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Alpha beta eta omega chapter history

Alpha Beta Eta Omega is the first chapter chartered in 2022 in the Sorority and the South Atlantic Region. Spearheaded by ambitious leaders: Vernice Pinkston-Whitfield, Toni Sweeting, Nikki Torian, Raychel Ramsey, Katrina Stinson, Niche’ Caldwell, and strong community support, Alpha Beta Eta Omega is the first chapter to be chartered since 1942 in Jacksonville, Florida. Filled with enthusiasm for the mission and service, the charter members are: A. Michelle Alford, Elicia Ivy, Shawnesci Barber, Kenyetta Barnes, Aleiza Batson, Katrese Berry, Shirley Blue, Monique Brown, Deshune Bush, Jasmine Butler, Niche’ Caldwell, Arlene Cameron – Lloyd, Sade Casper-Reynolds, Shavon Cobb, Allison Cohen, Tahisha Coleman, Mayta Deadrick-Simon, Kimberly Dennis, Amy Williams- Gary, Crystal Gray, Tierra Green, Linda Harris, Shawanda Henry, Jill Jinks, Jacquelyn Jones, Erika Kilpatrick , Chanteya Lawrence, Khalilah Marques, Kisha Mayo-Lewis, Shelita McGowan, Tumika Mondy, Vernice Pinkston-Whitfield, Raychel Ramsey, Justine Redding, Tourea Robinson, Girleaner Rouse –Mingo, AuGena Sapp, Tikila Shakespeare, Angela Smiley, Shola Smith, Vonsetta Smithson, Katrina Stinson, Eleanor Stith-Merrill, Antoinette Sweeting, Candace Thompson, Nikki Torian, Donna Wiley, Arnitria Williams, Ayana Wysinger and Sandra Young.
Becoming an Interest Group in November of 2020, the River City Pearls, made immediate plans to organize, target and serve the community. Support came from the city of Jacksonville Mayor, City Councilmen, State Legislatures, Hospitals, and numerous school principals. The River City Pearls were determined to provide support to the Southside, four beaches, Mandarin and Arlington areas of Jacksonville. These areas include children, immigrants, the elderly, and women who have needs. The River City Pearls began partnering and planning service projects. A partnership with Lutheran Social Services of Jacksonville led to the adoption of an immigrant family. Financial support and necessities for the children was presented at Christmas. In addition, on MLK Day, 2021, over 800 pounds of nonperishable goods was collected and given to our partner. The pandemic did not stop the energized force to serve. Zoom became the means to meeting and serving the community. Two financial awareness workshops were presented to the community through Target 3 by local financial experts. As an Interest Group, CAP was not permitted; however, monthly HBCU presentations were provided to youth along with videos and personal experiences of Alumna of the various schools presented. Baptist Hospital is also a dynamic partner whose services have been utilized with the efforts of Target 2.
Alpha Beta Eta Omega serves the largest city, geographically, in the United States. 
Upon chartering on January 9, the dedication to service was on the move less than a week later, with the annual can food and other non-perishables collection on MLK Day. Heart Health information was provided through Zoom for Pink Goes Red in February. The first heart health event was held one year earlier and provided testimonials, heart experts along with an exercise portion. Last year the exercise portion was Zumba, and this year Kickboxing was featured. The presentation in February of 2022 included a Medical Doctor and a health facility that encouraged a partnership with ABEO. Breast Cancer was highlighted in 2021 and included a medical professional as well. Over eight hundred boxes of feminine products for women were collected and donated to “Renewing Dignity for Women.” The Interest Group sponsored a very successful raffle as a fundraiser to raise money for community service ventures. Food, personal hygiene items fully filled large suitcases were given to homeless women veterans on Veteran’s Day. In February of 2022, AKA Day at the Capitol was held and attended by several chapter members. The most important thing learned during that activity was the fact that not only do we need to register to vote but we must also VOTE in the elections. Continuing to work in the community is the goal of Alpha Beta Eta Omega as we begin as a new service organization in Jacksonville, Florida. 

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