Our Chapter History

The Metropolitan (DC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated began as an interest group of thirty-five professional women organized by Dr. Jean C. Mosee and Dr. Ruth A. Anderson. The chapter was installed and chartered on August 11, 1979, by National Links President Julia B. Purnell and National Chairman of the Chapter Establishment Committee, Thelma A. Hardiman. This Chapter became the 170th in the National Links organization.

During its first chapter year, The Metropolitan (DC) Chapter charter members initiated several creative and exciting programs to enhance the quality and expand the dimension of numerous aspects of life in the Washington community. Adhering to each of the then four Links facets – The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Services to Youth. Several of these programs became signature events.

Now, forty years later, we continue to provide vital contributions to the Washington Metropolitan Area through the original four facets and now the fifth, Health and Human Services. The Chapter envisions a thriving community free of disparities in opportunities for education, health, social justice and civic empowerment for African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. Our programming centers around our mission of providing diverse avenues and support systems/services in the delivery of transformational and sustainable educational, social, health, and cultural enrichment to the community. The Chapter endeavors to increase its impact on the local community through collaborative partnerships, promotion of civic involvement, expansion of global understanding, and efforts toward the empowerment of the District of Columbia community.