The beginnings of ZETA in Nashville were with Lambda Chapter in 1923. Lambda chapter consisted of both graduate and undergraduate members within Nashville. Lambda was hostess for the 10th Annual Boulé in 1929 and it was an overwhelming success. Lambda was extremely grateful to Fisk University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and several chapters of Zeta for their contributions to the success of this gr
eat Boulé. Lambda also had the honor of having the city's first honorary member, Mrs. As an outgrowth of the dissolution of Lambda chapter, Lambda became the graduate chapter, PI ZETA, in 1936. Lambda Chapter graduates were merged into Pi Zeta and undergraduates were divided between Epsilon at Fisk University and Epsilon Alpha at then Tennessee A & I State College. The first Basileus of PI ZETA was Soror Alta Mae Turpin. Lambda's 14 graduate members transitioning into Pi Zeta were: Soror Emma Holman, Soror Mary Owens Washington, Soror Lorenza Parker Becket, Soror Nancy Carr, Soror Naomi E. Allimono, Soror Clara A Dabney, Soror Josephine Groves Holloway, Soror Elvira Rolfe, Soror Florence Marie Parker, Soror Lillian Barbour, Soror Emma Mae Haggins, Soror Carrie Cordelia Robinson, Soror Hazel Harwell Pannell, and Soror Alta Mae Turpin. Pi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was organized in 1936 led by the active, alert Alta W. Turpin, Pi Zeta's introduction to the Nashville community was auspicious. A Bridge Tea for All Nashville Zetas and prospective members was the opening event. During Finer Womanhood Week, repledge services for all members and initiation was held at Tennessee A & I State University, as well as a special Chapel Service with Soror Hazel Panel as speaker. Special Finer Womanhood services were attended at Fisk in the morning and Vesper services at Tennessee A & I State University with Soror Carrie Robinson as soloist. Much to its credit, Pi Zeta made a noteworthy attempt to break down some of the color prejudices in regards to the entrance at the Paramount Theater in Nashville. Since Pi Zeta's inception, the chapter has grown tremendously. Presently, there are over 75 active financial members. Pi Zeta was the first female Greek letter organization to sponsor a chapter on the campus of American Baptist College with the help of Soror Melvia Russell. To date, Pi Zeta sponsors three undergraduate chapters. They are:
Epsilon Alpha (Tennessee State University)
Kappa Gamma (Fisk University)
Phi Nu (American Baptist College)
