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About Us
Founded on May 7, 1948, the Petersburg Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has a rich history of community service and leadership. Initiated under the guidance of Doris Reynolds from the Philadelphia Chapter, the Petersburg Chapter began with 14 charter members, with Eunice Brown Robbins as its organizer and first president. The charter members included Cleopatra Armstrong, Ruth Baker, Gladys Bland, Alma Brown, Marietta Cephas, Gladys Green, Evelyn Jenkins, Josephine Jones, Uarda Parnell, Susie Verdell, Adelaide White, Helen Williams, and Virginia Williams. Marietta Cephas, one of the charter members of the Petersburg Chapter, is the composer of the music to the National Song for The Links, Incorporated.
From its inception, the chapter focused on serving the Petersburg and Richmond areas through various initiatives. Early efforts included providing hearing aids for those in need, distributing food baskets during Thanksgiving, adopting teenagers, offering music lessons to youth, and making donations to organizations like the YMCA, the Red Cross, March of Dimes, and the NAACP Defense Fund. A significant achievement was recognizing the contributions of candy stripers who volunteered more than 26,000 hours for five years at Petersburg General Hospital (now Southside Regional Medical Center). When the Richmond Chapter was chartered in 1952, the Petersburg Chapter continued its programs in the Petersburg area.
The Petersburg Chapter has implemented numerous programs over the years to support the five facets and the vision of our founders. These include Just Say No, Project-LEAD: High Expectations (Links Erase Alcohol and Drug Abuse), Children Learning About School and Self (CLASS), Students Achieving Success (SAS), Paint It Pink Petersburg, Putting Life’s Puzzle Back Together, App-Up Your Education, Total U Young Achievers, NSBE Jr. STEAM Partnerships with Petersburg Public Schools, among others. Our award-winning “Senior Empowerment in the 21st Century” program (National Trends and Services) and “Health and Wellness Seminar Series” program (Health and Human Services) have notably impacted the Petersburg community, focusing on social participation, health promotion, educational awareness, financial literacy, and cultural events.
In the last two years, the Chapter has received $20,000 in grants to continue its stellar work in the community.
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$5,000 Health Equity Ambassador Links (HEAL) Program Sub-Grant to Educate and Empower: Diversifying Breast and Colorectal Research and Clinical Trials
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$5,000 The Links HELP 2 (HIV Education, Leadership and Prevention) to work with area youth on HIV awareness and prevention.
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$10,000 Black K.A.R.E. (Kidney Awareness Resources and Education) to increase awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Black communities, as Black Americans are disproportionately impacted
In 2023, the Chapter celebrated its Diamond anniversary, marking 75 years of service to the Tri-Cities Area. The chapter's members, including business and civic leaders, physicians, lawyers, educators, activists, and government leaders like former Petersburg mayor and Former Virginia State Senator, The Honorable Rosalyn R. Dance, are high achievers making a difference in the community and continuing the chapter’s legacy of excellence.
About The Links, Incorporated
About The Links, Incorporated: Founded in 1946, The Links, Incorporated is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women, particularly focusing on the cultural, economic, and social welfare of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. The Petersburg Chapter's long-standing dedication and impactful programs showcase the organization's commitment to community service and leadership.
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