Bede Music Box

A NEWSLETTER OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED Issue!VII!•! R!P!bVVi Gwendolyn B. Lee, Ph.D. National President Unveiling the signature painting ‘Circle of Promise’ by international award-winning artist, Synthia SAINT JAMES. Shown here with the newly unveiled painting are (L-R): singer Lalah Hathaway; television personality Rene Syler; artist Synthia SAINT The Links, Inc. and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Welcome GABRIELLE UNION, LALAH HATHAWAY and SYNTHIA SAINT JAMES as National Ambassadors Into the Circle of Promise he Links, Incorporated and Susan Komen for the Cure hosted a luncheon benefiting Susan G. Komen Global Promise Fund initiatives in Ghana and the breast health needs of the Lower 9 Ward Clinic in New Orleans. During the event, Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Circle of Promise campaign unveiled a signature painting by internationally acclaimed artist Synthia SAINT JAMES. The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org Post-Assembly Alaskan Cruise Link Grace Strauther Phoenix (AZ) Chapter Winner of a cabin for two on the The Links Foundation's 7-night NCL’s “Pearl” Alaskan Cruise July 6-13, 2008 The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org Susan G. Komen for the Cure also announced three new Komen Ambassadors, actress Gabrielle Union , artist Synthia Saint James and songstress Lalah Hathaway – each with different backgrounds and personal stories. The new ambassadors joined with Eastern Area Director The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org ncluded in the more than 800 winners of the National Achievement Scholarships recently announced by the National Achievement Scholarship Program, are six young Black women who will receive their $2,500 individual scholarships from The Links, Incorporated. The National Achievement Program was established in 1954 to honor scholastically talented Black American youths National Achievement® Scholarship Winners Announced The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org The 10th Annual UNCOMMON HEIGHT Awards Gala was held at the Washington Hilton Hotel in April. Link Ingrid Saunders Jones, senior vice president of The Coca-Cola Company was gala chair. Sir Sidney Poitier, actor, humanitarian and civil rights leader was the 2008 Uncommon Height Crystal Stair Award Recipient. This event also celebrated Dr. Dorothy Height's 96th birthday and five decades of visionary leadership. Posed with Sir Sidney Poitier and Dr. Dorothy Height are (left to right): Links Vivian Pickard, Ingrid Saunders Jones, Marcia White, Paula Saizan and Alma Dodd. The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org UNDAY , J UNE 29, 2008 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Executive Council Dinner ONDAY , J UNE 30, 2008 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM HE INKS , NCORPORA ED IONA SSEMB GENDA | EA TTL , W ASHING ON | J 2-6, 2008 ENEFITING HE INKS OUNDATION NCORPORATED special musical guest – distinguished soul singer – Phil Perry Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 7:30 pm sponsored by The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org New Program Workshop Added at Assembly - The ABCs of Program Development and Umbrella Programs Featuring the Rwanda The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org Services to Youth Assembly Program Workshop Mentoring Town Hall: A Call to Action - This dynamic, interactive session will focus on the importance of youth mentoring in our communities and explore various viewpoints regarding mentorship. Distinguished, key speakers for this workshop include Ms. Tracey Knight and Ms. Victoria Rowell . Ms. Knight is the President/CEO of InView Solutions and the Interim Executive Director of the National Cares Mentoring Movement (NCMM). She will discuss the mission and vision of the NCMM. We are also The Arts: Assembly Highlights Classics Through the Ages South Texas Cluster Art event - The State of Art by African Americans, held in conjunction with the African American Art Advisory Association (Five-A,) was a progressive arts crawl saluting the Black curators at three of Houston’s major museums. Link Alvia J. Wardlaw is Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s largest museum. (Standing left to right) Link Wendy Codwell presents Link Alvia with roses on behalf of the Port City Chapter, Link Alvia J. Wardlaw, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, member continues on page 11 The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org Links congratulate Poet/Activist Sonia Sanchez, Recipient of the John Oliver Killens Lifetime Literary Award at The Ninth National Black Writers Conference at Medgar Evers College. The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org Silent!Auction! The!Signatu e!A ts!P og am:! Classics!Th ough!the!Ages Th ee!O iginal!Paintings! View!these!paintings!at! ou !booth!at!the!Assembly.! Fo !mo e!info mation: Ann C. Taylor, Vice-Chair, 60th Anniversary Celebration; The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org ringing water to Zimbabwe is no easy task; but not too difficult for Reston (VA) Links to tackle; and find a solution. Africare and the Reston (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated have created a partnership to implement a Treadle Pump Water Irrigation Pilot Project in Zimbabwe. His Excellency Dr. Machivenyika Mapuranga, Ambassador of Zimbabwe, and staff