Our Chapter's History

On November 15, 1952 the Memphis Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was installed at the residence of the late Addie D. Jones. Charter members were: Sallie Bartholomew, Alma Booth, Orphelia Byas, Jewel Gentry Hulbert, Marion Gibson, Helen Howard, Johnetta Kelso, Althea Price, Nellie Roulhac, Helen Sawyer, Vivian White, Bettye Young, Grace Young and Addie D. Jones.

In the last five decades, the Memphis Chapter has sponsored numerous community service projects and special events and has contributed to various service agencies and educational institutions. During our more than fifty year history, Chapter endeavors include: Memphis City Schools, Lewis Senior Citizens, Girls, Inc., Africa Care, NAACP, Southwest Mental Health Center, Africa in April, Memphis in May, MIFA, and built a school in Africa. We have presented the works of the late DeWitt Jordan, Wiley Henry, and Benny and George Andrews. We have also participated in the art exhibiit "Wade in the Water." We have presented the jewelry exhibit of Heir-o-Link William Bartholomew at the Brooks Museum of Art.

In 1988, The Memphis Chapter sponsored its first Debutante Cotillion. The "Holiday Cotillion" has become our most successful fundraiser. The Chapter is proud of our legacy of training and presenting young women to the Memphis Society. Through this program we have been able to sponsor excellent projects in the community- a $50,000 donation to the Memphis and Shelby County Public Library; a $100,000 endowment to LeMoyne Owen College Scholarship Fund; and a more than fifteen year legacy of training and presenting young women to the Memphis Society. We have also established our own Foundation- MCL Champions Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis.

The Links, Incorporated, Memphis Chapter, is prepared to continue its history of supporting worthwhile projects that enhance the quality of life in the Memphis Community.