The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Montgomery (PA) Chapter of The Links, Inc. hosts ‘A Juneteenth Celebration’
Digital First Media
The Montgomery County (PA) Chapter of The Links, Inc. held its 6th celebration of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The organizations signature event was held recently on the campus of the historic Cheyney University of Pennsylvania “Quad”. Chapter President, Melvinia Robinson, commented, “The day was filled with Juneteenth history, fun, love, fellowship and great food on one of the most beautiful campuses in the Delaware Valley.”
A Juneteenth Celebration! proved to be an exciting event from the start for the over 300 guests “Out & About.” Chapter members and Alumni, all of whom were dressed in white accessorized with a coordinating African-print fabric, danced into a tent and were led by the drummer Bakari (Darryl Pinder). Event cochairs, Roslyn Gilbert and Shannon George, kicked-off the event with the declaration of, “Let’s Celebrate!” Celebrate they did!
In support of the chapter’s commitment to promote educational, cultural and civic activities that enrich Montgomery and Chester counties, the Family Empowerment Seminar of the St. Paul’s Baptist Church in West Chester, PA (Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr., Pastor and Avis Cooper James, director) and the Preparing Teen Girls for Career/College program at the Carson Valley Children’s Aid in Flourtown, PA (Lyntrisha Medina Bradley, Program Coordinator) were recognized.
The chapter also honored the heroic members of the Montford Point Marine’s Association, Inc., the first African-American Marine Infantry in the United States and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Philadelphia Chapter members of the association were honored, with special recognition given to Sergeant Henry N. Wilcots. The chapter also recognized Master Gunnery Sergeant, Carroll William Braxton of the Virginia Chapter, whose daughter, Monique Braxton, is a member of The Delaware Valley (PA) Chapter of The Links, Inc.
One thousand-dollar scholarships were given to both Cheyney and Lincoln Universities to support the educational goals of their students. Joan Tademy Lothery, an alumni member, was honored for her continued work and dedication to the chapter’s award-winning programing at the Mt. Zion Primary School in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Everyone enjoyed delicious
white outfits with a coordinating African-print fabric. soul food and sampled refreshing brews at an onsite beer garden. Guests had an opportunity to work off all that good food and drink by dancing to the beats of the band “Best Kept Soul.” Lawn games were available for children and vendors sold a selection of jewelry, handbags, clothing, art and unique finds. Attendees were afforded the opportunity to tour the beautiful, historic campus of Cheyney University and learn more about its significant history.
The chapter was proud to have raised funds for community programming and scholarships, with event sponsors including Shannon and Stuart George, AARP, Hope and Tony Gay, The Summerwood Corporation, Edward T. Coombs Foundation, Keller Williams Real Estate, AVI International, Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc., Financial Independence Planning, LLC, TBG Health Inc., Reed Smith LLP and FIP.
“A Juneteenth Celebration!” co-chairs Roslyn Gilbert and Shannon George summarized the day perfectly. “Now more than ever, it is important that we celebrate our freedom and justice. It was a wonderful day filled with family, fellowship and fun while raising money for scholarships and chapter programs.”
Guided by chapter president, Melvinia Robinson, chapter members have served Montgomery and Chester counties with over 3,200 volunteer hours within the past year. Over the past ten years, scholarship grants have been awarded totaling over $100,000. The chapter states, “The Links, Inc. is an international, nonprofit, volunteer public service organization founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1946. The membership consists of 14,000 professional women of color in 287 chapters located across the United States and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and persons of African ancestry.”