National History

The year was 1946.  In the wake of World War II, Philadelphia matrons Margaret Roselle Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott called together seven friends in hopes of starting a new type of organization, a chain of women's clubs composed of friends along the Eastern seaboard who would respond to the needs and aspirations of Black women.  There were other groups in existence, but the two women envisioned a service-oriented organization that would have a three-fold purpose--to promote civic, educational and cultural concerns--and to lead Black women into post-war America.  The original nine members were:

Frances Atkinson
Katie Green
Margaret Hawkins
Myrtle Manigault
Marion Minton
Sarah Scott
Lillian Stanford
Lillian Wall
Dorothy Wright

That founding meeting on November 7, 1946 launched what is now The Links, Incorporated, an international women's service organization that is among the most prestigious associations of Black women in the world.  From that modest first meeting of nine women, the organization born in the wake of World War II has expanded and refined its mission and membership while enduring social and racial upheavals.  The members of The Links, Incorporated are physicians, dentists, judges, attorneys, engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, non-profit executives, authors, corporate executives and homemakers.  They use their considerable resources to improve the quality of life for others.

Over the years, the organization has lived out its implemented programs with the purpose of fostering cultural appreciation through the arts, developing richer inter-group relations and helping women who participate understand and accept their social and civic responsibilities.

In 1949, The Links became a national organization when 40 members, representing 14 clubs, convened the first National Assembly in Philadelphia.  The organization has been incorporated since March 29, 1951.

Please see www.linksinc.org for more information on this premier organization!