Tennessee State Representative Karen D. Camper Inducted as Honorary Member of Zeta Phi Beta

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has announced the induction of Tennessee State Representative Karen D. Camper as an Honorary Member. The induction took place on July 11, 2026, as part of a ceremony welcoming a distinguished class of women into the sorority’s ranks.

The Alpha Omega Chapter Class of 2026 was inducted during a special ceremony at Zeta Phi Beta’s International Grand Boulé in Nashville, Tennessee. According to the sorority, Honorary Membership is the highest recognition the sorority bestows upon non-members, reserved for women whose contributions have made a significant impact in their professions, communities, and society at large.

Karen D. Camper is a public servant, military veteran, and Tennessee House Democratic Leader who has dedicated her career to veterans’ advocacy, civic engagement, and expanding opportunity across Tennessee. As the first African American woman to lead a caucus in the Tennessee General Assembly, she has championed equitable public policy, economic opportunity, education, and support for veterans while empowering underserved communities through servant leadership.

As an Honorary Member, Camper will support the sorority through initiatives including Zeta Organizational Leadership (ZOL) and Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE™), cultivating civic leadership and strengthening communities through advocacy.

Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., International First Vice President for Membership, spoke to the significance of the class, stating, “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.”

Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant, International President & CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, emphasized the significance of this distinguished class and the impact of their collective contributions. “Their achievements have inspired countless lives, and we are honored to welcome them into our sisterhood as we continue creating lasting impact together.”

Camper joins a distinguished group of women inducted into the Class of 2026, including Pamela Champion, Sheila E., Aliya Crawford, Dr. Grisanthia “San” Franklin, Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Danielle Green, Taral Hicks-Dawson, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Valerie “Chef Val” Knight, Dr. Milan Love McPherson, Niecy Nash-Betts, Elise Neal, Patti Phillips, Councilwoman Nichole L. Rogers, U.S. Representative Lateefah Simon, Kellee Stewart, and Jenisha Watts.