Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is the first Black greek-letter organization to participate in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Macy’s faced backlash on social media for calling the sorority a “diverse dance group.” (Courtesy of Instagram/@officialzeta1920)
By Jessica Dortch
AFRO News Editor
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade persevered, abiding by coronavirus restrictions, to bring us holiday joy. This year, the parade featured Black greek sorority Zeta Phi Beta, which happens to be celebrating its centennial, or 100th anniversary.
Zeta Phi Beta was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1920 and became the first organization of the “divine nine,” a group of nine historically Black greek-letter organizations, to participate in the parade.
Shortly after, a tweet from Macy’s, that was later removed, caused commotion across social media. The tweet read “What’s that sound, you ask? Why it’s the diverse dance group, Zeta Phi Beta Steppers!”
MSNBC’s Joy Reid was the first to call out Macy’s in a tweet explaining why the error is a big deal.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1920. This year, they celebrate their 100th year anniversary. (Courtesy of Instagram/@officialzeta1920)
Zeta Phi Beta seemed to have no hard feelings against Macy’s for the mixup, replying to their revised tweet with a simple “thank you.”
The “divine nine” Black greek organizations have recently gained international recognition since the Democratic nomination of Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, who is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.