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Tallahassee (FL) Chapter History

(Revised – March 2026)

The Tallahassee Chapter of The s, Incorporated was the first chapter to be chartered in the state of Florida. Mrs. Hilda Foote was the organizer. The installation service was held on May 19, 1951, at “Sunshine Manor,” the home of former President and Mrs. George W. Gore, Jr., on the campus of Florida A and M University. Letitia Rose, National Vice President, Dayton, Ohio, and Mrs. George F. David, Wilberforce, Ohio, were the sponsors. Bernice Martin was the current Southern Area Director.

MEMBERSHIP

The seven charter members were: Hilda Foote, Pearl Gore, Irene Edmonds, Sadie Yancey, Emily Hudson (Valdosta, Georgia), Ruth Hutto (Bainbridge, Georgia) and Thelma Walton (Thomasville, Georgia).

Hosting the Southern Area Conference, March 15-17, 1968 at the Holiday Inn, with the theme “Focusing on Youth and the Fine Arts” stands out as one of the early Chapter achievements. Hilda Foote served as the conference coordinator. Maude K. Reid, Southern Area Director, 1965-1969, was also in attendance.

The following members have been elected to serve as Area/National Officers: Juanita J. Johnson, Vice Southern Area Director and Eighth Southern Area Director, 1978-1981; Clinita A. Ford, National Treasurer, 1988-1992; Altha F. Manning, Southern Area Treasurer, 1993-1995; Bessyee G. Washington, Nominating Committee Member, 1989-1993; and Linda G. Dilworth, Southern Area Treasurer, 2005 – 2009. Numerous members have been appointed to serve as officers, chairmen and committee members.

Currently, there are 38 members of the Chapter. 

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS (not exhaustive)

The Chapter has received the following awards 

Area Chapter of the Year, 

Women of the Year, 

Services to Youth 1972, 

Project of the Year 1975 (silver bowl), 

Certificate of Appreciation for 100% Participation in The Links Foundation, Incorporated, 1992-93

2nd Place Chapter Umbrella Programming Award presented at the July, 2000, 32nd National Assembly (Boston, Massachusetts), 

32nd National Assembly Health and Wellness Incentive Award presented July, 2000, 

Southern Area Childhood Obesity Prevention 1st Place Award of Excellence presented at the 37thNational Assembly Southern Area Breakfast, July 2010 in Detroit, Michigan, 

2nd Place Southern Area International Trends and Services Award presented at the 41stSouthern Area Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, May 2011,

Classics through the Ages Participation Certificates of Award presented at the 37th National Assembly, July 2010 in Detroit, Michigan and also 41st Southern Area Conference, May 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana (2009 – 2011 chapter participation). 

3rdPlace Umbrella Programming presented at the 43rd Southern Area Conference in Birmingham (May 2015)

Legacy Award, Umbrella Programming presented at the 43rd Southern Area Conference in Birmingham (May 2015)

Legacy Award, The Arts presented at the 43rd Southern Area Conference in Birmingham (May 2015)

3rdPlace The Arts programming, Southern Area Conference in Atlanta, GA (May 2017)

2ndPlace International Trends and Services in Atlanta, GA (May 2017)

The Links Foundation, Incorporated awarded a $47,000 grant to Dorothy P. Williams to provide scholarships for minority students pursuing careers as general medical practitioners at Florida A and M University.

Some of the community awards the chapter has received are as follows:

Members of Tallahassee Chapter were honored at a Sealey Elementary School Black History Month Tribute for support and contributions to Jazz Jams Concerts for local school students.

The Bond Community Health Center’s “Pacesetter Award” in recognition of its pioneering Relate, Renew and Re-energize (R3) Program that was the trajectory for the current Day of Dialogue Health and Wellness community health fair held annually at Bethel AME Church. 

Leon County Schools recognized the Tallahassee Chapter as a Community Partner for support provided to Rickards High School through the Youth Health Leadership Program and Links Beautillion.

Tallahassee Community College recognized the chapter as an Outstanding Community organization and featured it in the College’s 2016 African American Calendar available for free to the entire community.

OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM INITIATIVES

Throughout 75 years of existence, the chapter’s program activities have been dedicated to service in the community and improving the quality of life for all humankind, while initially focusing on the four national program facets: The Arts, Services to Youth, National Trends and Services and International Trends and Services. The Tallahassee Chapter implemented a fifth national program facet, Health and Human Services, in September, 2010 after its adoption at the 37th National Assembly that met in Detroit, Michigan on July 1 - 3, 2010. The Chapter holds life membership in the NAACP and shared in purchasing the local Urban League endowment. Other activities included establishing a bookmobile at Florida A and M University Hospital, providing a clothes closet for needy families, providing personal items to Leon County Prison Women’s Ward, sponsoring talented youth in the community and promoting music and arts through scholarships. Program activities have also included contributing to Miracle Hill Nursing Home, conducting voter registration drives, co-sponsoring a federal program for senior citizens at a local church, providing books and bookcases for a youth reading outreach project at Bond Library.

