About
The Links, Incorporated was founded in 1946 and is a volunteer organization dedicated to enriching and sustaining the culture and economic survival of African Americans and persons of African ancestry.
In 1976, Middlesex County (MA) became the 144th Chapter of The Links, Incorpoated The chapter organizers were Jean Challenger Hurd, Patricia Hardiman Long, J.D., Helen Boulware Moore, Maxine Pierce and Ida White and along with 15 other women, chartered Middlesex County. Middlesex County (MA) Chapter members are linked by “friendship and service” and over the past 30 years have celebrated many chapter milestones.
Middlesex County (MA) celebrated its 10th year by commissioning the now famous artist, Paul Goodnight, to do a painting commemorating the connectedness of African American women. Goodnight’s interpretation of this work depicts three generations of African American women. Entitled “Links & Lineage”, this work has become our legacy to African American women.
The Chapter was distinguished at the Philadelphia Regional Conference in 1997 when it was invited to present to the Area Arts Assembly the strategic plan and implementation for the “Links & Lineage” project. This project was viewed as a model for other chapters and a unique way to fulfill our national program facet in the Arts.
For many years, the Middlesex County (MA) Chapter raised funds through its sponsorship of Le Casino Grande, an elegant black tie event that included dining, dancing, games of chance and a silent auction. Always a popular event with our friends and constituents, proceeds from the events have enabled the Chapter to make sizable financial contributions to the prevention of breast cancer, pediatric AIDS and substance abuse treatment for women. More recently, Middlesex County invited Jennifer Holiday to perform a benefit concert. The proceeds allowed us to make a $10,000 donation to Casa Myrna Vasquez, a local shelter for women.
The Chapter’s 20th anniversary celebration was an occasion for giving back to so many who have supported our civic endeavors. Joined by loyal friends and family at the Henderson House in Weston, we spent an elegant afternoon celebrating with our guests and thanking them for 20 years of consistent and dedicated support.
We celebrated 25 years with a concert performance of “Three Mo’ Tenors” followed by a champagne reception and auction. Proceeds from that event supported the Henry Buckner School, Peace Games and The Mary McLeod Bethune Institute for Young Women.
We kicked off our 30th anniversary celebration with a reception and private viewing of “Dreamgirls”. We continued the celebration when we moved the “Links & Lineage” painting to Wheelock College from Milton Academy. The event was marked by a wonderful afternoon reception. We continued our proud legacy of supporting programs that enhance the lives of women and children of color and committed to provide funding and programming to the Brookview House for the next few years. This facility is located in Dorchester, Massachusetts and provides a ‘whole family’ approach to breaking the generational cycles of homelessness, abuse and poverty. The revenue generated from our fundraising events provided resources for Brookview House and funded our college scholarship programs.
As we go forward we honor our past, celebrate our present, and prepare for our future!
