Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson Hosts Blue and White Day at City Hall

Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson hosted Blue and White Day at City Hall on Friday (1/16/26), formally recognizing Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Day and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated Day in the City of Philadelphia. The event brought together city and state officials, organizational leaders, Divine Nine members, and community partners to highlight service, public health access, and civic engagement.

“As a proud Life Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated with 20 years of unwavering commitment in exemplifying the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, I take my role as the only Divine Nine City Councilmember very seriously,” Gilmore Richardson said. She added that Blue and White Day provided “an important opportunity to recognize the service of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, while highlighting ongoing efforts focused on public health and civic engagement.”

The event aligned with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated’s Global Day of Service and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated’s March to the Midterms initiatives. Attendees received information and resources related to healthcare access, preventative care, voter education, and civic participation.

Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson emphasized the historic impact of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in the city. “The collective impact of these organizations on our city is undeniable,” Johnson said, noting that in 2019 he was proud to dedicate Arizona C. Stemons Way in South Philadelphia in honor of the initiating founder of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Pennsylvania State Representative Jordan Harris, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, highlighted the broader legacy of Divine Nine organizations. “For generations, our Divine Nine organizations have been deeply rooted at the heart of organizing, mobilizing, and advocacy for African Americans and other marginalized communities,” Harris said, adding that Blue and White Day reflects their continued role in advancing public health and strengthening civic engagement.

Pennsylvania State Representative Regina Young also spoke to the impact of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, stating, “I am honored to be a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated simply because our efforts, as a sisterhood, are selfless and our service to others is impactful.”

Olivia B. Miller, PA State Director for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, noted that the event amplified the sorority’s Global Day of Service. “This initiative underscores the Sorority’s role as a catalyst for advancing The Power of S.H.E.—Social, Health, and Economic Justice through coordinated, community-centered activations,” Miller said.

Christopher I. Stith, Eastern Regional Director of Social Action for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, used the occasion to launch the Eastern Region’s March to the Midterms. “To be an empowered, educated and engaged voter with a plan to vote is the most powerful resource that we can offer our constituency,” Stith said, emphasizing the importance of the 2026 midterm elections.

Blue and White Day also marked the formal recognition of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Day on January 16 and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated Day on January 9, as designated by resolutions passed by Philadelphia City Council in December 2025.