History of Sigma Mu Zeta
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated – Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter
The mission of Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter is to enhance the community by upholding the principles of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; encouraging proactive participation; demonstrating persistence in all endeavors; fostering the spirit of sisterhood; and promoting the ideals of Finer Womanhood.
Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter was chartered on December 20, 2001, by eight distinguished women. At the chapter’s inception, meetings were held at Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Sorors Jocasta Frazier, Daarina Abdul Mateen, Trellis Buckles, Serafina Williams, Darleen Benson Smith, Cheryl Nugent-Bishop, Teresa Green Johnson*, and Rosemarie Farngalo envisioned a new chapter serving the Stone Mountain-Lithonia area. Their heartfelt desire was to create a chapter centered on the Zeta principle of Sisterhood—a chapter where genuine bonds would be forged, Finer Womanhood would be exemplified, and every member would experience a welcoming, supportive, and uplifting environment. These ideals reflect the vision established by the Five Pearls when they founded Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in 1920.
Since its chartering, Sigma Mu Zeta has remained actively engaged in the community through service initiatives focused on Sickle Cell Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, March of Dimes, Domestic Violence Awareness, Social Action, and other impactful programs. The chapter has partnered with DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson on numerous community projects, including C.H.O.I.C.E.S. (The Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully), voter registration drives, back-to-school events, and COVID-19 vaccination initiatives. Sigma Mu Zeta has also partnered with H.O.M.E., Inc. (Helping Oppressed Women Endure) in Lithonia to further support women and families within the community.
Through the Sorority’s national Z-HOPE (Zeta Helping Other People Excel) initiative, Sigma Mu Zeta serves the community through its Elder Care Initiative at Traditions Health and Rehabilitation in Lithonia and Branan Towers Assisted Living in Atlanta, as well as its Adopt-A-School Initiative at Rainbow Elementary School.
In the spring of 2008, Sigma Mu Zeta chartered its first undergraduate chapter, Alpha Tau, at Emory University with five initiates. In 2014, Sigma Mu Zeta became the sponsoring chapter for Iota Sigma at Clayton State University. Over the years, both undergraduate chapters have continued to grow while exemplifying the principles and ideals of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
In September 2018, to honor the principle of Scholarship and further expand the chapter’s impact, a select group of Sigma Mu Zeta members established the Ascent Educational Foundation, Inc. (AEF). AEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to serve as the chapter’s scholarship fundraising arm. The foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for students and their families throughout the Greater Atlanta community by supporting access to traditional and non-traditional educational opportunities.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sigma Mu Zeta continued to grow and serve. On October 18, 2020, the chapter inducted its inaugural class into its youth auxiliaries, extending the principles of Zeta Phi Beta to the next generation of leaders.
On January 27, 2026, Sigma Mu Zeta further expanded its legacy of service and sisterhood by chartering the Amicae of Stone Mountain Auxiliary. Since its chartering, the auxiliary has been actively engaged in supporting chapter programs and serving the Stone Mountain community, strengthening the chapter’s commitment to community engagement and outreach.
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