History of Nu Psi Zeta Chapter Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

First Greek Letter Organization Chartered in the City of Peekskill, N.Y. Nu Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was chartered on March 8, 1987. The chartering ceremony took place at the chapter's First Finer Womanhood Scholarship/Awards Luncheon which was held at the Colonial Terrace Country Club, 119 Oregon Road, Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567. The Charter Members are Sorors Eartha Brown, Beverly Grindle, Joanne Johnson, Jennie Harrison, Shirley Harrison, Kimberly Harrison , and Gertrude Stewart. Initially, monthly meetings were held at Sorors' homes. Later, members started meeting at the Field Library, Room # 2, Nelson Avenue, Peekskill, NY. The chapter's first Basileus was Soror Shirley Harrison.

SISTERHOOD

After having been established for two years the "Courageous Seven," chartered women formed a Pledge Club. They convinced four other brave women to join the club. As a result, these four women were the AFirst Four Inductees@ in Nu Psi Zeta Chapter. They were Annie L. Lemon, LaLeith Smith, Tina Washington and Laverne Davis. Nu Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has grown to include members throughout Westchester and Duchess Counties. Presently, we have 20 community oriented and very multi talented members.

The chapter has four auxiliary groups: Peekskill Zeta Amicae Club is comprised of 11 devoted and cooperative Friends to Zetas. The Archonette Club has 10 energized members. The Amicette/Pearlette Club has 13 active members. Since their inceptions, all four auxiliaries have won Model Chapter Awards which garnered them national attention. In addition, the Amicette Club won two Golden Dove Awards.

Today these auxiliaries render invaluable services to the Sorority and their communities. Annually, the Amicae Club sponsors a very productive Silent Auction. Proceeds benefit scholarship. In addition, they sponsor a clothing drive for children in Foster Care, (DSS). The Archonettes sponsor two rewarding initiatives which they are most proud; The Black College Tour and the Beauty Pageant. Last but not least, the Amicette/Pearlettes's noteworthy endeavor was the Blue Revue 04. Proceeds from the Blue Revue netted enough funds to make a family of 5,(4 girls plus their mother's) Wildest Dream realized, AA Merry, Happy Christmas@ with lots of gifts: Books, Clothes, Food and Toys.

During Soror Nathalia Roberts' tenure (1992-96) as Atlantic Regional Director, she established an essay and poetry contest for youth affiliate programs. Nu Psi Zeta=s Amicette, LaKendra Ravizee's poem, "Dream" won third place. Amicette, Cassandra Eddings's essay, "Peace" won first place. Continuing that trend, Nu Psi Zeta's Youth are still writing with a flair. Atlantic Regional Conference 05 awarded Amicette Symone Lassic first place with her essay, "How To Promote Change in Your Community." Using the same title, Amicette Chevon Sims's essay placed second and Amicette Desiree LaMar's essay received Notable Honor.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
Stork's Nest, one of Zeta=s most successful projects was adopted in 1972. Twenty-five years later, the March of Dimes, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Nu Psi Zeta Chapter and Hudson River HealthCare cut the ribbon for healthier babies at the grand opening on Saturday, September 18, 1999 at the Hudson River HealthCare, 1037 Main Street, Peekskill, New York. Since its inception, Nu Psi Zeta Chapter's Stork's Nest has serviced over 300 pregnant women and babies. The pregnant women were given incentives for attending 10 consecutive prenatal educational classes. Their incentives consisted of car seats, baby clothes, toiletries, furniture and toys.

SCHOLARSHIP
Since 1987, the chapter has given over $50,000.00 to deserving High School seniors in the Peekskill Area. Additionally, the chapter provides one youth with a scholarship to attend Peekskill Summer Day Camp.