“Diligent DSZ.”
Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter is the graduate chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated located in Gainesville, Florida. On September 21, 1951, five great Zeta women of courage—Annie McGhee, Cora P. Roberson, Dr. Gladys Alexander, Julia Harper and Wilma Holloway—charted the Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in Gainesville, Florida.
The incorporation of the Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter is archived in the local and national registries as the first historically Black Greek letter organization established in Alachua County, Florida, and the first to introduce and institute an undergraduate chapter—Mu Epsilon—at the University of Florida in 1974.
Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter exists to enhance the programs, promote the highest standards of scholarship, community service, sisterhood, finer womanhood and promote the ideals as set forth by the National Body of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
The members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter truly represent Finer Womanhood. Like forerunning Zeta women, chapter members are trailblazers. Here are just a few of the accomplishments/firsts attributed to DSZ Sorority members…
You’ll love who we are
The members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter truly represent Finer Womanhood. Like forerunning Zeta women, chapter members are trailblazers. Here are just a few of the accomplishments/firsts attributed to DSZ Sorority members…
- Dr. Gladys Alexander – one of the first State Directors for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in the state of Florida
- Cora P. Roberson – was the first woman to run for the Gainesville City Commission (1968); first executive director of Full Headstart in Alachua County, first Black teacher to integrate an all-White elementary school in Alachua County (Kirby Smith, 1968)
- Alena Lawson Bennett – first black female lieutenant of Gainesville Police Department
- Verna Johnson – founder of one of the longest running public charter schools in Alachua County (23 years)
Ora White – first Black woman Administrator at Tacachale Developmental Disability Center –State of Florida
Dr. Leanetta McNealy – former chair of the Alachua County School Board, retired administrator
Yvette Carter – first Chief Inclusion Officer for Gainesville Regional Utilities (2019)
Dr. Melvena Wilson – first in the state of Florida to earn a Doctor of Public Health degree in Behavioral Science and Health Education (2009)
Brenda Whitfield –first Black woman to serve on Newberry City Commission
Lizzie P.R. Jenkins – noted historian and community advocate, founder of Real Rosewood Foundation
Rosa Rutledge – community advocate especially around environmental and women’s issues
Jean Kiner – highly regarded retired educator
Julia Harper – 1st black teacher at PK Younge 1966