The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded in 1920, and to celebrate its centennial, the local Nu Kappa Zeta chapter will host a Royal Blue and White Gala Saturday.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Vicksburg City Auditorium.

Local chapter vice president, Malisa Williams said the Nu Kappa Zeta chapter was founded in 1986.

Charter members were Dr. Alice Powell, the late Patricia J. Scott, Allyese B. Davis, Linda Stewart and Joycie Bright, Williams said.

Currently, there are 33 members in the local chapter, and Williams said members are chosen based on their character, academic achievements and community service.

In keeping with the sorority’s national mission, Williams said, the Nu Kappa Zeta chapter is involved in many community and area projects.

“We are group partnerships with females of the community by sponsoring Amicae and youth auxiliaries that include the Pearletts, Amicettes and Archonettes,” Williams said.

The chapter also sponsors plays, award banquets, and galas, and also partners with the Sigma Brothers of Kappa Epsilon Sigma Chapter in Vicksburg to coordinate a blood drive in December.

Other projects, Williams said, include assisting with the Meals on Wheels program, sponsoring a health awareness fair and contributing to community illiteracy eradication programs.

The Nu Kappa Zeta chapter also awards annual scholarships to two female high school students the Vicksburg Warren School District and the Claiborne County School District.

“Nu Kappa Zeta Chapter established the Patricia J. Scott Scholarship Fund, in 2006 to honor our Triumphant Soror Patricia J. Scott, who was a charter member, youth advisor and trailblazer of our beloved chapter,” Williams said.

The local chapter has also served as the graduate sponsoring chapter for Zeta Chapter at Alcorn State University since 1989.

Saturday’s event is open to the public and the cost is $25 per person and will include entertainment and a full meal, Williams said. For more information, 601-415-7239.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is one of the country’s largest African-American women’s service organizations.