ChAPTER HISTORY
About Tri Cities (WA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Tri-Cities (WA) Chapter 1981-2024
The Tri-Cities (WA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated grew out of the interest of members of the Tri-Cities Civic Club, a group that organized a Career Day in one of the local high schools in 1980. Under the leadership of Western Area Director, Link Marion Sutherland, the Tri-Cities chapter was chartered on May 9, 1981, making it the 38th chapter in the Western Area.
The 22 charter members were: Links Patricia A. Alford, Patricia J. Alford, Othene Bell (Haywood), Naughne Boyd, Roberta Birden, Alice Carter, Jackie Cole, Vivian Cooper, Yvonne Cox (Ryans), Catherleen Hollis, Lauren Lavender, Franceda Lewis, Mable Lewis, Roberta Nelson, Audrey Ogletree, Rosalyn Page, Ruby Parks, Jacqueline Roberts, Alicia Shaw, Willie Stone, Myrtle (Gus) Wiley, and Dunrue Wilson.
The Chapter’s mission continues to be to enrich and sustain the culture, health, and economic survival of people of African American descent in the Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and Walla Walla, Washington areas.
Chapter History of Notable Programs and AccomplishmentS
Umbrella Programs
- Health Programs Through Education
- Ebony Fashion Fair with proceeds providing student scholarships
- STEAM Program – Providing related activities for students in grades 3 – 5.
Service to Youth Facet
- Award scholarships annually for high school graduates and Washington State University Tri-Cities for undergraduate students.
- Provide hands-on math activities and tutoring at Juneteenth events
- Senior Awards Nights
- Scholarship Workshops
The Arts Facet
- Poster Art Show for local students in partnership with Columbia Basin College
- Annual Juneteenth Booths for children (making bracelets and historical coloring pages)
- Supported /staffed Northwest Black Pioneers Exhibit at Columbia Center Mall
- Sponsor arts activity at annual Juneteenth celebration
- Annual Jazz Gala Fundraisers
National Trends & Services Facet
- Voter Registration Booths
- Sponsored families for Christmas (food, gift cards, clothing, toys)
- Established Links Clothes Closet to assist women working to improve their lives.
- Links Empowerment Closet (for women)
International Trends & Services Facet
- School-in-a-Box Program, sending school supplies to South African children
- Hosted Book Drive with Barnes & Noble for donation to schools in Ghana.
- Contributed to donations for African and Haiti Water Wells
- Adopt-A-Child (Africa Outreach)
Health & Human Services Facet
- 100 Women in H.A.T.S. (Health Awareness Through Sisterhood)
- Reaching our Seniors with Enrichment at the Richland Assisted Living Facility
- Conducted educational seminars on a variety of health topics.
- Sponsor Health Wellness Information Booth at Juneteenth Events
- Annual Walk-a-thons
Experience Tri Cities WA Chapter of The Links, Incorportated's Professionalism: A Visual Showcase of Our Work
