The Links chapter celebrates 65 years in Winston-Salem
(Above: Photo provided by The Links via Facebook.com- Kay Clark, 65th Anniversary Celebration Committee chair, thanks the members of the 65th Anniversary Celebration Committee for their hard work. )
While it may have been raining outside, friendship warmed the inside of Wake Forest Biotech Place on Saturday, April 25. The Winston-Salem Chapter of The Links Inc. celebrated the chapter’s chartering with a brunch honoring its past and celebrating its legacy of service. It was chartered in 1950.
Over 200 Link Sisters, family and friends joined the members of the Winston-Salem Chapter as they celebrated 65 years of service to Winston-Salem and surrounding communities.
“The attendance of hundreds of distinguished guests is a reflection of the respect and support of The Links’ 65 years of service in the Winston-Salem and High Point communities,” said Linda Jackson Barnes, President of the Winston-Salem Chapter of The Links Inc. “We are grateful for the support and opportunity to service those who need our aid.”
The Links Inc., a premier nonprofit international service organization with more than 14,000 members in 280 chapters in 41 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, boasts a proud legacy of friends providing service that changes lives. It was established by an original circle of nine friends in Philadelphia, in 1946.
It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African-Americans and other persons of African ancestry.
The organization has five facets: Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services and Health and Human Services. The programs are implemented through strategies such as public information and education, economic development, and public policy campaigns.
The Links, Inc. has attracted many distinguished women who are individual achievers and have made a difference in their communities and the world. The organization is the recipient of awards from the UN Association of New York and the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation for its premier programs.
The Winston-Salem Chapter was the third chapter of The Links Inc. established in what is now known as the Southern Area, and the 17th chapter of The Links Inc. established nationally. Ten charter members of the Winston-Salem chapter were installed on March 23, 1950 in a ceremony conducted by national officer, Julia Delaney of Raleigh. Melanie Walker served as the first president of the newly formed Winston-Salem Chapter.
Saturday’s event honored this great legacy. Dr. Kathy Stitts served as the mistress of ceremonies for the program, bringing laughter to the afternoon. Lynne Fuller-Andrews provided the occasion, followed by greetings from Eneid Francis, the director of the Southern Area of The Links Inc., which includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
President Jackson-Barnes brought greetings on behalf of the chapter, and acknowledged Tamara Young Lee, vice-director for the Southern Area, as well as visiting Links chapter presidents from Greensboro, Wilmington, Triangle Park and Durham.
Davida Martin provided an inspirational message and grace before a brunch catered by Simple Elegance Catering. Keith Byrd provided a inspirational tribute during the brunch.
After lunch, guests were treated to a video presentation of the chapter’s past, present and future produced by Antonio Davis of Viewfinders Media, as well as reflections on friendship and service by Janet Wheeler and Parepa (PJ) Williams, respectively. The event was brought to a close with comments from Kay Clark, who chaired the 65th Anniversary Celebration Committee.
As the program closed, guests enjoyed cake by Danielle Kattan as they shared friendship and fellowship.
The Winston-Salem Chapter, led by Linda Jackson-Barnes, concluded a grand celebration of friendship and service on Saturday, promising to continue its legacy of service in the years to come.
Links member Candice W. Brown contributed to this report.
