Delta Iota Zeta is the first international chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the first Black Greek-lettered organization to be established internationally.

Rachel Townsend of Monrovia, Liberia was initiated into the Alpha Chapter while attending Howard University in the early 1930’s. She graduated with a dental degree and then returned home to Monrovia.

She returned to Howard University in 1942 to enroll her daughter, Jackie. Both were house guests of our beloved Soror Esther Peyton. Rachel mentioned how she would love to have a Zeta Chapter in her home city of Monrovia. Soror Peyton became excited about the idea and promised to assist in encouraging other African students to consider the idea. She enlisted the support of International Grand Basileus, Luellelia W. Harrison. Rachel returned home to Liberia and began to search for other Zetas who had attended Howard and were interested in forming a chapter. She was successful and submitted an application for a charter.

During the Boule in Philadelphia, December 1948, Soror Harrison granted the charter making way for the subsequent establishment of Delta Iota Zeta Chapter. The chartering ceremony took place in Liberia and was conducted by Soror Nancy McGhee, the newly elected International Grand Basileus. Eventually, an undergraduate chapter (Upsilon Beta) and a graduate chapter (Delta Iota Zeta) existed in Monrovia.

Beginning in 2017, Soror Koomson began outreach efforts to various members of the sorority's administration to consider reactivation of the chapter. She reached out to Past Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Janet Bivins, Esq. She also found 1 other Zeta in the area who she was able to successfully lead to reclamation, Soror Vicki Cooper-Enchia who was willing to assist with the reactivation process. It was within this administration and with the support of International Grand Basileus, Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker that her efforts were successful.

Beginning in 2018, Soror Koomson found other Zetas within the Liberian diaspora, who shared her enthusiasm to engage in charitable projects & increase the visibility of Zeta on the ground in Liberia again. In April 2019, Soror Koomson followed up with the new Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, and from May to December 2019 discussions ensued with International Region Area Director, Soror Salaine Atkins-Little. Soror Koomson was charged with putting together a feasibility report while finding other Zetas in Liberia and within the West African region. She found Soror Kisha Hugh Abban and invited her to join the conversation; a regional chapter was considered for Delta Iota Zeta. Ultimately, a decision was made to move forward with two chapters keeping Delta Iota Zeta a historic Liberia focused Chapter. As a result, on August 29, 2020 a Ghana Chapter (Gamma Alpha Sigma Zeta) was officially chartered with Soror Abban as its inaugural president.

January 15, 2021, our date of reactivation occurred in the 73rd year since the original chartering of Delta Iota Zeta Chapter in Monrovia, Liberia & an estimated 40 years since the chapter went dormant due to the country's instability in the 80s. Rechartering members include: Freda Koomson (president), Fredical Mars Mulbah (first vice-president), Victoria Cooper-Enchia (second vice-president), Korbalagae Kuawogai (treasurer), and Dr. Jobila Sy (secretary and parliamentarian). Two surviving members of the original Delta Iota Zeta charter include charter member, Mabel Fagans-Hill, and member Tidi Speare-Stewart.

The rechartering of Delta Iota Zeta on January 15, 2021 marked the final day of centennial celebrations for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. which was founded on January 16th, 1920.