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Alpha Beta Sigma Sorority, Inc. was the brainchild of Guiding Light
Daniela J. Lopez. On February 6 of 1998, Daniela expressed the idea of a sorority that catered to more than just African American
women to Guiding Light Latasha P. Lessington. Latasha thought that is was a great idea, but felt it needed more nurturing,
so off to Lockwood Library she went, where she spent a great deal of time learning about Greek life,it's origin and other
organizations. Latasha then brought this knowledge back to Daniela, from there they utilize the greek alphabet to come up
with a name. They comprised a list of names based on dictionary, and personal meanings. That was when they decided, this was
something they were going to need help with, so Daniela and Latasha first recruited two women, whom they knew were strong,
intelligent, and dedicated. Those women are Guiding Light Shavonne R. Wyche and Guiding Light Monica Burgess. Then the colors
were chosen by Latasha. From there the colors were defined, voted on, and passed as the official sorority colors. Yet, they
still felt the need for help, so they recruited Guiding Light Naeemah A.Carre.
After these five women got together and decided that this was something
definitely worthwhile, they took it to the greek advisor at the State University of New York at Buffalo, Frank Ciccia. Ciccia
notified the five women of the procedures to acquiring recognition from the school and from CFS (The Council for Cultural
Fraternities & Sororities). The women were notified that before they could go before council, they had to have a membership
of at least ten. Well that wasn't an easy task. Many were interviewed, but few met the requirements, or exemplified the necessary
dedication. Finally six more women were recruited to assist in chartering the Alpha chapter of Alpha Beta Sigma Sorority.
From mid February to mid April the eleven women became ten. They educated themselves on Greek life,it's origin and the Greek
system, as well as developing their own traditions and history at the State University of New York at Buffalo. On April 18th
these women reaped the fruit of all their hard work, and were sworn into the organization.
From that day forward the ten women continued to develop on the foundation
and goals of the organization. Through the constant face of adversity, these women continued to uphold the beliefs of their
beloved sisterhood.
Alpha Beta Sigma was founded on five main principles, and they are
Sisterhood
Higher Education
Women In Business
National and Local Awareness
The Afrikan,Caribbean, and Latina Cultures
Alpha Beta Sigma is a service organization. We seek and promote the highest
ideal of womanhood by cultivating not only the power and passion for seeking intellectual development, and knowledge of ones
heritage,but also the spirit of love, and charity in every aspect of our lives.
The Founders of Alpha Beta Sigma embarked on this long and treacherous journey
with the intent to bring about a union between women of color through enlightenment and service within the community.
Founding Mothers
Daniela J. Lopez
Latasha P. Lessington
Foremothers
Monica Burgess
Shavonne Wyche
Chartering Mothers
Linda Annobil
Dannette C. Campbell
Naeemah A. Carre
Melinda V. Rodgers
Candice M. Williams
Mia R. A. Worth
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