Chapter History
Alpha Beta Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, is the first to be established in the second largest borough in New York City, known as Staten Island was chartered in Richmond County on June 12, 2022. Under the leadership of Letricia McCleary, the inaugural president. The charter members are: Elizabeth Adenegan, Deanna Alexander, Kyona Wilson Archbold, Robin Artemus, Kai Bingham, Natalie Bledman, Ellen Eummer, Aracely Francois, Ebony Givens, Crystal Shantelle Gonzalez, Ajuba Granville, Tiffany Guy- Barnes, Jennifer C. Hendrickson- Rivers, Linda L. Huff, Veronica L. James, Brenda Jones, Chanita Necheal Jones, Kimberly Laughton, Alison Matous, Letricia McCleary, Asia Tyi McCleary- Gaddy, Denise McGhie, Rachel Mecane, Danette Molina Elizabeth Carmona Morgan, Latoya Murphy, Racheal Ojo, Mosezetta F. Overby, Sheila Richards, Kia Hope Shine, Ti'Isha Thomas, Diamond C. Weaver- Bey, Ida White, an Arieyon Woody. The Chapter will be forever grateful for the guidance from former Regional Director Mary Bentley Lamar for assisting the sorors in making history.
Alpha Beta Pi Omega chapter began promulgating the Sorority’s International Programs focused on Soaring to Greater Heights in Sisterhood and Service with its first program in September 2022. The chapter was strategic in centering their innovative Black Girl Magic 2022: Empowering Girls to Soar. The one day empowering seminar program was the catalyst to draw participants, partnerships and sponsorship that assisted with creating and enhancing programs that center around the Sorority’s international program initiatives under the leadership of our International President and CEO, Soror Danette Reed. The Black Girl Magic program is the vision of the chapter’s first president, Soror Letricia McCleary, who along with Soror Linda L. Huff. These ladies are the visionaries that set on a long journey to make history, by forming a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® on Staten Island. These sorors were relentless at dedicating their time, talents and resources for several years to accomplish what many thought would never happen.. Their commitment to Alpha Beta Pi Omega Chapter will be forever remembered.
In addition, to the Black Girl Magic program, Alpha Beta Pi Omega “Set if Off” with their Inaugural Recognition Gala. This service program and fundraising event drew over 250 persons in attendance in elegance attire. The one time only souvenir journal was supported by many community organizations and other supporters. The 2022 honorees were the Central Family Life Center Inc. (C.F.L.C.), under the leadership of C.E.O. Dr. D. Carolina. The C.F.L.C and the First Central Baptist Church (Pastor Carolina) were instrumental in helping the sorors attain their goals from the infancy stage. The Fredrick Douglass Memorial Park Cemetery Inc., the resting place of our beloved Founder, IBTW Joanna B. Shields and Mr. Thomas Distefano the cemetery staff person that spearheaded the preservation of the cemetery paper records. One of the first community activities several members of the chapter participated in, was assisting with the digitizing of the cemetery records. Sorors completed over 3000 records prior to the COVID 19 Pandemic. The Board of Directors at the cemetery were thankful for the support. The members of Alpha Beta Pi Omega Chapter vowed to continue to be an integral part of the Staten Island Community by providing service to all mankind.