of the Embassy of Zimbabwe, were honored guests at a special reception held in November at Africare House in Washington, D.C. to launch the water irrigation project. Africare is the oldest and largest African-American led US charitable organization providing assistance and humanitarian programs in more than 25 African countries. Their programs focus on health and HIV/AIDS, food security and agriculture, water resource development, environmental management, literacy and vocational training, micro enterprise development, civil- International Trends Chapter Chair Veatrice Baugh; Jeannine Scott, Africare SVP; Reston Chapter Links President Brenda Irons-LeCesne; Zimbabwe Ambassador Machivenyika The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org average increase in the annual income of each household or farmer. Eight treadle pumps have been purchased and three of them have been despite the disruptions to life in Zimbabwe following the disputed presidential The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org embers of the Bucks County (PA) Chapter of The Links, Inc. traveled to the Kuntu Village of Ghana, West Africa as part of an International Trends and Services/Chapter Umbrella project. The purpose of this journey was to visit the Bucks County (PA) Chapter Makes Site Visit to Kuntu Village, Ghana The chapter’s association with Kuntu Village began in 2003 as a collaborative effort with Dr. Perry Kirklin and the Nkosohen Committee-USA to assist the village in education and self-sufficiency. Each year since then, the chapter has shipped goods; and during this visit, we delivered one thousand pounds of school supplies donated by the chapter and friends. Another partner, the Colgate-Palmolive Company, provided oral health education/toothbrush kits for 300 children. Traveling to Ghana, were Link Clarice Taylor , chapter president; Link Marion Lane , ITS chairperson, Dr. Kirklin, other committee members and project The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org he Links, Incorporated and The Links Foundation, Incorporated were “at the table” with key representatives and members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and major organizations who led seven roundtable discussions seeking strategies which will result in significantly improved achievement of black students in public schools in the United States. The purpose of the partnership is to design replicable strategies for the empowerment of students, parents and community groups at a three-day Education Symposium hosted by Leslie Howard, VP New Orleans Chapter; Cheryl Gray, LA State Senator; Patricia Bivins, Representative for The Links, Inc. and The Links Foundation, Inc. The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org n 1957, Kathryn Bogle Link Johnnie Reed-Bell, Co-Chair of 50 The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org L V L A E    \r \f T P C\f\n \r T\f L, I\n (D\f, NC). A  B J- R, \f \r T\f L C/P R , “L V   \r \r   \f  \n  \f B \n. F  \f \t\b  \f \n \f\n, \n    \f  L  \f  \f\f \f  . S\f   \f  ; \f     \f  \f   \f \f  \f \n \r \f \n\n.” S\f \n   M \t\t, ,  \f  \r . A  \r D\f, N.C., L V  \r N\f C C U  \t     M D    . S\f  \f \f \r\f, L A,  T\f C T \f \f \n\r   \f \n \r\r. S\f   \r \f \r-   \t
\t    \r\f \f \r’   \n   \r \f . L V  \f \r A\r A   \f N\f C J H \r F. A \f\f\n \f    \f \f  \f U \r N\f C S\f \r J  M C;  S\f U \f \f \f  L L A. S\f    \f , K\f E, \f  \f   T\f C T, N\f C’  A\r A \n\n. A Tribute to Link Vivian Louise Austin Edmonds 1928 - 2008 The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org he Smithsonian’s newest museum will be the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), which will be situated on the National Mall next to the National Museum of American History and across from the Washington monument. As part of the planning process, the museum is distributing an online survey to gather input from a broad range of The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org How did I come to own an arts gallery? This is a question I often ask myself. As a child, I was attracted to drawing, SISTER LINK OPENS ART GALLERY Brooklyn (NY) Chapter The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org The Southern Area Educates Community About Childhood Obesity in Partnership with The American Heart Association he Southern Area of The Links, Incorporated and the American Heart Association (AHA) have formed a relationship to educate the African American community about childhood obesity, one of the most serious public health threats facing our nation. Through the efforts of our 75 chapters in seven states and more than 2,500 members, the Southern Area of The Links, Inc. is engaged in plans to promote education and awareness, particularly among young children. The two organizations will educate the communities where Links’ chapters are located about factors that contribute to obesity, implement programs that promote healthy lifestyles and support key legislations/policies. The AHA will provide resources, including an educational compact disc developed for this partnership. Links’ chapters will work collaboratively with their respective AHA staff partners. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), childhood obesity is a public health epidemic and poses one of the most urgent threats to the health and well-being of children and their families. Over the past few decades, the obesity rates have spiraled. Today, one of every ten school children in the world is overweight and an estimated 18 million children under the age of five are classified as overweight and (from left to right):Kellie Kirk, Senior Director, Cause Initiatives for the American Heart Association’s Mid-Atlantic Affiliate; Mary F. Currie, Southern Area Director of The Links, Inc.; and Dr. Monica W. Parker, Chair, Health Linkage of the Southern Area of The Links, Inc. The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org You do not have to travel internationally to impact globally. As the world moves in a feverish pace, each of us must keep up with the fast paced agendas of our lives and the world. The best way is through communication. As the Chair of the International Trends and Services, this has been a challenge; but this I do promise, to make communication along with service a priority. Thank you for all that you do for the The Links, Incorporated and the families of Diaspora. There are some exciting highlights that are available on the two CD’s that will be provided to Chapter Presidents as well as to the Area ITS Chairs: Co-Founder Award The ITS Team is humbled as well as honored to present the 2008 International Trends and Service Co-Founder Award to world renowned Dr. Asa Grant Hillard , posthumously. Dr. Hillard will be remembered as Pan-Africanist, Educator, Historian and Psychologist. Link Patsy Jo Hillard, Atlanta (GA) Chapter, will accept the award on his behalf. The professional career of Dr. Hillard spans the globe. He was on the faculty at San Francisco State University, Consultant to the Peace Corps in Liberia, West Africa, Superintendent of Schools in Monrovia, Liberia, and By Link J. Kamala Buckner, Ph.D. Director, International Trends and Services Chapter Reports Chapters are to be commended for their efforts in providing a wide range of services to the area of International Trends and Services (ITS). Chapters continue to support the “Maama Kits” and send school supplies, clothing, shoes, The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org wanted to visit America. The Education Across the Would you like to win a grant for $5,000 to travel just about anywhere in the world you want to go? You can — if you are an educator at an HBCU or if you teach African Ameri can Studies; or if you are a member of NABSE or ASALH. Any one of these four situations, plus ten years of experience, qualifies you to apply for a travel scholarship. The travel scholarship is named in honor of the late Dr. Asa Grant Hilliard III, world-renowned educator, historian and psychologist, who was an advocate of African history, culture and influence. All you have to do is write an essay on the importance of lifelong learning to the African-American community and describe the ways in which you will utilize your learning/travel experience to positively influ- ence and make a difference in your community – to truly reflect Dr. Hilliard’s philosophy about educational travel. The travel scholarship is being provided by Road Scholar . Log on to www.roadscholar.org/ hilliardaward and follow the prompts to apply. If you need information, call Link Kathy Taylor at (617)457-5591 based on the report from Dr. Olive, there are many other needs such as equipment for the hospital, training and supervision for the birth attendants, and training and support for health workers, as well as motorcycle Links International Foreign Affairs & Business Empowerment Program for Youth Link Linda Zango-Haley is spearheading a new initiative called the LIFE Program. The objective is to recruit and attract minority students with an interest in international affairs and global opportunities. This is a new initiative that will provide additional mentoring opportunities for the young people. The LIFE Program for Youth is designed to introduce high school students ages 14- 16 years old, who are interested in pursuing a college education to the vast career opportunities in Foreign Affairs and International Business. The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org he doctor of the future will give no medicine and will cure patients with all that is in nature... says Dr. Fadairo Afolabi Rowland Dr. Fadairo Afolabi Rowland is a Holistic Chiropractor. Link Rowland is the immediate past president of the American Black Chiropractic Association, and the founder and CEO of the Eugene J. Robinson Foundation, known as the Robinson Wellness Center. The Wellness Center located at 304 Park Avenue in East Orange, NY, where Dr. Rowland treats her patients, was founded on the principles of alternative therapies for wellness and longevity, using therapies such as Chiropractic, Naturopathy, Massage, Colon therapy, Yoga, Fa Lun Da Fa an ancient Chinese Exercise for healing the body mind and spirit) and – most importantly -- Clinical Therapy with an emphasis on Black women in the work place, in The Links, Incorporated - Fall - 2007 - linksinc.org Link Crystal Kendrick – Queen City (OH) Chapter President of The Voice of Your Customer , Link Crystal Kendrick received the 2007 Emerging MBE of the Year Award from the South Central Ohio Minority Business Link Ann Williams receives Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Dance from Texas Woman’s University Texas Woman’s University (TWU) has honored Link Ann Williams, the founder and artistic director of the world-renowned Dallas Black Dance Theatre, with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Dance Link Ann is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University