[Petersburg, VA, May 7, 2023] — The Petersburg (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is thrilled to announce the induction of nine exceptional new members during a special ceremony held at Virginia State University on May XX, 2024. The new members, Charry Brown, Dr. Kristal Moore Clemons, Dr. Ahkinyala Cobb-Abdullah, Raven Givens, Dana Griffin-Graves, Sherri Jordan, Dr. Nikki Rhue, Council Woman Annette Smith-Lee, and Vonzella Vincent, were warmly welcomed into the chapter during a celebration luncheon with their family and friends under the leadership of Chapter Vice President Erna Robinson.
Erna Robinson expressed her delight in the addition of these remarkable women, saying, "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome these talented women into our chapter. Their commitment to community service and their unique skill sets will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to make a positive impact in Petersburg and the surrounding areas."
The Petersburg (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has a strong tradition of community service, and the new members bring fresh perspectives and expertise that will further enhance our efforts. They have already played a crucial role in the chapter’s success with their recent service project, the Ace S.T.E.A.M. Camp Organizing Team (A.S.C.O.T.).
A.S.C.O.T. organized a highly successful S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) enrichment opportunity, which served thirty-two 3rd to 5th-grade scholars from the Petersburg and Southern Chesterfield County communities. This event was designed to provide scholars with a culturally responsive S.T.E.M. experience, in line with our commitment to inclusivity and education.
The S.T.E.A.M. DAY event not only introduced scholars to traditional S.T.E.M. fields but also incorporated Arts enrichment, emphasizing creativity, innovation, communication, and contemplation. Participants received t-shirts, culturally responsive books, financial literature, and certificates of completion. The culturally responsive texts were generously donated by the Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools® program, and each scholar received six books along with a "My Money" workbook from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.
The event kicked off with an engaging opening activity called Umoja (unity) Time/Harambee, aligning with our global commitment to serving the educational, health, and cultural needs of people of African descent worldwide. Healthy breakfast refreshments and snacks were provided to promote good health and eliminate chronic health disparities in communities of color.
Additionally, A.S.C.O.T. is excited to announce its plans to restart the NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) JR program within the Petersburg (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, in the spring of 2024.
The Petersburg Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is grateful for the contributions of our new members and the positive impact of the S.T.E.A.M. DAY event on the community. We remain dedicated to our mission of service and community betterment.
For more information about the Petersburg (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and our upcoming initiatives, please visit petersburgvalinks.org.
About Petersburg (VA) Chapter:
Chartered on May 7, 1948, the Petersburg (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated stands as a beacon of community service and leadership in the Petersburg area. Inaugurated by 14 charter members, the chapter has a storied legacy of impactful initiatives, including its most recent Senior Empowerment Program and its Health and Wellness Seminar Series. Celebrating its Diamond anniversary in 2023, the Petersburg (VA) Chapter proudly carries forward a 75-year legacy of transformative community service. The chapter remains a dynamic force in the community, dedicated to empowering, inspiring, and making a meaningful difference in the lives it touches.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Organization: The Petersburg (VA) Chapter, The Links Incorporated
Email: petersburgvalinks@gmail.com
