Volume 1, Issue 1 July 2, 2014
Leading with Excellence ~ Serving with Grace
VISION • VOICE • IMPACT
The Daily Linkup
Welcome to the 39th National Assembly
National Harbor, Maryland
Welcome From the National President
We have arrived! We represent generations of
Linkdom - from our newest Link members,
to the young leaders of the Scott Hawkins
Leadership Institute, to the stalwart members
of our chapters who sustain, to the Platinum
Members who paved the way.
We have arrived! We have each chosen to
make Links our priority and to make service
through Links a guiding principle. We have
come to exchange ideas and best practices
and to center ourselves for our mission as
we strategize for the future of this great
sisterhood.
“An identity would seem to be arrived at by the way in
which the person faces and uses his experience.”
− James Baldwin
My Link sisters - we have arrived to affirm that
we are indeed Leading with Excellence and
Serving with Grace – now and into the future.
My Dear Link Sisters,
We have arrived! Nearly 3,000 Links and
their families are now gathered for the
39th National Assembly of The Links,
Incorporated, on the beautiful waterfront at
National Harbor, Maryland.
We have arrived! We have forged our identity
as Links by joining together, facing and using
our experiences of individual achievement,
all to perform the collective good. With our
seven new chapters we are now 281 chapters
strong.
We have arrived! Months and months of
planning have brought us to this moment.
It is a time for reuniting with old friends. It
is a time for the making of new friends. It
is a time of joyous renewal and a time for
promising transitions. It is truly our time.
Margot James Copeland
White House Briefing
VISION * VOICE * IMPACT was
demonstrated in the highest office in the land
today as 150 executive and leadership council
members of the organization, and special
guests, convened for an official briefing at The
White House. Senior Advisor to President
Obama, and Chair of the White House
Council on Women & Girls Valerie Jarrett
brought greetings.
National President, Margot James Copeland introduces Valerie Jarrett,
Senior Advisor to President Obama and Chair of the White House
Council on Women & Girls.
“Valerie Jarrett says she propels herself out
of the bed every day because she knows she
has been given an incredible opportunity.
Valerie, I thank you for giving us this incredible
opportunity,” said Links National President
Margot James Copeland.
Due to the perseverance of the Women’s
Issues and Economic Empowerment Chair of
The Links, Incorporated Madeline Lawson,
Capital City (DC) Chapter, and Co-Chair
Joyce Beatty, Columbus (OH) Chapter,
the organization was welcomed into the
Eisenhower Executive Office Building’s South
Court Auditorium. Congresswoman Beatty,
who represents the 3rd congressional district
of Ohio, said that “education is the economic
engine, and we must teach our children to
believe in themselves and their goals.”
The Links were addressed by the White
House Advisor on Violence Against Women
Lynn Rosenthal, and by White House Office
of Public Engagement representatives Heather
Foster and Hallie Schneir.
White House Briefing
The leadership was briefed on a wide range
of issues that disproportionately affect the
African-American community. Those who
presented emphasized the need to have open
dialogue around under-addressed issues.
These challenges range from literacy and below
grade-level reading skills, to the challenges
of poor school systems, to roadblocks to
African-America males reentering society
after incarceration, to campus-based rape and
other acts of violence against women – and
the overwhelming economic impact of these
social issues. Dialogue was also facilitated
by the Department of Education as they
detailed the Let’s Move, Domestic Policy
Council Update.
continue
“The members of The Links, Incorporated
don’t want to look back one day and say, ‘Why
didn’t we do just a little bit more.’ We propelled
ourselves out of bed this morning so we can do
more,” said Copeland.
Links, Incorporated Chaplain Elaine Flake, of
the Greater New York (NY) Chapter, delivered
a closing prayer, lifting up President Barack
Obama as a committed leader of the nation.
President’s Dinner: Lauding of Leadership
As the administration of the 15th national president draws to a close, Margot
James Copeland took the opportunity to salute her Executive and Leadership Councils with a dinner on Sunday evening in the Sunset Room by
Wolfgang Puck. The President’s Dinner, a long-standing end-of-term tradition, celebrated the achievements, hard work and friendships forged
during her administration.
