Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated inducted a new class of honorary members on July 11 during the organization’s International Grand Boulé in Nashville, Tennessee. The inductees, recognized for their professional achievements and commitment to service, include actress Niecy Nash-Betts, musician Sheila E., and U.S. Representative Lateefah Simon. These women join the sorority’s Alpha Omega Chapter, which honors individuals whose work aligns with the organization’s principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood.
Professional Backgrounds of the 2026 Honorary Inductees
International President and CEO Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant presided over the induction ceremony. The new members represent a diverse range of fields, including entertainment, government, and advocacy:
- Niecy Nash-Betts: An Emmy Award-winning actress recognized for her roles in Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Claws, and Reno 911!. Her advocacy work focuses on breast cancer awareness and HIV education.
- Sheila E.: A Grammy Award-winning percussionist and singer with a career spanning over five decades. She is known for her collaborations with Prince and Michael Jackson, alongside her commitment to arts education for young people.
- Cheryl “Coko” Gamble: The lead singer of the R&B group SWV. Beyond her music career, she advocates for mental health awareness within the Black community.
- Elise Neal: An actress known for her roles in Rosewood, Scream 2, and Hustle & Flow. She is an active advocate for women’s health and early breast cancer detection.
- Lateefah Simon: The U.S. Representative for California’s 12th Congressional District, with a long history of civil rights advocacy and community service in the Bay Area.
- Karen D. Camper: A Tennessee State Representative and military veteran who serves as the House Democratic Leader. She holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to lead a caucus in the Tennessee General Assembly.
Additional Members of the Class of 2026
The induction class also features professionals from various sectors, including military service, journalism, and culinary arts. Other notable inductees include:
- Advocacy and Public Service: Anti-hazing advocate Pamela Champion, Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Danielle Green, and Women Leaders in Sports CEO Patti Phillips.
- Media and Arts: Journalist Jenisha Watts, public relations executive Aliya Crawford, and gospel artist Sheri Jones-Moffett.
- Specialized Expertise: Actress Kellee Stewart, chef Valerie Knight, relationship expert Dr. Milan Love McPherson, and Dr. Grisanthia Franklin.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The Alpha Omega Chapter serves as a dedicated space for honorary members who have demonstrated significant impact in their respective fields.
Previous honorary inductees include a wide array of influential figures such as Anita Hill, Tatyana Ali, Vivica A. Fox, Dawnn Lewis, Leela James, Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker, and Wanda Durant. These inductions remain a signature component of the sorority’s commitment to recognizing women who embody the organization’s core values outside of traditional collegiate membership.
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