2021-2022
Program Year
Wearing Our Red
February is American Heart Month and Links Chapters around the nation commemorated this important event by wearing RED. In "normal" times, the Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated would dance its way to a healthy heart but the ongoing pandemic has forced us to meet virtually. However we still were able to celebrate the month by wearing our RED at our monthly business meeting. Change your bad habits for good ones --eat right and exercise!
The Links, Incorporated Celebrate 75 Years
In 1946, when Philadelphia educators Margaret Rosell Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott co founded the Links, Inc. — their vision for an intercity volunteer service organization for professional women of African descent — they did so with the help of just seven friends. Today, the Links has grown to more than 16,000 members (including Vice President Kamala Harris) in 292 chapters across the country, the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom, who log more than one million hours a year in service to their communities and to ensure the cultural and economic survival of African Americans and others of African ancestry. The Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated was founded in 1974.
Joining in the Celebration
Chapter Shows HBCU Pride
The Chapter showed its HBCU pride in a virtual evening of fun and games. Members wore their HBCU paraphernalia showing their pride in the historic institutions they attended. September is HBCU Awareness Month and the Links, Incorporated has been a staunch supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities donating funds every year.
Chapter Members Join Community in Strolling to the Polls
New Jersey's early voting initiative brought scores of Black women's organizations out to elevate their voices in this year's state elections. Chapter members were joined by sororities and other Black women's groups who gathered for fun, food and transportation to the county polls.
Services to Youth:
NSBE, Jr. Program Begins
First day of NSBE, Jr brings smiles to young student.
National Trends and Services: Members Take Part in Voting Registration
Chapter members came together to help register voters for the November 2021 election. It was all part of a wellness event held in Teaneck's Votee Park. Those who visited the table learned about how to register as well as the different voting options offered in New Jersey.
Poster Art Contest
Walk the Virtual Halls of Our Exhibit
Created in 1995, the Links, Incorporated National Poster Art Contest asks students to reflect and artistically express their work according to a specific theme. This year, the theme was "The Art of Social Justice to Transform Communities”. Led by Arts Facet Chair Link Theodora Lacey and Co-Chair Link Mia Gillespie, students were asked to create posters influenced by issues such as racial justice, equal rights, and law enforcement accountability. Please "walk the virtual halls" of our exhibition and see some of the amazing work of these incredible young artists. Click Below for the Exhibition.
Chapter Officers:
Tammy King
President
Maredia Dionne Warren
Vice President
Courtnay Johnson-Suffern
Treasurer
Robin Cooper
Financial Secretary
Kai Brown Smith
Recording Secretary
Tara Edmonds
Corresponding Secretary
LIsa Brown
Program Coordinator
Christine Fowler Phillips
Protocol Officer
Teresa Oakley Smallwood
Parliamentarian
Jacquelyn Styles*
Ritual Chair
*deceased
Our Service
National Trends and Services: Tablet Giveaway
Over 150 people were served in three locations as the Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated teamed up with TruConnect to provide free tablets to those in need. The tablet giveaway program was part of a government initiative to ensure that low income families were not left out of the digital world. Many families have been unable to open e-mail accounts or obtain the educational opportunities provided online because they lack the proper equipment. The Links set up distribution “centers” in 3 communities within their boundaries and worked with TruConnect to get the devices in the hands of those who qualified.
The Arts:
Chapter Sponsors 2 Films in the Teaneck International Film Festival
Calling All Caregivers
Are you caring for an aging parent and need the vital information to ensure that you and your loved one are protected? It's important that you know how to find the resources you'll need as you embark on this important part of life. Watch our webinar moderated by Link Alicia Henderson.
National Trends and Services:
A Conversation with NJ Assemblywoman
Shavonda Sumter
Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter joined us on Saturday, December 4th to discuss the issues that effect New Jersey's Black communities. Assemblywoman Sumter is the first woman to chair New Jersey's Black Legislative Caucus. Click above and watch this very special interview with Pamela T. Miller as the Assemblywoman outlines the challenges we face in this upcoming legislative session.
National Trends and Services:
Bringing Holiday Cheer for Those in Need
Chapter members joined community partners in wrapping holiday gifts for those in need. Hundreds of toys and clothing earmarked for local children and seniors were carefully wrapped and labeled with hopes that these items will cheer up those in need this holiday. Watch above.
Health and Human Services:
Black History Month: Honoring 2 Giants in Medicine
On February 27th, the chapter honored two outstanding Women in Medicine. Moderated by Link Alicia Henderson PhD, this hour long presentation by our own Link Stephanie Thompson, MD and Marilyn Hughes Gaston, MD provided attendees with vital information about the research surrounding infertility and the historic work increasing the lifespan of infants with Sickle Cell anemia. You can watch this informative webinar below.
The chapter was proud to sponsor two films in the 2021 Teaneck International Film Festival. This year's iconic event was a hybrid with films shown in person and virtually. The chapter co-sponsored "20 Pearls", an award winning film chronicling the history of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The second film sponsored was "A Crime on the Bayou", a story of a Black teenager who bravely challenges the most powerful white supremacist in 1960s Louisiana with the help of a young Jewish attorney. The film's director Nancy Buirski was on hand for the talkback.
President's Message
Tammy King
Dear Friends,
Welcome to our website!
As the President of the Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of the Links Incorporated, I’m delighted that you’ve come to this space to learn more about our active chapter and the incredible women who are "Linked in Friendship and Connected in Service".
What a challenging 2021 we've had but thankfully, we were able to keep step with virtual meetings and programs that have informed, educated and enriched our communities. 2022 promises to be equally as challenging but we are confident that we will be able to provide the support needed in our community.
From our engaging programs to our involvement in the Teaneck International Film Festival ... to those we help during the darkest of days, our rich history in Bergen County is known throughout the community and beyond. We will continue those efforts and we will look for additional ways we can serve.
All the best,
Tammy King
President, Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
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©2022 Bergen County Chapter of the Links, Incorporated