Addressing her sister-leaders, Copeland said, “Tonight is a celebration of your four years of stellar
service. You have all led with excellence, served with grace, and realized all of the dreams that we
set forth as a team. I am forever indebted to you, my friends.
The night was filled with presentations as leaders were lauded for their contributions of time,
talent and resources. Copeland also gifted her team with a custom-designed hand beaded bracelet
featuring special Links charms.
Top-tier 39th Assembly sponsors were represented by Corporate Vice President for Government
Affairs at FedEx Corporation Gina Adams, Capital City (DC) Chapter, DMV Host Cluster
chair; and General Motors Foundation President Vivian Pickard, Renaissance (MI) Chapter, the
chair of Corporate Linkages for The Links. As their companies were saluted for their generous
donations with a specially designed crystal sculpture, these women noted the value that they felt
working with The Links brings to both their organizations and their personal mission to serve.
As a surprise tribute, the D.C., Maryland and Virginia chapters presented loving words to
President Copeland, each attribute beginning with the letter of their chapter’s name. The newlyestablished Patuxent River (MD) Chapter’s President Sandra Maddox Britt described Copeland
as passionate, powerful and purposeful - then added, “In our eyes, you walk on water.”
WWW.LINKSINC.ORG
D.C., Maryland and Virginia Chapters: The DMV Cluster Welcomes The Links!
As the leadership applauded the gift, there
was a moment that many considered to be the
highlight of the evening. The entire leadership
team was surprised with their own piece of the
exquisite jewelry as well, experiencing their
very own “Oprah moment.”
The DMV Cluster welcomed
both The Links Executive Council and The
Links Leadership Council with a dinner at
the Smithsonian National Museum of African
American History and Culture on Monday
evening. These Link leaders were welcomed
by Gina Adams, Capital City (DC) Chapter,
chair of the DMV Cluster and corporate vice
president for Government Affairs at FedEx
Corporation. Those who attended called the
occasion “simple yet elegant.”
The deputy director of the museum,
Kinshasha Holman Conwill, welcomed these
representatives as well. She commended The
Links Foundation, Incorporated for the $1
million grant made to the museum, which will
be used to support the ongoing design and
construction of the museum edifice.
“You are the first African-American
organization to donate,” Conwill said. “This
challenges other organizations like yourselves
to step up to the plate.”
The Links leaders were then treated to
two musical selections by members of the
Washington Performing Arts Society’s
(WPAS) Men and Women of the Gospel choir
– a group that has performed at the Kennedy
Center and Lincoln Center, as well as with
Sweet Honey in the Rock, Ramsey Lewis,
Dorinda Clark-Cole, Donnie McClurkin,
Yolanda Adams, and many other gospel greats.
Members of the DMV Cluster presented 15th
National President Margot James Copeland
with a limited-edition broach, commissioned
from and designed by prominent jewelry
designer Ann Hand. Hand is best known
for her signature piece, The Liberty Eagle,
which has been worn by first ladies, cabinet
secretaries, senators, congresswomen and
ambassadors. The custom-designed pin,
which can also be worn as a necklace, is
one of only 200 made. Adams presented
the piece to President Copeland while
thanking her for stellar leadership during her
presidential administration.
Communications Committee
Daily Linkup
Cassandra Hughes Webster, Chair
Shelby County (TN) Chapter
Dawn Hankin Cliette
Metro-Manhattan (NY) Chapter
Editorial Team
Rozalynn S. Frazier, Co-Chair
Metro-Manhattan (NY) Chapter
Veronica Spencer Austin
Mid Cities (TX) Chapter
Sheryl Battles, Eastern Area Chair
Fairfield (CT) Chapter
Kyra Harvey
Magnolia (GA) Chapter
Lorna Hankins, Western Area Chair
Gulf Coast Apollo (TX) Chapter
Michele Jackson
Metropolitan (DC) Chapter
Sylvia Carter Perry, Southern Area Chair
Bold City (FL) Chapter
Jacqui Love Marshall
Alameda Contra-Costa (CA) Chapter
Kathy Wade Jenkins, Central Area Chair
Cincinnati (OH) Chapter
Jackie Thredgill
Potomac (VA) Chapter
Alicia Nails, Editor
Oakland County (MI) Chapter
Cassandra Hughes Webster, Chair
Shelby County (TN) Chapter
Rozalynn S. Frazier, Co-Chair
Metro-Manhattan (NY) Chapter
Alicia Nails, Editor
Oakland County (MI) Chapter
Michele Jackson
Metropolitan (DC) Chapter
Photography
Rodney Brown
David Fitzpatrick
The Daily Linkup
Summer Safety Fun Day Provides Year-Round Safety Tips
Summer Safety Fun Day engaged and
educated more than 600 children who will
participate in water, car seat, bicycle and
summer safety activities. Because The Links,
Incorporated delivers Vision, Voice, and
Impact, this hands-on service was rendered in
a pre-Assembly event, in response to the high
numbers of summer accidents with children.
