The Richmond Chapter was initiated in the fall of 1985 in the home of Hattie Brandon Norrell, Richmond, Virginia by Dr. Preston Royster, National President of the Mary M. Bethune High School Alumni & Associates. The following additional persons were present: Sandra Ford Mobley, Shirley Sadler Pretlow, Annie Penick Smith, Ray Richardson, Pansy Jackson and Dr. H. Leon Pringle.

The Richmond Alumni Chapter held its first meeting in June 1986 at the First United Presbyterian Church. Those in attendance were Pansy R. Jackson, Sandra Ford Mobley, and Hattie Brandon Norrell. Sandra was elected as coordinator. Subsequent meetings were held. In January 1987, the Chapter was formally organized and adopted the name - MARY M. BETHUNE HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI AND ASSOCIATES - RICHMOND CHAPTER. The National President, Preston Royster, attended and officers were elected. The officers were:

President Sandra Ford Mobley
Vice President H. Leon Pringle
Corresponding Secretary Hattie Brandon Norrell
Recording Secretary Shirley Sadler Pretlow
Treasurer Annie Penick Smith

A few months later, bylaws were drafted and later adopted. Over the years, since 1987, the Richmond Chapter has sponsored the following events:

• Business Meetings and Planning Sessions

• On-going Membership Drive

• Dinner and Breakfast Meetings with Guest Speakers

• "Harvest Feast" with Guest Speakers

• Christmas Parties in the home of Aldora and Clinton Turner

• Fund Raisings for Scholarships

• Educational Workshops for high school and college bound students

• Personal Financial Planning Seminar

• Awarded $500 Scholarships

• Fall Breakfast with Rev. Dr. James Crowder

• Christmas Brunch with Willis Canada

• Family Picnics

• Dinner - Dance Christmas Celebration

The chapter has survived through the years with the same officers. Upon the retiring of Annie in 1990, Gayle Chandler Bynum accepted the position of treasurer.

Today the Richmond Chapter boasts a talented membership who believes in the on-going effort of the organization. The organization is enthusiastic and positions itself to meet the challenges of the 21st century.