SNAPSHOT OF FINER WOMANHOOD: The Delta Eta Zeta "Premier" Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. recently celebrated an enduring legacy of resilience, sisterhood and vibrant future in Broward County. On the steps of the History Fort Lauderdale museum are honored guest, 77-year Soror Elizabeth "Betty" Munnings of West Palm Beach, center, alongside outgoing Chapter President Soror Vanessa Sauveur, left front, and Historian Soror Dr. Yvette Giles Stuart, host, right front, surrounded by other sorors. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DELTA ETA ZETA

Fort Lauderdale – History Fort Lauderdale’s first permanent African American exhibit, “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” is vividly illuminating some of the region’s dynamic Black history.

The Delta Eta Zeta “Premier” Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Broward County’s pioneering Black Greek-letter organization, engaged with the powerful exhibition and celebrated its longstanding members on Saturday, June 21 as part of its 75th anniversary.

The day offered a dynamic fusion of historical immersion, sisterhood and cultural reflection, emphasizing the chapter’s deep roots and ongoing commitment to preserving Black narratives.

Attendees explored the exhibit, which was curated by writer and historian Dr. Yvette Giles Stuart, who is also the chapter’s incoming historian.

The display prominently highlights the Delta Eta Zeta Chapter, chartered in 1950 as Broward County’s first Black Greek-letter organization.

Embodying the living history was a special surprise guest: 77-year “Crystal Dove” Soror Elizabeth “Betty” Munnings of West Palm Beach. Crystal Doves are cherished members who have dedicated 50 or more years of service to the sorority.

Just ahead of her 99th birthday on June 27, Munnings captivated attendees with insights into Zeta’s early days in Southern Florida.

As the sole surviving charter member of the sorority’s Mu Beta Chapter (1948) at Bethune-Cookman College, and West Palm Beach’s Delta Epsilon Zeta Chapter (1949), Munnings offered a unique perspective.

Her recollections included attending Bethune-Cookman in the 1940s, where she studied under the university’s founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

“Soror Munnings blessed us with her presence and shared treasured memories, having personally known several of our Delta Eta Zeta charter members,” said Delta Eta Zeta’s outgoing President Vanessa Sauveur.

Giles Stuart, who hosted the event, said she was thrilled to invite Munnings, “who was a distinguished educator and my mother Ruth Taylor Giles’ Bethune-Cookman College classmate (Class of 1948), to join us at History Fort Lauderdale as a very special treat for our chapter sisters.”

The museum exhibit features poignant historical accounts, including a moving display on Rubin Stacy, viciously lynched in 1935, and uncle of the late Soror Anne Naves.

Further deepening the historical connection, attendees viewed bronze busts of Harry T. Moore and his wife, Harriette V. Moore, among the nation’s first Civil Rights Movement martyrs, commissioned by filmmaker Walter T. Shaw.

Munnings personally knew the Moores, who were fired from their teaching positions in Mims, Fla., because of their activism. She said Mrs. Moore subsequently worked as a teacher in Riviera Beach during the week, and Mr. Moore would drive down from Mims on weekends to pick her up.

The Ku Klux Klan savagely murdered the Bethune-Cookman College graduates by placing a bomb under their bedroom floor on Christmas night in 1951, which was also their 25th wedding anniversary.

“In a time when efforts to erase our history persist,” said Crystal Dove’s Sheryl Brown, “events like ‘Delta Eta Zeta Day at the Museum’ serve as a powerful reminder: While they may attempt to silence our narratives by removing books and altering records, they cannot extinguish the legacy we preserve through storytelling. Our voices carry our truth – and that truth endures.” Honoring shared history

The day’s events began with a welcome from Giles Stuart and greetings from Sauveur. Crystal Grant then offered a prayer of grace, setting an uplifting tone. “This event was aweinspiring,” Grant later remarked, “and truly helped us feel a deeper connection to our past and the foundational pillars of our sorority.”

Hughuette Shields said the event “embodied the spirit of our sisterhood, offering many the opportunity to reflect on and share tidbits of our local Fort Lauderdale Zeta Chapter’s history, especially through the voices of our Crystal Doves and other members.”

A highlight of the luncheon, sponsored by Giles Stuart and her husband, Zeta Male Network member Ricky O. Stuart, was a photographic display by Cheryl Phillips, daughter of the late Charter Member Juanita C. Phillips. Phillips shared stories and historical context about the Zeta Phi Beta members featured in treasured photos, connecting the past leadership to the present.

The chapter’s venerable Crystal Doves honored for their enduring dedication included Hattie Whitmire (66-year Dove), Esther Baylor (65 years), Janett Greene (61 years), Katherell Morrison Gakule Wathiani (60 years), Bettye Melton (59 years), and Sheryl Brown (52 years).

Unable to attend were Crystal Dove Sorors Mattie Whitfield, Darnella McDaniel, Mary Hiers, Linda Carter, Candice Bright and Elois DeHart.

“My favorite part of the day was the recognition of Sorors who had been members for 50 years or more,” said Cheryl Phillips. Crystal Dove Hattie

Whitmire affirmed, “A greater love for my Zeta family has resulted from sharing this experience with our Sisterhood.”

Current chapter officers present at the event included President Sauveur, First Vice President Maxine Dalen, Treasurer Estelle McGregor, Trustee and incoming Executive Board Chair Heidi Brocks, and incoming Historian Giles Stuart.

“Our ‘Delta Eta Zeta Day at the Museum’ was a beautifully curated experience where the past met the present,” said Crystal Grant. “We honored our Crystal Doves, walked through powerful history, and left feeling more connected to each other and the purpose of Zeta. It was a true embodiment of Finer Womanhood in action.”

Additional photos on 4B.