💚 Maryland Looks at The Links, Incorporated: A Legacy of Service, Sisterhood, and Civic Power
In the quiet corridors of influence across Maryland—from Prince George’s County to Southern Maryland—there exists a network of Black women whose impact is often felt before it’s seen. They are members of The Links, Incorporated, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious volunteer service organizations, founded in 1946 by Margaret Rosell Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott. What began as a circle of friendship in Philadelphia has grown into a powerhouse of civic engagement, cultural preservation, and educational uplift.
🧩 Who Are The Links?
The Links, Incorporated is a not-for-profit organization composed of more than 16,000 professional women of African descent, organized into 299 chapters across the United States, the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. Members are educators, attorneys, judges, physicians, corporate executives, and civic leaders—linked in friendship and committed to service.
Their mission is simple yet profound: “Friends transforming communities through service.” But behind that tagline lies a sophisticated infrastructure of philanthropy, advocacy, and cultural stewardship.
🗺️ How Are Chapters Organized?
In Maryland, chapters are typically organized by county or regional clusters, not individual towns. For example:
- Prince George’s County Chapter: Anchored in one of Maryland’s most populous and politically active counties, this chapter is known for its robust civic programming and educational outreach.
- Southern Maryland Chain Chapter: Covers Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties, serving rural and suburban communities with tailored health, education, and cultural initiatives.
Each chapter operates semi-autonomously but aligns with national programming pillars, including:
- Services to Youth
- The Arts
- National Trends and Services
- International Trends and Services
- Health and Human Services
🌱 Maryland Projects That Matter
The Southern Maryland Chain Chapter has launched initiatives like Black K.A.R.E., a health equity program focused on kidney disease awareness and prevention in Black communities. This kind of targeted intervention reflects The Links’ commitment to culturally competent care and data-driven advocacy.
Meanwhile, the Prince George’s County Chapter has supported educational scholarships, STEM programming, and partnerships with local schools and nonprofits to close achievement gaps and promote leadership among young women.
🎭 Cultural Significance
The Links are more than a service organization—they are cultural custodians. In Maryland, where Black history is deeply woven into the state’s identity, The Links play a vital role in:
- Preserving African American art and heritage
- Mentoring the next generation of civic leaders
- Advocating for racial equity in health, education, and governance
Their events often blend elegance with purpose—galas that fund scholarships, luncheons that spotlight local artists, and forums that challenge systemic injustice.
🧠 Why It Matters
For readers unfamiliar with The Links, it’s easy to mistake them for a social club. But in Maryland, they function as a quiet engine of progress—shaping policy, uplifting communities, and mentoring future changemakers. Their influence is felt in school board decisions, health equity campaigns, and cultural programming that affirms Black identity.
In a state where demographic shifts and political realignments are reshaping the civic landscape, The Links offer continuity, conscience, and community.