Kamala Harris scheduled to address Zeta Phi Beta in Indy. What to know about the sorority

The countdown is on for Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to Indianapolis this week, marking one of her first public appearances since President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed her for the position.

Harris is slated to appear Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.’s biennial convention, taking place July 23-28 at the Indiana Convention Center. Zeta is one of the nation's largest historically Black sororities.

Harris will participate in a moderated conversation with Zeta Phi Beta International President and CEO Stacie NC Grant during the meeting’s Social Justice Town Hall July 24 at 12:30 p.m.

The event is not open beyond conference attendees.

Harris appears to be the leading candidate to replace Biden as the Democratic Party’s nominee in the 2024 election, after the president dropped his reelection bid Sunday amid rising concerns about his age following his debate with former President Donald Trump.

If formally nominated, Harris, 59, would become the first Black woman at the top of a major party presidential ticket. She has served as Biden’s vice president for more than three years and before that represented California in the U.S. Senate.

Celebrities at the Zeta Phi Beta conference

Harris isn't the only luminary scheduled to be in town for the Zeta Phi Beta convention.

Celebrities performing, hosting or speaking during Zeta Phi Beta conference events include:

• After 7

• Lexi Allen

• Raheem DeVaughn

• Big Daddy Kane

• Vivica A. Fox

• Syleena Johnson

• U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove

• Wendy McIntyre

• Chrisette Michelle

• VaShawn Mitchell

• Ann Nesby

• U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib

• Yo-Yo

Kamala Harris: Biden steps down, supporting Harris on Democratic ticket. What to know about the VP

What is Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.?

Zeta Phi Beta was founded in 1920 on the campus of Howard University, with the ideals of scholarship, service, sisterhood and finer womanhood.

It's among the predominantly African-American sororities and fraternities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council, commonly called the Divine Nine.

Harris is a member of Divine Nine sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, and gave the keynote address at its convention with more than 20,000 attendees in Dallas earlier this month. The vice president also spoke at the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority convention in Indianapolis in July 2023.

The sorority has initiated more than 130,000 college-educated women in about 900 chapters in North America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East.

20 famous members of Zeta Phi Beta

Its membership includes lauded authors, educators, activists and entertainers.

Among members who have been inducted into the sorority:

• Lexi Allen, “Churchy” star and gospel recording artist

• Julia Carson, deceased member, U.S. House of Representatives

• Ja’Net DuBois, actress

• Jericka Duncan, CBS news anchor and national correspondent

• Vivica A. Fox, actress

• Anita Hill, lawyer

• Rhyne Howard, 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year

• Zora Neale Hurston, author

• Syleena Johnson, recording artist

• Sydney Kamlager-Dove, member, U.S. House of Representative

• Chaka Khan, recording artist

• Opal Lee, activist who championed making Juneteenth a federal holiday

• Chrisette Michele, recording artist

• Ann Nesby, recording artist

• Minnie Riperton, recording artist

• Esther Rolle, actress

• Rashida Tlaib, member, U.S. House of Representatives

• Sheryl Underwood, comedian who also served as the organization’s international president

• Sarah Vaughan, jazz singer

• Dionne Warwick, recording artist

Zeta Phi Beta initiatives

During this week's conference, the 104-year-old organization will further programs and initiatives to promote education, decrease health disparities and raise awareness around important issues facing women. Each day will amplify social, health or economic justice.

The sorority will kick off a nationwide initiative to help end period poverty through a partnership with Project Period, the Indianapolis-based program that provides free menstrual hygiene products in underserved communities.

Before the convention though, the Zeta Phi Beta will host a day of training and a pitch competition for small Indianapolis-based businesses.

Five women-owned businesses in health, beauty and wellness industries will get free training from Prudential, JPMorgan Chase and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and compete in the sorority’s Women Who Win Pitch Competition from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. July 22 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown for cash prizes.

Competing are:

• Stasia Berry, Feel Better Naked (waxing studio)

• LaShata Grayson, Black Girls Who Lift (fitness organization)

• Dr. Sarita Sharp, Alpha Health & Wellness (chiropractor)

• Debra Smith Torrence, Auspicious Wellness (CBD skin care, tinctures and gummies)

• A’Bryanna Williams, HBH Professional (hair care products)

Karissa Waddick, USA Today, contributed to this report.

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com:@cherylvjackson.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: VP Harris, lawmakers and entertainers to show up for Zeta convention