: Signals bipartisan or cross-party support for honoring cultural and service-oriented groups, especially those rooted in the Black Greek-letter tradition. Introduced in the 119th Congress (2025), it may encourage similar recognitions for other sororities or fraternities, promoting themes of diversity, equity, and community engagement in legislative discourse.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37]

Cosponsors (18)

Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Clyburn, James E. [D-SC-6], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]

Recent Actions

• 2025-01-16: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-01-16: Submitted in House
• 2025-01-16: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Honoring Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., on reaching the historic milestone of 105 years of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. — issued 2025-01-16 — PDF (3 pages)