2022-2023 
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 with "The Invitation"

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 299 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.  Watch the trailer below for "The Invitation", the highly touted documentary on the history of The Links, Incorporated. The Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated was founded in 1974. 

 Calling All Caregivers

 National Trends and Services:
A Conversation with NJ Assemblywoman
Shavonda Sumter

Starting OUR New Program Year!!!

Welcome to our new program year 2022-2023! We are planning new and engaging programs for the year as we continue to serve our communities! Please continue to enjoy some of the highlights from 2021-2022 and come back often to see what's new!

 The Arts:
Chapter to Sponsors 2 Films in the 2022 Teaneck International Film Festival

The Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will sponsor the acclaimed film featuring the life and legacy of Honorary Link Marian Anderson during the 2022 Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF). Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands explores the career and art of the famed African American contralto and civil rights pioneer. “Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands”, which originally premiered on PBS’ ‘American Masters, spotlights Anderson’s voice and point of view. The documentary draws from 34 cassette tapes of interviews recorded in the 1950s when she was preparing to write her memoir, “My Lord, What a Morning,” and other archival interviews. The film will be shown at the Teaneck Cinemas on Friday, November 18th starting with "The Invitation" at 7:30 and a talkback to follow. 

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.

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.

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. 

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 two years, we've had but thankfully, we were able to keep step with virtual meetings and programs that have informed, educated and enriched our communities. 2023 promises to be far  less challenging as we are finally able to meet in person! We have our sleeves rolled up and are ready to do the work we are called to do!

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
 

©2022 Bergen County Chapter of the Links, Incorporated