Who Are The Links, Inc.?
The Links, Incorporated is an organization of over14,000 women with more than 282 chapters located in 41 States; the District of Columbia; Nassau, Bahamas; Frankfort, Germany; and South Africa. Members are individual achievers who are making a difference in the communities and lives of African Americans and persons of African decent across the globe. The Links, Incorporated was co-founded by the late Margaret R. Hawkins and Sarah S. Scott in 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Southern Maryland Chain Chapter began in 1980 as an interest group organized by the visionary Albertine T. Lancaster. Mrs. Lancaster selected Elfreda Mathis as the interest group president. After two years of community projects within Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, these dynamic women were installed into The Links, Incorporated with Elfreda Mathis as the chapter’s first president. Past National President, Julia Purnell of the Baton Rouge Chapter; Thelma Hardiman, National Establishment Officer; and Mignon Johnson, Eastern Area Director of the Arlington Chapter presided over the installation ceremony held on May 15, 1982 in Patuxent River, Maryland.
Today, The Southern Maryland Chain Chapter has 36members who continue to build links of service to those in need. Our Chapter is strongly rooted in building friendships and volunteering services to fill needs at the local and global levels. The work of dedicated professional women has created financial opportunities and support to many. The Southern Maryland Chain Chapter is proud of the service rendered during the 34 years history: Highlights include:
- AnnualCollege Scholarships has given nearly $100,000.00 in awards toareaHigh School Seniors.
- Raised awareness and funds for malnourished children in Malawi & Sierra Leone through Project Peanut Butter. (An Eastern Area Program Award winning Program.
- Hosted Civic Luncheons to honor CommunityActivists and showcase the creative talents of local youth.
- TheRising Stars Project: Links serve as role models for 30 young ladies guiding them in culturally responsible decisions to promote their intellectual, social, and financial independence.
- Support through meals, gifts, books and supplies given to women and children at various local shelters throughout the Tri-County Area.
The many cultural and educational programs sponsored by TheSouthern Maryland Chain Chapter and The Links, Incorporated needyour support. With your assistance, we can continue programs and projects that generate mutual benefits for humankind.
PROGRAMMING
The Lifeline of Linkdom
Health and Human Services
The Health and Human Services facet promotes and facilitates programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy andthe optimal utilization of health resources.
The Arts
The Arts facet fosters development through support, appreciation and expanded opportunities for involvement by all segments of our community. This includes Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Literary Expression.
Services To Youth
The Services to Youth facet promotes active involvement in programs that contribute to the positive development, socialization, and maintenance of youth in their respective communities.
National Trends & Services
The National Trends and Services facet provides focus through program content for addressing significant social, political, and economic problems facing Americans at the local, area and national levels.
International Trends & Services
The International Trends and Services facetinspires a greater awareness of international events, affairs, and issues through personal involvement, global commitment and enrichment.
The Links, Incorporated Co-Founders
Service Projects
Over the years
*AnnualCollege Scholarships
*Catholic Charities Shelter
*Big Brothers Big
Sisters of America
*Linking Health, Hope and
Love Dental Program
*Tri-County Parent and
Student Outreach Coalition
*Be The Match (Bone Marrow
Registry Drive)
*Cancer Disparities Workshop
*Mini Med Clinics
* Peanut Butter Project
* Symposium of Race, Justice & Equality
*Family & Health Freedom Celebration Walk
*Black History Month Programs
*Project Graduation
*Voter Registration
*Links to Learning
OFFICERS
2014-2016
Tamicka Hart, President
Jehnell Linkins, Vice-President
Rainna Somerville, Recording Secretary
Yvette Riddick, Corresponding Secretary
Carmella Davis Watkins, Treasurer
Pamela Jackson, Financial Secretary
MEMBERSHIP
The