Links, Incorporated to raise awareness and
educate children, their caregivers and families
on summer safety that will lasts year-round.”
Held on Tuesday at FedEx Field to educate
children, families and child care providers
on applicable safety solutions that can be
utilized year round, The Links, Incorporated
partnered with the GM Foundation, Target,
Safe Kids Worldwide™ and Prince George’s
County Kentland-Palmer Park Transforming
Neighborhoods Initiative for the Summer
Safety Fun Day.
“The Links, Incorporated is a volunteer service
organization of women who are committed to
enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture
survival of African Americans. This runs
parallel to Safe Kids Worldwide’s™ desire for
every child to grow up and become whatever
they imagine, without sustaining a serious
preventable injury,” said National President
Margot James Copeland. “The leading cause
of death for children after their first birthday
is preventable injuries due to motor vehicle
collisions, drowning, burns and other injury
risk areas. Safe Kids will work with The
L-R: Safe Kids Worldwide Chief Marketing Officer Martha Wilcox, Links National Secretary Kim Jefferies Leonard; GM Foundation,
and community service project sponsor, Chair of Corporate Linkages, Vivian Pickard; Links National Vice President Glenda Newell
Harris; Links National President Margot James Copeland; Safe Kids Worldwide President & CEO Kate Carr; Target VP of Diversity
& Inclusion, and community service project sponsor Kim Strong; Pamela Gentry Annapolis (MD) Chapter; and Safe Kids Worldwide
Chief Program Officer Torine Creppy.
TO GET INVOLVED: PLEASE VISIT THE LINKS AT WWW.LINKSINC.ORG
Sponsors
We proudly thank our 39th National Assembly sponsors
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Match CMYK Color Chips for Color Proof
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Partners
The 39th National Assembly is generously supported by
First Row - left to right: Lisa AndersonWilliams, B. Jean Jones, Vanessa Carter,
Adfanie Smith Gray, Carlotta Brown,
Wykena Lipscomb, Michi Bruns-Clay.
Middle Row - left to right: Belinda Hunter,
Kimberly Goodman, Melanie Lennear,
Wanda Telfair, LaTracia King, Michelle
Tecoa Turner, Michelle Cloud, Sherrita
Dorsey-Peete, Staci Taylor-Fullmeighter,
Shervada Hall, Judy Harrison, Pamela
Etienne-Branch, Diamond Prothro. Back
Row - left to right: Cathy Hamel, Antrece
Baggett, Cathy Douse-Harris, Deanna Laster,
Andrea Williams, Darylene Harris, Lenaise
Clark, Adeola Heyliger, Nicole West, LaShica
Velazquez, Tara Lewis, Lachelle Fields,
Beverly Hardy-Decuir, Carmilla Nandlal.
Expanding Our Chain of Friendship
“With the addition of seven new chapters, since the
beginning of President Copeland’s administration,
we are now 281 chapters strong.”
Chapter Establishment Chair, Sandra Malone, Dallas (TX) Chapter
Chapter Establishment Co-Chair, Jeannine Quick-Frasier, Columbus (OH) Chapter
Greater Pearland Area (TX) is the sixth chapter chartered under Margot.
