State of Maryland

Maryland is the first state where the expansion of Zeta occurred beyond Howard University in Washington DC.  Gamma Chapter was established on November 2, 1921 at Morgan College (Morgan State University) and was charted as the second chapter within the sisterhood.  Gamma is unique because it is the second chapter within Zeta but bears the name of the third letter of the Greek alphabet.  This was specifically done, so that, Gamma would bear the same name as its brother chapter Gamma of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. also located at Morgan College. Morgan State University is the first campus beyond Howard University where both the Zeta and Sigma chapters bear the same name.

Maryland not only has the honor of being the first state where Zeta expanded its reach beyond Howard University, it is also home to the first graduate chapter within the sorority.  Alpha Zeta Chapter was established in November 1923 for members of Zeta who completed their college degrees and wanted to continue their service to the community and sisterhood beyond the campus level.  Alpha Zeta is located in Baltimore, Maryland and was chartered by five former members of Gamma Chapter.

Maryland is also the home to our Fourth International President Nellie Buchanan. Nellie Buchanan served from 1923-1925.  Nellie Buchanan was one of five members of Gamma Chapter that became charter members of Alpha Zeta Chapter.  During her tenure as International President, Nellie Buchanan expanded the sorority by establishing new chapters within the country. Beta Zeta, the second graduate chapter within Zeta, was established under her administration in Washington DC. As a newly recognized national organization, Zeta was in need of a headquarters location to conduct the business of the sorority that was conducted by Alpha Chapter located at Howard University. Buchanan established a centralized location for the operation of Zeta’s business. Zeta’s headquarters was located at 1129 N. Calhoun Street in Baltimore, Maryland.

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