On December 14, 1981, Nellie Gaylord, North-Atlantic
Regional Director, approved the organization of a second
chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, in Montgomery
County, Maryland. Eighteen AKA members, affectionately
referred to as “Seneca Sorors,” “Gaithersburg Sorors,” and/or
“Upper Montgomery County Sorors,” braved the subzero
weather to attend the meeting. Being aware of the difference
i
n needs, concerns, and socio-economic levels in Montgomery
County, Sorors were convinced that an AKA presence in the upper
part of the county would make a difference in community
service. On June 11, 1983, Xi Sigma Omega became the second
Montgomery County chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Ruth Easley, then North Atlantic Regional Director,
conducted the chartering ceremony and Norma Boyd,
then AKA’s only surviving founder, gave the group an emotional
challenge. There were twenty-nine members present to accept the
torch with pride and dignity. Since 1983, the members of Xi Sigma
Omega still carry the torch. The chapter has grown in
membership and stature, and provides continual service to the
citizens of the county.