and earned a Master of Arts Degree in Dance and Related Arts from Texas Woman’s University. She is a TWU Distinguished Alumna, a former member of the university’s Board of Regents and the TWU Foundation, and a past president of the TWU Former Students Association. In September 2002, she was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, and in April 2005 she was honored at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. as a part of the Masters of African-American Choreography series. Recipients of an honorary degree from TWU must demonstrate genuine achievement in an activity consonant with the university’s mission. Nominations are made by faculty, staff or members of the TWU Board of Regents, and an advisory committee reviews the nominations and makes a recommendation to the chancellor of the university. Founded in 1976 by Williams, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) creates and produces contemporary modern dance Link Crystal Kendrick – Queen City (OH) Chapter The Links, Incorporated - Fall - 2007 - linksinc.org Link Jacqueline Spriggs Revis Elected President of Texas Parliamentarians Our own National Parliamentarian, Link Jacqueline Spriggs Revis, has been elected president of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians. Chartered in 1955, this Texas organization of parliamentarians is the second largest State Association in the National Association of Parliamentarians. And Link Revis is the second person of African descent to hold the position of president in its 53 year existence. The National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP) was founded in 1930 and is the largest and oldest credentialing organization of parliamentarians in the world. Link Jacqui became interested in parliamentary procedure in 1996 when the parliamentarian of her Links Chapter moved and she was asked to fill the vacancy. “I was uncomfortable in filling the position as I had only a very basic knowledge of parliamentary procedure” said Link Jacqui, “and a sister Link referred me to a class given by the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP).” She took the class, passed the membership exam, and became a member of NAP/ TSAP. In 1998, she took the registration exam (a 5 part exam on Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised that takes linksinc.org Link Azira G. Hill Elected Life Director of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra The Azalea City Chapter (Atlanta GA) is proud to share the news about the June 2 (2008) election of Link Azira G. Hill to the prestigious position of Life Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Board of Directors. A member of the Board since 1990, Link Azira has become the first African American Life Director of the Atlanta Symphony and will join five other current Life Directors, a position reserved for Orchestra advocates who have devoted exceptional and distinguished service. This appointment of Life Director recognizes her legacy of volunteer leadership, dedication and vision, which most notably inspired the formation of the Talent Development Program of the ASO. The Talent Development Program (TDP) identifies and supports talented young African American and Latino students who desire to pursue careers as classical musicians. Established in 1993, the TDP has prepared 81 students for conservatory, college or university-level study by providing tuition-free instruction, mentoring, performance opportunities and complimentary admission to the ASO concerts. The Azira G. Hill Scholarship Fund , which lies at the heart of the program, was established in 1999 to honor Link Hill and provides financial assistance that allows TDP students to attend prestigious national summer music study programs. Designed to change the face of American orchestras, the Talent Development Program has now become a model for other orchestras across the country. The Azalea City Chapter of The Links, Inc. continues to support Link Hill’s efforts with annual contributions to the Azira G. Hill Scholarship Fund . The chapter also uses the talents of the students from the Talent Development Program to perform at its Services to Youth programs and other chapter events The Azalea City Chapter encourages other Links Chapters that have an interest in furthering the education of young African American students, with a gift for classical music, to contribute to the Azira G. Hill Scholarship Fund. For further information, contact Mary Gramling, with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at (770-394-2166) or Link Joyce Hendricks Smith at Link Azira G. Hill Elected Life Director of Atlanta Symphony Orchestr The Links, Incorporated - Summer - 2008 - linksinc.org Link Kristie Patton Foster Link Bunnie Jackson-Ransom, Chair Communication/Public Relations Committee Submission Protocol: A call for articles will be posted on the web site at www.linksinc.org and given to chapters through Area Communication/Public Relations Committee Chairs. Articles must be received no later than seven (7) weeks prior to publication. Articles must be limited to no more than 200 words; submitted in Microsoft Word format; using Times New Roman, 12 point font; and double spaced. Copies of signed release forms from individuals, and guardians of children in photographs must be submitted with article. All photographs become the property of nationalpresident@linksinc.or Link Margot James Copeland emy nrs KeyBank