Greetings!

It is my distinct honor to welcome you to the Central Illinois (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated as we celebrate our landmark 50th Anniversary.

Since our chartering on November 3, 1975, we have stood upon the visionary foundation established by our national founders, Margaret Roselle Hawkins and Sara Strickland Scott, as well as our dedicated chapter charter members. For five decades, our core tenets of friendship and service have empowered us to lead with excellence, integrity, and passion.

A Legacy of Transformation

Our chapter’s history adds a vital thread to the rich tapestry of African American women—a narrative of committed leaders united to face daunting challenges and achieve victories once thought impossible. Through our five programming facets—Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services—we have transformed countless lives across Central Illinois.

Our impact spans from our signature Salute to African American Women in Art to our 17-year Taking STEPs Program, including scholarships awarded to over 150 local students. Yet, even as we reach this auspicious half-century milestone, we recognize that our journey of community impact is only just beginning.

Energized by the Future

While we look back with pride on our “Golden Legacy,” we are equally energized by the promise of the future. We begin our next half-century with a bold international thrust through our newest endeavor: “Promoting STEM Across the Commonwealth” Pilot Program.  This inaugural cross-border collaboration allows our chapter to work closely with young students, preparing the next generation to innovate and lead in an increasingly digital world. This initiative bolsters our deep, existing commitment to health equity, educational opportunity, and financial security for people of African descent.

Join Our Journey

We invite you to celebrate our first fifty years and step into the future for the next fifty. We ask you to become a part of our journey, fulfilling our mission of transforming communities through service and help us forecast a future even brighter than our mighty past. Whether through donation, partnership, or collaboration, your support ensures that our legacy of friendship and service continues to thrive.

Together, let us begin this next chapter of excellence.

In Friendship and Service,
Jocelyn McClain
President, Central Illinois Chapter The Links, Incorporated
visit www.linksinc.org