SERVICES TO YOUTH

Services to Youth activities included sponsoring the “Living the Dream” program with guest speaker, Wilma Rudolph; providing special needs and mentoring to Teenage Pregnancy Project (TAPS); and supporting the Gadsden County Project Alpha, Miccosukee Headstart Center, Teddy for Tots, Kids, Incorporated of the Big Bend, Adopt-A-School and Program/Learning Involves New Kinds of Skills at Bond and Pineview Schools (1991-93), A Tribute to Black Youth-Focused Organizations and Academic Scholarships. In November 2012 the facet furnished the new home of the Distinguished Young Gentlemen’s (DYG), providing furniture at its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. . 

The STEAM CAFÉ (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) In 2015, the newest program to our chapter’s programming list, The STEAM Café is designed to address the underrepresentation of African-American and socioeconomically disadvantaged youth in higher-level science, engineering and math classes in middle and high school. The focus is on modifying middle and high school student’s attitudes about and interest in science and math.

In partnership with FLORIDA STEM and the cooperation of Raa Middle School, chapter members provide regular hands-on experiences and field trips to middle school students enrolled in a science class. 

Beginning in 2025, the “Links Literacy Outreach Program “(LEAP) began offering educational resources and assistance to the local Head Start program and selected elementary schools. Most recently, the chapter delivered almost 1,500 books to youths in Pre-School through fifth grade. 

THE ARTS

Throughout the years, the Chapter has provided support to the Annual FAMU Symphonic Band Concert and Reception, Annual FAMU Youth Summer Band Camp, the world-renowned Tallahassee Boys Choir in Concert, John G. Riley House Museum of African-American History and Culture, the Gadsden Arts Center, the LeMoyne Art Center and the Tallahassee Art Museum. Earlier members even served as docents at the Governor’s mansion and held art shows promoting local artists and showed works of members’ private collections.

In 1999 the Tallahassee Chapter designed and initiated the annual community Riley House Rock-A-Thon as a means of generating funding for the African-American Museum’s operations. Since that time, the Chapter has contributed over $25,000 to the Museum and been publicly recognized for its generous contributions.

Beginning September 2003 and through 2013, the Chapter has partnered in community sponsorship of Jazz Jams, an arts appreciation program exposing school students to jazz education and music. Over 50,000 elementary and middle school students were exposed to jazz education through this highly successful initiative.

In 2008, The Links Arts Academy was created. The overall purposes of The Links Arts Academy are to provide opportunities for exposure and participation in the visual and performing arts for economically disadvantaged students in grades six through twelve; and to provide specialized training and experiences to gifted African American youth with the potential and interest to become a professional in the visual art arena. 

This program has served 60 students, mainly from families with household incomes between $25K and 49,999. In addition, the annual “Timeless Holiday Affair” created in 2011 has raised over $20,000 for scholarships. The Academy in a 50-50 partnership with the Florida Education Foundation, Inc. has established two (2) four-year tuition scholarships and two (2) one-year scholarships for students who are economically disadvantage and who will pursue a college level degree in the visual arts. 

NATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES

National Trends and Services projects included sponsoring the Celebrating Pioneer Black Families of Tallahassee program and supporting the following community programs: Gadsden County, Haitian Medical and Education Fund; Nassau Book Project; Links National Walk-A-Thon; Habitat for Humanity’s Housing Project; Diabetes Awareness; a diabetes clinic in the minority Bond community; Cancer Awareness Week workshops/seminars; Refuge House (battered women and children); The Shelter (homeless); Literacy Volunteers at the Leon County Public Library; Relate, Renew, Re-energize (R3): A family Wellness Program (1997 – 2004) that featured guest speakers such as Bob Green and Surgeon General Dr. Jocelyn Elders; and Link Up for Health, a community health screening and awareness project.

In 2013 the facet implemented a Girls Summer Enrichment Camp designed a weeklong camp designed to encourage middle school girls in developing a healthy body and healthy character traits. The girls participate in activities that promote the understanding and appreciation of their bodies and enhance qualities for good character development. They participate in exercises and movement (dance); reciting affirmations; as well as participating in workshops addressing nutrition; discipline and behavior (anti-bullying); etiquette; financial management; and Black Lives Matter. The camp lasts for one-week and has been offered for three years. 

INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES

International Trends and Services projects included the following: contributions toward the purchase of African water wells; support of the International House Project (FAMU); Community Library in Ghana, Africa; Adopt-A-Village Mission Project Somalia; Haitian Refugees; and Village of Dubey, Haiti (1 year teacher’s salary/living expenses). 

In June 2000 the chapter fulfilled its pledge for construction of a school in Durban, South Africa through the “Education across the Miles” national initiative. A chapter delegation journeyed to St. Maarten on November 8 – 12, 2002 and established the Chapter’s “Moms Away from Home” Project of support to St, Maarten and international students attending Florida A and M University, Florida State University, Lively Vocational Technical Institute and Tallahassee Community College.

The program provides a home-like environment for the growing numbers of students coming from this Caribbean country. Students arriving from St. Maarten are presented with a Welcome Kit from the chapter. A special event held each year is the Student Holiday Dinner where students meet and discuss key issues that may affect their Tallahassee area tenure. Topics of the dinner are varied. The 2015 dinner featured a representative from the City of Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Department. The 2014 dinner focused on educating students on local cultural affairs and staying abreast of upcoming events. Dr. Audra Pittman, Executive Director of the Council on Culture & Art (COCA), served as the keynote speaker. In 2013, the focus at the dinner was on financial literacy and the guest speaker was Ms. Karen Gillespie, CEO of “Mind Over Money, Inc. Since the inception of the program, over 300 students have attended these dinners. 

Third, the chapter sponsors an annual graduation reception. Given challenges of St. Maarten parents and families traveling to Tallahassee for college graduation ceremonies and celebration, chapter members attempt to fill that void by celebrating the accomplishments of the graduating seniors and providing gifts to their delight. 

Since the program inception, various chapter members have travelled to St. Maarten to meet with government officials. In November 2014, a chapter delegation traveled to St. Maarten for a “Moms Away From Home” Alumni Reunion and Town Hall Community Meeting, and to participate in school visits and briefings with St. Maarten government officials. While there, the government videotaped a public service announcement to communicate the program’s progress and deemed it strategic to its student recruitment and promotion efforts for post-secondary study in the City of Tallahassee. An articulation agreement was initiated at the time with Florida A and M University.

Most recently, the chapter provided supplies and education to students at Point of Grace Academy in Kenya. In addition, through the “Crocs and Socks” initiative, the chapter distributed over 75 pairs of Cros and 150 pairs of socks to students at the Academy.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (approved at the 37th National Assembly in Detroit Michigan in 2010)

Even prior to this facet’s establishment, the Tallahassee Chapter was interested in providing health education to the community. In 2006 the Tallahassee Chapter partnered with James S. Rickards High School’s Millicent Holifield Academy of Health Sciences in developing a program to nurture interest in healthcare careers 

Later in 2009 the Southern Area established a CHILDHOOD OBESITY PREVENTION initiative under the leadership of Area Director Mary Currie and the chapter expanded its health program to the establishment of the Youth Health Leadership (YHL) Initiative. For more than six years this mentoring partnership served to cultivate and support the academy’s healthcare professions aspirants and in 2013 YHL was expanded to serve high school students throughout the local area as a signature COPE (Childhood Obesity Prevention Education) Coalition Project. A communitywide YHL Youth Council resulted. The program now has over thirty partners and continues to provide programs designed to prevent childhood obesity. 

In addition, the chapter partnered with Eastwood Medical Center to offer Project Wellness as an afterschool program that promotes fitness in elementary school students with a Fun and Fitness approach. Aerobic exercise, and nutritional information are offered. 

Project Wellness has been in operation for the past three years and has served between 40-85 elementary school students on a twice-weekly basis during this time period. 

The “Black Family Wellness Expo” is held annually in March and showcases events which promote health, education and wellness in the local community.

UMBRELLA

Since 1983 the chapter has sponsored the Annual Civic International Luncheon and was then considered the Chapter’s major umbrella project. The Luncheon later expanded into a dinner banquet and in 2010, it honored local community leadership contributions and accomplishments to national organizations at its “Jazzy Tributes to 21 Local National Presidents. " This Civic Event was pivotal in acclaim to our largest event attendance in our chapter’s history at that time.

