Chapter History

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Alpha Beta Tau Omega Chapter in Batesville, MS was established on June 25, 2022. During an annual Easter Egg hunt sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Mississippi a couple, who are members of Divine Nine organizations, felt the need to invite other Divine Nine members to participate and contribute to the Easter Egg hunt. This community activity brought various members together. During the hunt, members began to discuss the inception of a graduate chapter in Panola County. The members had many viewpoints about how a chapter could be impactful among the community. 

The Pearls of Alpha officially became an interest group in Spring 2022 after approval from the Directorate. The interest group was formed to assemble members to retain current members and renew the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® spirit in all of us. Through community events, participation in various sorority conferences, and dedication to pursue the establishment of a chapter, more members joined the task of the establishment of a chapter. 

On June 25, 2022, under the 26th South Eastern Regional Director Mitzi Dease Paige, Esq., Alpha Beta Tau Omega Chapter was established to serve Panola County and surrounding areas located within a fifty-mile radius. 

Alpha Beta Tau Omega remains dedicated to contributing to the sorority’s mission of “Service to All Mankind” while providing our community with meaningful and impactful programs. 

As the idea took root, the women envisioned the profound impact a local chapter could have. Fueled by determination and passion, they identified sorority members in the Batesville area and surrounding counties who were financially active through General Membership but had yet to join a graduate chapter. They also reached out to sisters who, after completing their undergraduate studies, had not transitioned into a graduate chapter.

Their efforts revealed a common theme: many Alpha Kappa Alpha women in the region faced challenges in fully participating in sorority activities due to distance. Some sisters were driving up to 75 miles to attend chapter meetings and found it difficult to engage in community programs. This realization strengthened the group’s resolve to establish a chapter closer to home, one that would serve the local community and promote African-American culture through bold and impactful service.

The group recognized the need for enhanced cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities for African-American residents in Batesville. While local churches played a pivotal role in fostering spiritual growth, the sisters saw an opportunity for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® to enrich the community further by addressing gaps in cultural and educational programming. They believed that a chapter could provide meaningful resources and initiatives, fostering awareness and empowering the community through service and collaboration.

With a united vision and unrelenting dedication, the sisters moved forward with their dreams. On June 25, 2022, under the leadership of South Eastern Regional Director Mitzi D. Paige, Esq., and International President and CEO Glenda Glover, PhD, JD, CPA, their vision became a reality. The interest group, formerly known as The Pearls of Alpha, was officially chartered as Alpha Beta Tau Omega Chapter.