The journey to becoming an official chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® began in 2014, following a visit to Turner Station—a historic African American community located in Dundalk, Maryland. Turner Station is renowned as the home of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells, taken without her consent by Johns Hopkins Hospital, became the foundation for the HeLa cell line—the first immortalized cell line and one of the most significant contributions to modern biomedical research.

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Inspired by the legacy of resilience and community strength in Eastern Baltimore County, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® recognized the need to expand the organization’s footprint of service into this often-overlooked area, which lacked a consistent presence from civic or service organizations. A spark of interest quickly ignited into a mission-driven movement, and a group of 21 dynamic women united with a shared vision to establish a new chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.

Embracing the motto “Membership is PEARLfection,” the group committed to operating with innovation, purpose, and integrity—anchored by three guiding principles that would later become the Three Pillars of Pearls by the Bay:

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• Direct Community Service

• Leadership Development

• A Culture of Sisterhood

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After five years of steadfast dedication, consistent service, and strategic planning, their efforts were rewarded in December 2019 when Pearls by the Bay received official recognition as an interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. The founding 26 members immediately focused on reclaiming and reactivating members, expanding to 45 women of diverse backgrounds, professions, and talents—all united by a deep commitment to provide Service to All Mankind.

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This collective commitment led to the formation of strong partnerships with local organizations, including the Eastside Family Shelter, Fleming Senior Center, Turner Station Girl Scout Troop #353, Turner Station Boy Scout Troop #270, and Turner Station Conservation Teams, Inc. As Pearls by the Bay’s impact grew, so did its recognition—earning the enthusiastic support of community leaders and public officials such as then Baltimore County Executive John “Johnny” Olszewski, Jr.; Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford; Senator Chris Van Hollen; Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger; Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Adrienne A. Jones; Councilman Julian E. Jones, Jr.; and Councilwoman Cathy Bevins. Their support was joined by that of neighboring Alpha Kappa Alpha chapters, The Links, Incorporated; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated; Community Assistance Network, Inc.; and Andrew J. Evans Masonic Lodge #102.

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When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in March 2020, the women of Pearls by the Bay faced unprecedented challenges with resilience and adaptability. Through virtual meetings, online programs, and socially distanced service activities, they continued to fulfill their mission of service. Despite restrictions, the group exceeded expectations—raising over $20,000 for scholarships and community programs, contributing more than $1,900 to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation, collecting over 100 coats for those in need, sewing 23 dresses for girls in Haiti, writing 200 letters to deployed U.S. troops, donating shoes to Soles4Souls and eyeglasses to the Lions Club, and hosting numerous virtual forums on estate planning, financial literacy, and the politics of natural hair in the workplace.

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On December 5, 2021, under the leadership of 34th North Atlantic Regional Director Mary Bentley LaMar, Pearls by the Bay officially 'dropped anchor' in Turner Station, Maryland. The chartering of Alpha Beta Gamma Omega Chapter marked a historic milestone as the 150th chapter in the North Atlantic Region—solidifying a continued legacy of service, leadership, and sisterhood in along the shores of Eastern Baltimore County.