Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker Inducted as Honorary Member of Zeta Phi Beta

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has announced the induction of Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker as an Honorary Member. The induction took place on August 10, 2024, as part of a ceremony welcoming several prominent women into the sorority’s distinguished ranks.

Initially, on July 27, 2024, Zeta Phi Beta announced the induction of 15 prominent and distinguished women as part of the 2024 class of Honorary Members. However, today the sorority announced the expansion of this class to include additional distinguished women who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to civic engagement and the advancement of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.

Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker is an internationally acclaimed rapper, actress, and entrepreneur known for her pioneering role in hip-hop. Throughout her career, Whitaker has made significant contributions to the music industry while also dedicating herself to social advocacy. She is a vocal advocate for education and women’s rights, particularly through her work mentoring young girls with the IBWC (Intelligent Black Women’s Coalition) and teaching youth about the music business through the YoYo School of Hip Hop. Additionally, she educates students on academic success with the National College Resource Foundation’s “How to Get A’s in English Through Hip Hop” program.

As an Honorary Member, Whitaker will support Zeta Phi Beta through initiatives like Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE™) and Zeta Youth Affiliates, helping to further the organization’s mission of service and community upliftment.

International First Vice President for Membership Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq. highlighted Zeta Phi Beta’s commitment to excellence, stating, “Zeta continues to showcase our commitment to excellence and leadership with the induction of unique and trailblazing women through undergraduate chapters, graduate chapters, and honorary membership in Alpha Omega chapter.”

Whitaker joins a distinguished group of women inducted in 2024, including Tatyana Ali, Patrice Banks, Jaspen Boothe, Brigadier General Felicia Brokaw, Caretha Coleman, Lieutenant General Telita Crosland, Wanda Durant, Senator Andrea Hunley, Leela James, Maimah Karmo, Dr. Dawn Morton-Rias, Perri Shakes-Drayton, Ashley Sharpton, Dominique Sharpton, Angie Stone, Treiva Williams, and Representative Regina Young.