HISTORY OF BETA KAPPA ZEtA
A Legacy of Service Since 1945
On May 19, 1945, Beta Kappa Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was chartered in Lake Charles, Louisiana, becoming the first Greek-letter organization in Southwest Louisiana. For generations, the chapter has remained committed to the principles of Service, Scholarship, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood while making a lasting impact throughout the community.
Chartering of Beta Kappa Zeta
Beta Kappa Zeta Chapter was chartered by International President Soror Lullelia W. Harrison with the assistance of the following charter members:
Jessie Carline Epps
Willie Mae Jones
Louella N. Walker
Christiana P. Martin
Olga Hatcherson
First Elected Officers
President
Jessie Carline Epps
1st Vice President
Willie Mae Jones
2nd Vice President
Margaret Dixon
Secretary
Luella Walker
Treasurer
Olga Hatcherson
Public Relations
Olive Y. Porch
Corresponding Secretary
Geneva B. Jackson
Parliamentarian
Lillian N. Reed
Chaplain
Mary McGriff Bell
Reporter
Vera T. Washington
First Initiates
Georgia Criswell
Margaret Dixon
Marietta T. Brown
Mary McGriff Bell
Edna Johnson
Lillian Reed
Olive Y. Porch
Geneva B. Jackson
Annie Ruth Wilson
Helen Forcia
Vera T. Washington
Early Community Impact
The First Chapter Projects
The first project selected by the Sorors was the development of a swimming pool for the Negro playground.
Additional early initiatives included:
✓ Welcoming home returning World War II veterans with a social
✓ Participation in the first street drive to collect funds for polio research
✓ Contributions to organized charities
✓ Scholarships for deserving young women
✓ Tutorial and educational programs
✓ Adopt-A-Road community service efforts
1946
First Finer Womanhood Observance
The chapter held its first Finer Womanhood observance in February 1946.
The Honorable Mayor Tom Price served as guest speaker, and Mrs. Doretha A. Combre was recognized as Woman of the Year.
Growth & Leadership
Soror Thelma Y. Thomas (1959–1966)
In 1959, Soror Thelma Y. Thomas was elected President and guided the chapter for seven years.
During her administration:
The first Debutantes Ball was introduced to the Lake Charles community.
The first Debutante Cotillion was established.
Lambda Gamma Chapter was born and received its city charter.
Zeta Amicae–Lake Charles was established and chartered in 1965.
Stork's Nest became a reality in Lake Charles in 1974.
A Historic Milestone
Lambda Gamma Chapter
When Soror Taylor accepted the gavel, she and Soror Willie Mae Jones became the only blood sisters to serve as President of Beta Kappa Zeta Chapter.
Recognizing the importance of collegiate membership, Soror Taylor continued working alongside Soror Thomas and regional leadership to establish an undergraduate chapter.
In April 1969, Lambda Gamma was officially accepted on the campus of McNeese State College.
Historic Achievement
Lambda Gamma became the first undergraduate Greek-letter chapter established on a predominantly white campus in the South.
Hosting Leadership & National Events
Beta Kappa Zeta Chapter has had the honor of hosting several International Presidents, including:
Lullelia W. Harrison
Dr. Deborah P. Wolfe
Dr. Edith Frances
The chapter has also:
Co-sponsored National Boules
Co-hosted National Boules
Hosted Sigma-Zeta Regional Meetings
Sponsored Regional and State Workshops
Investing in the Future
The First Grant
The chapter's first grant, totaling $500, was awarded to support the Stork's Nest program.
Funding was provided through Good Shepherd Church.
“We, the members of Beta Kappa Zeta Chapter, believe that with guidance from above, and with the leadership to come, Beta Kappa Zeta will continue to grow and carry out the ideals of our grand sisterhood.”