to RN Jacquie Lee on a career in nursing.
The Bold City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is celebrating 25 years of friendship and service this year. The women’s service organization chartered in 1993, has worked to meet the needs of the Jacksonville community and beyond by meeting the unmet needs of the world’s under served.
Chartered in 1993, some of the chapter’s diverse contributions have included mentoring fostering children and pampering senior citizens to building a school in South Africa and sponsoring a year long leadership academy for youth.
This organization composed of Black women are no strangers to hard work or service.
Last week alone, the industrious group of 44 culminated a year long program for students of Edward Waters College. During the closing session, the students with resumes in hand, met a variety of hands-on mentors from various professions. They also received hundreds of dollars in gift cards for their participation and the student with perfect attendance received a laptop computer.
On another day, they gathered to judge art from local youth to enter into a national arts contest that could lead to scholarships. During the weekend, they presented a free Women’s Empowerment Conference in conjunction with AARP at WJCT Studios designed to assist local women to “Take Charge of Their Future.”
The unique six hour collaborative included workshops on “Preserving Your Wealth,” “Health and Fitness,” “Growing Healthy Hair” and even the importance of a will and a vendor showcase.
“As a Link, it is our responsibility to do all that we can to assist our community at large, through education and support,” said Chapter President Pamela Prier.
Prier, who has led the chapter for three years, believes the secret to their success is through sharing a a collective idea of support and vision.
EWC student Chris Robinson who won a laptop for participating in their Reaching Individuals for Self Empowerment (R.I.S.E) program has nothing but high praise for his experience with the Links.
This opportunity has been a Godsend in my educational pursuits. These Black women doing what they do make me pr
oud to be a Black man.” he said.
“We all share the same desire to do effective and meaningful things in the community. The chapter’s programming is that vision brought to life,” she said.
The Links, Incorporated, established nationally in 1946 has nearly 290 chapters throughout the country, the Bahamas and soon to be the United Kingdom. What makes the organization different from others is that their service is done through friendship. It is mandated throughout the organization that the chapter participate in supportive, friendship activities. The Bold City Chapter is planning a day of bonding and a luncheon in two weeks and also recently held a baby shower for one of its members.
“The friendship component is imperative,” said Prier. “Service is the heart and friendship is the pulse that keep us going.”
For 25 years that pulse has beat steadily and healthily to support a diverse community. In celebration of their 25th year, the chapter will present a Masquerade Ball in June to not only showcase their accomplishments, but share their excitement for the pillar of friendship. The black tie event is already sold out.
“We are so looking forward to sharing our love of Links with the community. With continued community support and membership dedication, the next 25 years are limitless.”
Based on their longstanding reputation and legacy of service throughout the city, it is no doubt the Bold City Chapter of the Links, Incorporated are here to stay.
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