Greater Pearland Area (TX) Chapter
Date of Establishment: June 14, 2014
Chapter President: Adfanie Smith Gray
Number of Members: 34
Greater Pearland Area (TX) selected to implement Smart Stemulation Academy, a Services to Youth umbrella program that addresses a specific
need that plagues the minority youth in grades 7th and 8th grade in Texas; but more specifically in Greater Brazoria County where there is a
glaring disparity in the areas of preparation for college readiness and career readiness in both middle and high school. In addition, students and
parents are not equipped with the proper resources to advocate for exposure to S.T.E.M. related post educational opportunities or careers. The
6-year transformational, sustainable program will confront the disparities and produce a unique community of African American youth that are
exposed, engaged and have the ability to advocate for their own course of action.
Patuxent River (MD) Chapter is the seventh chapter chartered under Link Margot.
Patuxent River (MD) Chapter
Date of Establishment: June 27, 2014
Chapter President: Sandra Maddox Britt
Number of Members: 48
Patuxent River (MD) has developed Cultivating Girls into GEMS: Global Minded, Empowered and Motivated for Success to address bullying
and disputes related to issues of self-esteem, including but not limited to: appearance, childhood obesity, mean spiritedness and relationships.
Beginning in 2012 with fourth and fifth grade girls and continued in 2013-2014 with fifth and sixth girls from Germantown Elementary School
in Upper Montgomery County, Maryland, activities included a canvas creation under the guidance of a local artist with a theme of anti-bullying
and the importance of friendship, group role playing, workshops on conflict resolution/management, journal writing, learning how to express
themselves in written form as the girls corresponded with students in Nigeria and Ghana, embassy visits, workshops on nutrition, fitness, social
and mental health. In 2014-2015 seventh grade girls will be added as the program expands to nearby Roberto Clemente Middle School, from its
feeder school, Germantown Elementary.
Front Row - left to right: Shirley
Ballard Miller, Renee Gaskin-Martin
(Parliamentarian), Cheryl Gray (Financial
Secretary), Pamela Queen (Treasurer), Ann
Everett (Vice President of Programs), Sandra
Maddox Britt (President), Sandra Pina
(Vice President of Membership), Yvonne
McKinney (Recording Secretary), Stacey
Mangham (Corresponding Secretary),
LeShawndra Price (Chaplain), Gail Copeland
(Archivist). Middle Row - left to right:
Ruby Brooks, Mildred Brown, Yvonne
Chaney-Harrison, Debbie Bragg, Sheryl
Lucas Giles, Marshae Murrell, Amy Bryant,
Cynthia Anderson, LaTanya Higginbotham,
Robin McBride Ziegler, Kimberly Stallings,
Barbara Nance McKee, Mechelle JohnsonWebb, Luana Dean, Hollie Bodiford-Taylor,
Charmaine Scruggs-Robinson. Back Row
- left to right: Carrie Brown, Aubreana
Stephenson Holder, Janet Wormack, M.
Parker Mabry, Sheila Ogilvie, Rochelle
Hackley-Harris, Stephanie Jameison, Glenda
Cross, Flora Hamilton, Erma Withers,
Sharon McDonald Johnson, MeKeshia Bates,
Arlene Speller, Jennifer Jones Dobbins,
Shelia Harrison, Shani Waugh, Pamela Chew
Williams, Erica Myers, Cheryl Thomas, Lydia
Griggsby.
Not pictured: Patricia Randolph.
Front Row - left to right: Cassandra
McKinney, DeAnna Marsh, Sharen Jackson,
Dee Baker-Amos, Margot James Copeland,
Mitzi Willis, Scheretta Jackson, Deardra
Hayses-Whigham, Shakeya McDow. Middle
Row - left to right: Valencia McShan, Erica
Daniel, LaTisha Davis, Grace Smith, Tracy
Madison, Patricia Sumler, Tonja Barber,
Brenda Griffin, Renee Smith, Shanta Fields,
JoAnn Sabre, Marilyn Wallace. Back Row left to right: Monica Brooks, Kyla Rankin,
Kandance Farmer, Sheryl Dorsey, Angie
Tinsley, Patricia Evans, Chelle Wilson, April
Sims, Danette Anthony-Reed, Dana Ware,
Susan Bell, James Bell, Anna Lamikanra,
Marsha Griggs
Greater Denton County (TX) Chapter was the first chapter chartered under Link Margot
Greater Denton County (TX) Chapter
Date of Establishment: June 9, 2012
Chartering Chapter President: Mitzi Willis
Current Chapter President: Deardra Hayes Whigham
Number of Members: 34
Greater Denton County (TX) chose to address the poor performance of African-American students in the vital fields of science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (the STEM fields) through GROWING AND EMPOWERING MINDS 4 SUCCESS, a program designed for
middle school students. Added program activities focused on increasing awareness of childhood obesity and prevention upon the receipt of a
$3,000 from the Western Area.
