Since its inception, the sorority has chronicled a number of “firsts” among the established black sororities. In addition to being the only organization constitutionally bound to a fraternity, the sorority was the first to charter international chapters, those in West Africa and Germany, to form adult and youth auxiliary groups, and to organize its internal affairs within a central office, administered by a paid staff.

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Zeta Phi Beta’s purpose is to foster the ideals of service, charity, scholarship, civic and cultural endeavors, sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. These ideas are reflected in the sorority’s national programs for which its members and auxiliary groups provide untotaled hours of voluntary service to staff community outreach programs, fund scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change.