House Resolution 1053, introduced in the Arkansas State Legislature on February 20, 2025, recognizes the significant contributions of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and its affiliated organizations. The resolution highlights the sorority's commitment to scholarship, service, sisterhood, and community engagement, emphasizing its impact on education and social welfare.

Key provisions of the resolution detail the sorority's achievements, including the distribution of $3.5 million in scholarships to college students over the past five years and the annual Pearl Anna Neal Scholarship, which awards $125,000 each year. Additionally, the resolution notes that Zeta Phi Beta has positively influenced over five million lives through its Z-Hope Programs and has donated more than $8 million to various causes.

The resolution also acknowledges the sorority's historical significance as the first National Pan-Hellenic Council organization to establish a national headquarters and charter a chapter in Africa. Notable members, such as author Zora Neale Hurston and singer Dionne Warwick, are mentioned to illustrate the sorority's cultural impact.

While the resolution is largely celebratory, it has sparked discussions among legislators regarding the role of such organizations in promoting educational equity and community service. Supporters argue that recognizing Zeta Phi Beta's contributions can inspire further community involvement, while some critics question the necessity of legislative recognition for specific organizations.

The passage of House Resolution 1053 is seen as a step toward acknowledging the importance of community organizations in Arkansas, potentially leading to increased support for similar initiatives in the future. As the resolution moves through the legislative process, its implications for community engagement and educational funding will be closely monitored by both supporters and opponents.