Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Celebrates 99 Years of Service with the Induction of Founder Viola Tyler Goings' Daughter, Wynona Kidd

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Jan 16, 2019, 15:51 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a leading women's service organization, concluded its international executive board meeting at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Nassau, Bahamas on Jan. 12, 2019 with the induction of Wynona Kidd as an honorary member. Kidd is the daughter of Viola Tyler Goings and niece of Myrtle Tyler Faithful, two of the sorority's founding members. At 95 years young, Kidd is the oldest living descendant of the organization's five founding members.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated inducts Wynona Kidd, the daughter of Founder Viola Tyler Goings and niece of Founder Myrtle Tyler Faithful as an honorary member. She is the oldest living descendant of Zeta's five founding members. Standing from left to right: Deborah Hill, niece; Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker, 25th International President; Kyra Hardiman, daughter; Dr. Mary Breaux Wright, 24th International President, and Dr. Jylla Tearte, 20th International President; seated: Wynona Kidd.

International President Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker (second from right), International Executive Board Chairperson Michelle Porter Norman (right) and Southeastern Regional Director LaWanda E. Harper (left) presented a $25,000 donation to the Ranfurly Homes for Children in Nassau, Bahamas during their International Executive Board meeting on Jan. 12, 2019. Kristy Kemp, a member of the Board of Directors for the Ranfurly Homes for Children was on hand to receive the donation.

"As we celebrate 99 years of service today, and prepare for our Centennial in 2020, we are delighted to welcome Mrs. Kidd into our sisterhood," said Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker, Zeta International President. Zeta members voted to induct her as an honorary member during its 2018 Grand Boulé in New Orleans, La., along with Louisiana State Senator Regina Ashford Barrow.

Kidd, a native of Clairsville, Ohio, aspired to become a Zeta while a student at Wilberforce University, but was forced to drop out of college to help support her family when WWII began. She became a founding member of the local Jack and Jill of America chapter, but was not able to become a Zeta. When asked about how she felt about becoming a member of Zeta, Kidd stated, "I can't believe it! I feel like Cinderella…I am so happy to be a member of Zeta!"

During the sorority's visit to Nassau, Zeta leadership made a courtesy call to Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert A. Minnis, and Bahamian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest. While on the island, International President Hollingsworth-Baker also presented a $25,000 donation to the Ranfurly Homes for Children on behalf of the organization.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1920 on the campus of Howard University. The international organization's 125,000+ initiated members, operating in more than 850 chapters, have given millions of voluntary hours to educate the public, provide scholarships, support charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change. For more information about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., please visit www.zphib1920.org.

SOURCE Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.