Front Row- left to right: Jacqueline Parker,
Earlcine Carter, Rosalyn Griffin, Glenda
Newell-Harris, Vanessa Rogers Long,
Margot James Copeland, Sandra Dorsey
Malone, Jeannine Quick-Frasier, Wilma
Wade , Emma Simpson. Middle Row - left
to right: Linder Howze, Yvonne Stanford,
Marilyn Starks, Claudett Williams LaShasa
Griffin, Dorris Richardson, Aljean Lenard,
Vanesia Griffin, Ann Williams, Mary White,
Lula Walton, Patricia White, Wilhemenia
Newson , Shirley Bonds. Back Row - left
to right: Candice Tutwiler, Toya Matthews,
Verna Ranson, Dorothy Johnson, Patricia
Cummings, Sherley Fields, Rosier Braugher,
Joyce McNair, Shirley Saddler, Tonya Short.
Latasha Rice.
Lone Star (TX) Chapter with National
President and Chapter Establishment
Chairs Sandra Malone and Jeannine
Quick-Fraiser
First Row - left to right: Linda Nichols,
Pamela Cotton, Shana Forte Nichols,
Jeannine Quick-Frasier, Lisa Wills-Rogers,
National President Margot James Copeland,
Sandra Malone, Alta Alexander, Terri
Burditt, Nicholle Sullivan. Middle Row - left
to right: Fallon Delco, Yolanda Owens,
Gioia Bufkin, Tiffany Lemon, M. Dewana
Thompson, Pamela Vance, LaVerne Reid,
Keisha Chatman, Kimberly Kirkpatrick,
DeAnna Harris-McCoy. Back Row - left
to right: Sharon Webster, Mina LaGrange,
Debra Dibble, Victoria Soto, Melissa
Harvey, Carmen Francis, Christie Green,
Mary Winston, Maureen Oyiriaru, Sheon
Williams-Corley, Cathy Beans, Loretta
Hawley.
*Not Pictured: Iris Savage and Scheherazade
Perkins
Lone Star (TX) Chapter is the fourth chapter chartered under Link Margot
The Mississippi Delta(MS) Chapter was the second chapter established under the leadership of Link Margot.
Lone Star (TX) Chapter
Mississippi Delta (MS) Chapter
Date of Establishment: April 26, 2014
Chapter President: Lisa Wills-Rogers
Number of Members: 34
Lone Star (TX) partners with Southwestern University’s Upward Bound program of Georgetown, TX to provide its umbrella program “Full
STEAM Ahead” that promotes studies and awareness in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Workshops are designed to bring innovative and cutting edge STEAM related topics directly to Upward Bound students and parents to inform them and prepare them better for college
and careers in the 21st century. The planned activities will not only promote academic achievement and career readiness, but will encourage a
sustainable healthy lifestyle to offer balance mentally, physically, and socially. Furthermore, students will be provided opportunities to participate
in community service and civic engagement activities that will foster their leadership skills and encourage community involvement.
Date of Establishment: August 25, 2012
Chapter President: Vanessa Rogers Long
Number of Members: 31
Mississippi Delta (MS) selected implementation of activities to address crucial needs and issues prevalent among inhabitants of the region of
North Mississippi known as the “Delta”. Middle school girls serve as the target group to participate in their program, YOUNG LADIES IN
TRAINING FOR EXCELLENCE AND SERVICE. At their first anniversary fund-raiser, a luncheon to honor civic leaders of the counties within
their membership and service boundaries, they announced receipt of a program award--a competitive 21st Century Learning Communities grant
of $904,997.