In 2011 the chapter further expanded its signature initiatives with the creation of the “Links Leadership Development and Character Education Program” culminating with the white-tie Links Beautillion. In the following year, to recognize all facets’ contributions, the program was expanded to the “Links’ Leadership Development, Mentoring and Character Education” Program – thus becoming a very successful Umbrella program. This initiative also addresses our national interest in “Black Lives Matter,” as presented by our National President Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris. 

The Links Beautillion program is designed to: (1) Provide mentors (2) Encourage participants to lift their career ambitions to the next level, realizing that education is the critical key; (3) Encourage student performance improvements; and (4) Provide scholarship awards 

To date, over $250,000 has been awarded in scholarships to the young men who participated in the program. 

FRIENDSHIP

Friendship has always been an integral part of The Links organization. When the chapter was small, meetings were held in grand fashion in member homes. The feeling of intimacy was maintained, even when the chapter grew and meetings were held in hotels and restaurants. For years, the Friendship Committee has been charged with leading an activity or reading an inspirational message designed to address member social engagement. 

Moreover, every November since the inception of Friendship Month, the chapter participates in activities designed to enhance opportunities for friendship For example, members have attended church together, dined together at an elegant restaurant, attended movies and plays together, participated in a Zumba class, taped into our creative sides at “Paint with a Twist and supported each other at various joyous occasions (e.g. restaurant openings, retirements, etc.)

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

In 1999 the chapter initiated a community partnership with the John G. Riley House Museum to raise funds for the Museum through the Rock-a-Thom celebration. Because of the chapter’s continuous and generous financial support, the Museum bestowed the title of “Founding Partner” on the chapter.

PREVIOUS ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Tallahassee Chapter’s fortieth anniversary luncheon was held at the Sheraton Hotel on May 24-26, 1991. Special recognition was given to active charter members, Hilda Foote and Emily Hudson (both are deceased). Katie R. Bell, Southern Area Director and Maude K. Reid, Fifth Southern Area Director was in attendance. 

The Chapter’s 50th and Golden Anniversary celebration was held May 11-12, 2001 and included an Art Exhibit featuring the works of local artist Yvonne Tucker, a Jazz Concert performed by “The Phat Cats Band”, a Civic Luncheon that focused on the past 50 years of the chapter’s community contributions and a 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner that featured our 12th National President, Barbara Dixon Simpkins as keynote speaker. Our 15thSouthern Area Director, Nancy Shade Anderson was also in attendance. 

Tallahassee Chapter celebrated its 60thDiamond Anniversary on May 20 – 21, 2011. Highlights of the commemoration included: “Jazz Jams for Health”, a community call to action held at City Hall’s Kleman Plaza in support of combating Childhood Obesity in partnership with the local Childhood Obesity Prevention Education (COPE) Coalition (an initiative of the Florida A&M University’s Institute of Public Health, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and consisting of 44 local partner organizations); a Links Denim and Diamonds Brunch held at Golden Eagle Country Club; and a 60thDiamond Anniversary Formal Dinner and Dance held at Hotel Duval where our 15th National President, Margot James Copeland provided the keynote address. National Treasurer Katherine E. Wilson and 17th Southern Area Director Mary F. Currie were also honored attendees at these festivities. 

The Chapter celebrated its 65thAnniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 21, 2016, with an Anniversary Brunch held at Golden Eagle County Club. The program’s purpose was to recognize Links who were inducted or transferred into the Tallahassee Chapter 30 years or more. The sisters so honored were Clinita Ford (45 years), Dorothy Brickler (41 years), Mary Roberts (41 years) Bettye Stevens (41 years), Bessyee Washington (41 years), Ellen Bryant (36 years), Geri Roberts (36 years), Altha Manning (30 years). 

In addition, individuals and organizations that have provided generous, continuous, or extraordinary support to the chapter were also recognized. The honorees were as follows: 

Individuals:

Dr. A. J. Brickler

Colonel (Ret.) Ronald Joe

Mr. Eluster Richardson

Dr. Joseph Webster, Sr.

Organizations

City of Tallahassee

Dare to Dream for Young Girls, LLC

Jersey Mike’s Subs

Leon County School System

Knowles & Randolph Law Firm, P.A./KMR Consultants, LLC

Roberts Jewelry

The highlight of the event was the keynote address by the Southern Area Vice Director, Sylvia Perry. 

Another noteworthy addition to the overall celebration was the production of a 65th Anniversary video that featured individual interviews with members age seventy years of age or older. Each was asked a series of questions designed to explore their memories of the chapter, its programs, and other members.

On May 16, 2026, the chapter will celebrate its 75th Anniversary, using as a theme “Diamond Moments: Celebrating 75 years of Friendship and Service.”