Linking Art Through Transformative Programming

The Links support of the arts can be traced to our cultured co-founder Margaret Roselle Hawkins. Her innate artistic talent, discovered at a young age, earned her a four-year scholarship to the Women’s School of Design, later known as the Moore Institute of Art. Her passion for creative expression later led to her appointment as an art teacher, and helped give root to the establishment of The Arts facet in 1964 at the 14th National Assembly.

Throughout the nation today, Links chapters partner with museums, symphonies, arts councils, educational institutes and corporations in order to support art programs, especially where there is a focus on artists of color. Links are creating and supporting opportunities for educating minority youth in the arts and presenting and supporting performances by youth and accomplished professional artists in a diversity of disciplines.

The GOAL of The Arts facet is to increase and expand art activity. We recognize how art is an important foundation to good mental health and can foster healthy connections by Building A Healthy Legacy: Our Prescription for the Future. Our programming includes arts integration within our chapters and partnerships with like minded organizations, sowing the seed of creativity deeper in our community. The following are the programmatic interests for The Arts.

The Raleigh (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated presents MAYNARD, a film by Sam Pollard, Auburn Avenue Films. Screening will be followed by panel discussion of local dignitaries and special guests. Net proceeds to benefit community outreach projects for voter education, leadership, economic empowerment, the arts, and book/DVD donations to local schools. Tickets are now on sale.

The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in black communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African Americans and other people of African ancestry. The goal of HHS is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources. Community education about health risks is crucial and The Links, Incorporated plays a significant role in providing it.

The Raleigh (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has followed Life’s Simple 7 to focus on healthy initiatives both at Hope Charter Elementary and Elders Peak.

The International Trends and Services Facet (ITS) of the Raleigh (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is dedicated to expanding global knowledge through programs that enhance the educational, health and cultural needs of Peoples of African descent. The ITS program for the 2018-19 chapter year will serve audiences at Hope Charter Leadership Academy (HCLA, a K – 5 school); Shaw University (an HBCU); Elders Peak (a senior residential community for adults aged 50 or better); and will consider one of three primary schools identified in Jamaica. At HCLA, the programs will include 6 country presentations to share global perspectives of culture, history, geography, language and food, one at each grade level, during the social studies block over the school year.

Additionally, HCLA has requested ITS assistance in sponsoring an Int’l/Multicultural Night that will include all students and their families in the fall. Plans are also being considered that will provide a service learning and pen pal project for HCLA students with a primary school in Jamaica. Care packages for int’l students during exam period are being explored with Student Affairs at Shaw University. Elders Peak activities will include int’l holiday caroling and gifts by HCLA students with lunch for the residents. The second event will combine active movement with cultural exploration in dance, food and knowledge of native customs of a country of African descent—these activities have taken place over the last 3 years. The ITS goal is to build awareness of countries and peoples of African descent throughout the world.

The VISION of the National Trends and Services facet is to eliminate disparities by reducing barriers to services through advocacy, education, and service. Our MISSION is to empower our chapters to effectively empower the communities in which we work. Our GOALS include increasing the number of sustainable and measurable programs; increasing collaborative partnerships; and extending our existing initiatives to include communities identified as having the greatest need.

Currently, National Trends and Services encompasses the following programs and committees with national partners and sponsors, each committed to the overall vision and mission of the facet. These programs serve as a catalyst for change promoting individual and community empowerment.