Our Diamond Jubilee promises to be a historic event like no other. Over the course of six days, we will celebrate the best way we know how ... through friendship and service. From our newest members to our cherished 50-year, Platinum, and Alumna sisters, and each Link in between that makes up our chain of friendship, every detail of this grand occasion has been planned with you in mind and should not be missed.
The Diamond Jubilee will kick-off with the 75th Anniversary Leadership Summit and culminate with our National Day of Friendship and Service and Founders’ Day Ceremony. From a look at how it all started, to the growth of our membership, to evolution of programming, to the impact of The Links Foundation, Incorporated, and so much more, each session promises to be a heartfelt reminder of why we each pledged ourselves “... to all the ideals, purposes, and true meaning of the word 'friendship' as embodied in the name 'LINKS.’”
Thursday, November 4, 2021 10:00 am – 5:00 PM EST
Through the years, the Leadership Summit has grown into a signature event of The Links, Incorporated. Designed to heighten member engagement within the organization and the communities we serve, this event is a perfect addition to our 75th Anniversary celebration.
The 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Leadership Summit will help you understand the dynamics of leadership so you may become a leader in all facets of your life. Distinguished leaders from inside and outside of Linkdom will share their expertise on leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and civic responsibility during this one-day intensive collection of general and breakout sessions. This professional development program will equip current leaders and those aspiring to become leaders with the tools necessary to attain and excel at positions of influence beyond the walls of Linkdom, whether it is in the workplace, church, the community, school, or beyond. Leadership skills are transferable and the knowledge gained at the Summit will serve you well as you pursue your civic, social, political, and professional aspirations.
Thursday, November 4, 2021 6:00 PM EST
You are cordially invited to the 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Grand Soirée. During this evening of sisterhood, we will raise a virtual glass to our beloved co-founders Margaret Rosell Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott, and thank them for the precious legacy they bestowed upon us. We will honor our past, rejoice in our present, and shape our future the best way we know how, through friendship.
Every detail of this grand soirée is being planned with you in mind and should not be missed.
Friday, November 5, 2021 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM EST
It may not be summertime, but you can still bask in the tunes of Philadelphia’s very own DJ Jazzy Jeff! Connect with us on The Links, Incorporated’s Facebook page — www.facebook.com/thelinksinc — for a virtual dance party in celebration of our 75th anniversary.
Saturday, November 6, 2021 10:00 AM EST
Our Walk for Healthy Living signature program has helped members of our community build healthy habits and improve their overall well-being. Through the 75 Million Steps Challenge launched in 2019, we’ve also encouraged members to make their health a priority by logging 5,000 daily steps. Never shying away from a challenge, we not only reached our goal but exceeded it by collectively logging more than 1 billion steps and counting!
Join us for the 75th Anniversary Walk for Healthy Living Walk as we continue to promote the importance of regular physical activity and good health. Put on your Walk for Healthy Living apparel, rock your favorite sneakers, and encourage everyone to #WalkforHealthyLiving!
Saturday, November 6, 2021 7:00 PM EST
Members are cordially invited to attend the 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Gala and Concert. This event will set the stage for the 2021 presentation of The Links Medal, which will be presented to the Congressional Black Caucus. The Links Medal is bestowed upon an organization or institution that has made a significant and positive impact in the lives and culture of African Americans, consistent with the vision, mission, and goals of The Links, Incorporated.
Since its establishment in 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has been committed to using the full constitutional power, statutory authority, and financial resources of the federal government to ensure that African Americans and other marginalized communities in the United States have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. As part of this commitment, the CBC has fought for the past 50 years to empower these citizens and address their legislative concerns by pursuing a policy agenda.
Previous recipients of The Links Medal include EBONY Magazine, the National Urban League, the NAACP, and the Executive Leadership Council.
The evening will culminate with a special performance by GRAMMY Award-winning artist Patti LaBelle. To add to the splendor of the occasion, formal gala attire is encouraged.
Monday, November 8, 2021
The community service project provides a way for The Links, Incorporated to tangibly demonstrate the organization’s commitment to its signature brand of service and leave local communities with something of value. This outreach, the hallmark and cornerstone of our volunteer service organization, is intended to provide direct, deliverable, and sustainable solutions to community inequities. While it is a time-honored tradition of the National Assembly, the grander and import of our 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee makes it a befitting addition to the event’s programming.
Led by our honorary chair, the Philadelphia (PA) Chapter and in partnership with March of Dimes, the 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee community service project will raise awareness about Black maternal health issues as well as touch the lives of countless Black mothers and babies in need. To prepare us for our day of action and impact, a special webinar will be hosted with the Philadelphia (PA) Chapter and March of Dimes executives and experts on Monday, November 8, 2021. Our guests will deliver our charge, review how to engage elected officials, and present opportunities to support local organizations working directly with mothers. Webinar registration information is forthcoming and will be emailed to all members.
Please join us in the fight for the health of all moms and babies.
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 8:00 PM EST
Over our 75 year history, 17 trailblazing women have served at the helm of The Links, Incorporated. During this conversation, our past national presidents will share their valued insight, personal stories on friendship and service, and how they upheld the legacy our co-founders set course to in 1946 during their respective administrations.
Immediately following the Linksversation
Join us for a special tribute to commemorate the lives, legacy, and contributions of our dearly departed co-founders — Margaret Rosell Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott — and 3rd National President Pauline Weeden Maloney, 4th National President Vivian J. Beamon, 5th National President Helen Gray Edmonds, 7th National President Julia Brogdon Purnell, 10th National President Marion Elizabeth Schultz Sutherland, and 12th National President Barbara Dixon Simpkins. Each past national president will be honored with a wreath laying in each of their cities by their respective chapters.
Immediately following the In Memoriam.
Founders’ Day will honor two visionary women — Margaret Rosell Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott — and uplift the tenets we hold dear. We will come together to recommit ourselves "... to all the ideals, purposes, and true meaning of the word 'friendship' as embodied in the name 'LINKS.'"
Join us for this special event as we reflect on our journey of 75 Years of Shaping the Future.
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Should you need additional information after reviewing the FAQs, please forward your inquiries to meetings@linksinc.org
