Tatyana Ali, Angie Stone and Wanda Durant become honorary members of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority

On Saturday at the Grand Boulé in Indianapolis, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated welcomed three notable women to its esteemed ranks as honorary members. Renowned actress and singer Tatyana Ali, R&B and neo-soul artist Angie Stone, and motivational speaker and philanthropist Wanda Durant were among the 15 women honored by the sorority for their extraordinary contributions to their respective fields and communities.

International First Vice President for Membership Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., expressed her excitement for the new class of honorees, saying, “I am honored to oversee all categories of membership at Zeta Phi Beta and am pleased that Zeta Phi Beta continues to attract fascinating, fierce, and finer women to carry out the vision of Zeta Phi Beta’s Founders. The newest class of honorees will further the goals of Zeta Phi Beta as women of Zeta Phi Beta work together everywhere to support our communities.”

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded on January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University and was established by five pioneering female students: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, and Fannie Pettie Watts. The sorority’s founding principles are scholarship, service, sisterhood, and refined womanhood, and it continues to uphold these values ​​by inducting women who embody these ideals.

Known widely for her iconic role as Ashley Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Tatyana Ali has consistently inspired audiences both on and off screen. In addition to her acting career, Ali is a passionate advocate for education and youth empowerment, working with organizations such as the Millennium Momentum Foundation and the Step Up Women’s Network.

As a new member of Zeta Phi Beta, Ali will work with the sorority’s female entrepreneurship initiative, Women Who Win, and provide support and mentorship to Zeta Youth Affiliates.

Angie Stone, celebrated for her impactful contributions to the R&B and neo-soul music genres, has earned three Grammy nominations and two Soul Train Awards. Her music has captivated audiences for decades and has established her as a prominent figure in the industry.

In addition to her musical achievements, Stone is actively involved in the FACE Diabetes (Fearless African-Americans Connected and Empowered) program, sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company. This initiative aims to educate African-Americans about diabetes risk and management, reflecting Stone’s commitment to health and wellness.

Wanda Durant, mother of NBA star Kevin Durant and widely recognized for her motivational speaking and advocacy, has also been made an honorary member of Zeta Phi Beta. Durant is the founder of the motivational platform “Hope Dream Believe Achieve” and has made significant contributions through her work to help people overcome adversity and reach their full potential. She also runs The Kevin Durant Charity Foundation and The Real MVP Charity, Inc., where her philanthropic efforts focus on supporting educational initiatives, youth development programs, and community service projects.

In her new role as a member of Zeta Phi Beta, Durant is excited to contribute to initiatives that promote the sorority’s partnerships with the American Cancer Society, Zeta National Education Foundation (Z-NEF), Zeta Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE™) and Zeta Youth Affiliates.