Front Row - left to right: Kimberly Leonard,
Penny Hairston, Kavatus Newell, Glenda
Newell-Harris, Margot James Copeland,
Beth Sinkler, Dianne Hardison, Tracey
Watkins, Giovonni Smith, Joyce Lanier.
Middle Row - left to right: Jeannine
Quick-Frasier, Deirdre White, Wanda Taylor,
Melany Pollack, Wycessa Small, Gwendolyn
James, Cassandra Terrell, Belinda Porter,
Stephanie Drummond, LaTonia Talley,
Eunicseia Johnson-Byrd, Sandra King, Mary
King, Sandra Dorsey Malone, Lynnette
Heard. Back Row - left to right: Ashley
Johnson, Cynthia Watkins, Mia Valentine,
Shellece Hankerson, Millisa Gary, Michelle
Thompson, Jacinta Topps, Donna Green,
Pamela Gardner, Renee Beverly, Bonita
Wilson-Newby, T. Regina Jackson, Rhonda
Cunningham-Still, Karen Griffin
Chapter with National President, National
Vice President, Eastern Area Director,
Chapter Establishment Committee.
Greater Bronx (NY) is the fifth chapter chartered under Margot.
Greater Bronx (NY) Chapter
Greater Rappahannock is the third chapter chartered under Margot’s leadership
Greater Rappahannock (VA) Chapter
Date of Establishment: March 22, 2014
Chapter President: Beth Sinkler
Number of Members: 34
Greater Rappahannock (VA) selected to implement an umbrella program that addresses a specific need widespread among four-year old children
and their families in the Rappahannock area. Children Achieving Excellence through Early Literacy: Smart Start Link 2 Life will target four -year
old children and their families unserved by the Head Start Program and will fill this gap by providing resources, workshops and activities that
promote kindergarten readiness through literacy, health and well-being.
Date of Establishment: May 31, 2014
Chapter President: Cheryl Simmons-Oliver
Number of Members: 37
Greater Bronx (NY) in partnership with Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center — a non- profit community arts organization located in the
Northeast Bronx — is committed to provide services to over 500 families through its Fit Families for the Future program, a multi-faceted
approach to addressing the overlapping health problems associated with both uncontrollable environmental factors and poor dietary practices
— practices that are generational in scope. The program goal is to empower families with the knowledge that they can make healthy food choices
that are cost effective without compromising their culture and heritage. Additionally, families will be encouraged to increase their physical
activity through traditional and non-traditional methods and assisted with family management of asthma; obesity and diabetes to improve the
health of the entire family.
First Row - left to right: DeDra Y. Polite,
Lisa Grant DeGraffenreidt, Jean M. Smith,
Lynn Elizabeth Shillingford Karam, 15th
National President Margot James Copeland,
Cheryl Rose Simmons-Oliver, National Vice
President Glenda Newell-Harris, Eastern
Area Director Dianne S. Hardison, Cynthia
N. Ngombe, Nicole Graham-McCathern,
Clarener Moultrie, Danielle Smith-Johnson;
Middle Row - left to right: Barbara
Edwards, Chapter Establishment Committee
Co-Chair Jeannine Quick-Frasier, Carol
Malcolm-Charles, Ericka Davis, Grythelda
Gigi Gilliard, April Donielle Horton, Marcia
Marie Cameron, Amber Efé, Christine
A. Saunders, Deirdre Ann Scott, Andrea
Michelle O’Neal, Rachel Cheeks-Givan, Rita
I. Etchie, Asha Daniels Harris, Gwendolyn
Roundtree Evans, Betty King Obiajulu;
Chapter Establishment Committee Chair
Sandra Dorsey Malone; Back Row- left
to right: Nneka Symister, Claudia MooreHamilton, Jeanna E. Hussey, Gloria HillJames, Marilyn Anne McDonald Hendricks,
Marilyn Ross-Moody, Tosan Oruwariye,
Ayana Louis-Jean, Michele Davila, Bernice
Asamoah, Juanita Shell-Peterson, Linda
DeHart, Allison Corbie, Brieyona C. Reaves,
Sonnia Thomas Shields