Lambda Pi Zeta History
The chartering of the South Bay chapter marked the beginning of new horizons for Zetas in the Los Angeles area. A group of dynamic women brought together by Dr. Ruth Floyd and others were well received in the community.
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Lambda Pi Zeta chapter was formally presented at the ceremony on December 5, 1982, in the Chamber of Carson City Hall. Presiding officer, California State Director, Martha McHenry made the presentation.
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The Charter Members/ Officers were:
Dr. Ruth Floyd Jonson, President
Beatrice Weaver Nelson, 1st Vice President
Norma Jackson Mena, 2nd Vice President
Dr. Marie Davidson Rivers, 3rd Vice President
Barbara Goldsby Kindred, Secretary
Juanita Glover Everette, Asst. Secretary
Beatrice Fleming Ford, Treasurer
Enid Burton Jones, Asst. Treasurer
Joyce Chancey Davis, Public Relations
Nexcy Cannon Martin, Historian
Leanna Davis Hunter, Parliamentarian
Alma Irene Fuller Suton, Sergeant-at-Arms
Alyce Ligon Davis, Chaplain
Jean Benson Keele, Chair of Exec. Board
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The impressive ceremony was well attended. Among the distinguished guest were Dr. Thomas G. Mills, Mayor of Carson; Mary Lee Gray, Senior deputy 4th District; Deana Dana, City Council; Sigma Brother Anthony Essex, Regional Director; Brother Oscar Morgan, past President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; Eleanor Tyus, President of Los Angeles Pan Hellenic Council. Other Greek and professional organizations were well represented.
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The continued growth of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in the Pacific Region was testimony of the outstanding leadership of its Regional Director, Juanita Frazier Simmons and Martha McHenry, California State Director and Chairman of the Regional Executive Board, Mayme L. Sweeney. Since its inception, Lambda Pi Zeta has moved to a new level of service to improve the human condition of our community.
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Under the sponsorship of Lambda Pi Zeta chapter, one undergraduate chapter was formed: Mu Pi chapter at California State University, Dominguez Hills, which the chapter continues to sponsor. In addition, two auxiliaries were chartered: Carson Amicae (Friends of the Sorority) and the South Bay Archonettes (Youth Auxiliary)
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Lambda Pi Zeta’s vision continues to impact surrounding communities through partnerships with the March of Dimes and other community service organizations.