#USA #Washington, D.C. #Zeta Foundation #Issie Jenkins Scholarship #Denver Hill

Zeta National Educational Foundation Celebrates 50 Years of Impact

On September 4, 2025, the Zeta National Educational Foundation, Inc. (ZNEF) commemorated its 50th Anniversary Gala at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The gala was an evening dedicated to reflecting on five decades of educational achievements and the essential work yet to come.

Highlighted by the participation of Jericka Duncan, CBS News National Correspondent and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, which hosted the event, the evening celebrated not only the past but also the future of education's transformative power. The introduction of a special performance by Grammy-nominated artist Musiq Soulchild added to the event's celebratory atmosphere.

One key moment of the evening was the awarding of the Issie L. Jenkins Full-Ride Scholarship, valued at $150,000, to Denver Hill, an ambitious 18-year-old marketing major at Texas Southern University. Named after the esteemed attorney Issie L. Shelton Jenkins, the scholarship embodies the vision and dedication Jenkins demonstrated during her 40 years of service to ZNEF, particularly as Chair from 1995 to 2000. Hill's acceptance speech conveyed the profound impact this financial support has had on his aspirations to revolutionize perceptions of Black artists across industries including music, fashion, and visual art.

During his heartfelt address, Hill stated, “I feel like it's opened the door of believing in myself more than I ever have before. If you can do this, you can do anything.” His words encapsulated the spirit of the gala, emphasizing that the foundation's impact extends far beyond mere statistics.

Valerie Hollingsworth Baker, Chair of the ZNEF board and Past International Centennial President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, underscored the significance of the milestone celebration. She remarked, “Celebrating 50 years of ZNEF is not just about looking back—it's about investing in the future. This gala highlighted the power of education to change lives, and Denver Hill's journey reminds us why our mission matters. When we open doors for one student, we create ripples of opportunity that reach families, communities, and generations to come.”

Moreover, the event saw recognition of Macy's substantial $250,000 contribution to the foundation, linked to The Divine Nine® Collection, which offers apparel inspired by the colors synonymous with historically Black sororities and fraternities. This partnership represents a shared commitment to combine fashion, sisterhood, and scholarship in a way that amplifies opportunities for deserving students.

Founded in 1975, the Zeta National Educational Foundation has, over the years, allocated more than $2.2 million in scholarships and grants, supporting over 4,000 students. Each contribution is not solely a number; it is a transformative experience that changes lives and shifts community narratives.

ZNEF’s evolution reflects its core mission to empower students, fostering academic achievement and social impact within the community. The celebration marked a pivotal moment in the foundation's history, epitomizing a legacy of service and commitment to uplift future generations. The path forward entails continued investment in promising students like Denver Hill, ensuring that the foundation's impactful legacy continues to thrive with every scholarship awarded and every life transformed.

For more insights about ZNEF's initiatives and to contribute, visit ZNEF’s official site.

This monumental anniversary gala symbolizes not only past achievements but a bright future where education remains pivotal in cultivating leaders who will contribute richly to society.