NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. has welcomed its 2026 class of honorary members, adding a group of women whose work spans entertainment, public service, advocacy, journalism, faith and community leadership.
The sorority inducted its Alpha Omega Chapter Class of 2026 during a special ceremony July 11 at its International Grand Boulé in Nashville.
The new class includes Emmy Award-winning actress Niecy Nash-Betts, SWV lead vocalist Cheryl “Coko” Gamble and Grammy Award-winning musician Sheila E. Other inductees include actress and singer Taral Hicks-Dawson, actress Elise Neal, gospel artist Sheri Jones-Moffett, U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon, Tennessee State Rep. Karen D. Camper and several leaders in advocacy, public service, entrepreneurship and ministry.
Honorary membership is the highest recognition Zeta Phi Beta gives to non-members. The sorority said the honor is reserved for women whose contributions have made a significant impact in their professions, communities and society.
“The Alpha Omega Chapter recognizes extraordinary women who exemplify Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, and we are honored to welcome this exceptional class into the Zeta sisterhood,” Gina Merritt-Epps, the sorority’s international first vice president for membership, said in a statement.
International President and CEO Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant said the new members have inspired lives through their work and will help the sorority continue its mission of service and community impact.
The celebrity additions quickly drew attention online, especially among Divine Nine supporters and fans of Nash-Betts, Coko and Sheila E.
For Zeta Phi Beta, the announcement continues a long tradition of honoring women whose public platforms align with the sorority’s founding principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood and finer womanhood.
