Leading with Excellence ~ Serving with Grace

39th National Assembly

VISION • VOICE • IMPACT

As National President Margot James Copeland extended greetings to the more than 3300 Links, Connecting Links, Heir-o-Links, family and friends who made their way to metro Washington D.C. for the 39th National Assembly, the D.C., Maryland and Virginia Cluster, along with civic representatives, joined in with well-wishes.

Urban League National President and CEO Marc Morial, a Connecting Link, received the Links Medal for the organization’s work towards ensuring social and economic justice in communities across the nation. He noted the significance of this, the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer and the 1964 Voting Rights Act.

“It is not by accident that the Urban League receives this award at this moment in history,” said Morial, adding that this is a call to action to address unfinished business – as there are those who would now turn back the clock.

Gina Adams, Capital City (DC) Chapter, chair of the DMV Cluster and corporate vice president for Government Affairs at FedEx Corporation roused the crowd – encouraging them to be mindful of “the power of one” and to imagine the power that is possible when the more

Links Medal awarded to Urban League Justice Warrior Marc Morialas 39th Assembly Opens Wednesday

The Daily Linkup

National Harbor, Maryland Volume 1, Issue 3 July 4, 2014

National Vice President Glenda Newell-Harris (L) congratulates Links Medal awardee Marc Morial, president of the Urban League along with National President Margot James Copeland.

than 10,000 members of The Links, Incorporated move in unison to impact the lives of those in the communities we serve.

South Carolina’s Columbia City Ballet presented a finale performance, bringing to life iconic paintings of Jonathan Green, considered one of the most important contemporary painters of the southern experience.

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First Plenary SessionLinks welcome the members of the seven newly established chapters and enjoyed the spirit of the gathering.

Margot James Copeland, 15th National President of the Links, Incorporated, delivered her state of the organization remarks at the first plenary session on Thursday as she prepares to pass the president’s baton to National Vice President Glenda Newell-Harris.

She noted highlights of her administration:

• Welcomed 2,767new members and reinstated 142.

• Chartered seven chapters: Greater Denton County (TX), Mississippi Delta (MS), Greater Rappahannock (VA), Lone Star (TX),Greater Bronx (NY), Greater Pearland Area (TX) and Patuxent River (MD).

• Inducted the 66th U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Liberia’s President the Honorable Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

• Graduated SHLI Cohorts IV and V and installed Cohort VI

• Completed payment on the $1 million Legacy Grant to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.

• Pledged $1 million to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

• Led the organization to becoming the first African-American organization with a headquarters that earned a Gold LEED Certification.

• Initiated robust communications and social media because “Informed members are more engaged members.”

• Created the Links Leadership Academy

Copeland concluded, saying that she has had the time of her life, and that it has been an honor to serve as The Links, Incorporated 15th national president because she believes the women in The Links are women at their best!

The Daily Linkup

Presidents Hall of Fame An exhibit to honor the past national presidents of The Links, Incorporated – and to showcase the milestone achievements of each administration.

Candidates Speeches Candidate for National PresidentGlenda Newell-Harris, M.D.Western AreaAlameda Contra-Costa (CA) Chapter

A Prescription That Works: “Four years ago I said, ‘There is a doctor in the house and that this M.D. will treat you as her VP.’ Promises are like babies, hard to deliver, but easy to break. I want you to know that I am still in the house.”

Candidate for National Vice President

Teree L. Caldwell-Johnson Central AreaDes Moines (IA) Chapter

“I am road-tested, road-worthy and I have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. If elected, I will be like Super Link—I will deliver exceptional membership service and support. My delivery will be faster than a speeding bullet. There will be no learning curve; I will be up to speed. I am armed with 17 years of on-the-job Links experience.”

Candidate for National Vice President

Pamela Jo Gentry Eastern AreaAnnapolis (MD) Chapter

“Extra, extra, read all about it. Experience counts and I've got it. I am not getting ready to get ready, I am ready. My commitment is not some time or part time, membership is my priority all the time. I will be on time, not in the nick of time.”

Candidate for National Vice President

Dianne S. Hardison Eastern AreaOld Dominion (VA) Chapter

“I have been in the trenches, and I have made tough membership decisions. Every Link and chapter must be held accountable. I have the courage to make those tough decisions. I have the heart, the courage, the vision - and visions are more than a declaration."

Candidate for National Vice President

Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, Ph.D. Eastern AreaArlington (VA) Chapter

“My record of service is your return on your own investment. I am an Heir-o-Link and a Scott Hawkins Cohort I graduate. I have been prepared for The Links by and through The Links. Now I am asking you for your vote. I have the skills to be your CFO—Chief Friendship Officer—addressing friendship issues when they arise. ”

WWW.LINKSINC.ORG

Candidates Speeches Candidate for National Recording Secretary

Clara C. Lee Eastern AreaFarmington Valley (CT) Chapter

“I have been in your shoes. I look forward to working with Glenda and everyone else.”

Candidate for National Treasurer

Carolyn E. Lewis Southern AreaPontchartrain (LA) Chapter

“Count on Carolyn – it’s a matter of dollars and sense. Carolyn is my name and finance is my game. For me, this is not on-the-job training - this is what I do. Sister Links, I approved this transaction.”

Candidate for National Treasurer

Patricia A. Ingram Western AreaGulf Coast Apollo (TX) Chapter

“I understand the financial challenges we face in our organization and in this financial climate. My bottom line, I want to add to our organization: my Links experience and my professional experience, along with my integrity and my accountability. The choice is clear, let's get the right answer.”

Candidate for National Treasurer

E. Rose Coker Western AreaLas Vegas (NV) Chapter

“Passion. Purpose. Time. Talent. When the national president asked me to serve, it wasn't hard to answer the call. And I will continue to answer the call.”

CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Sarah Brown-Clark Central AreaYoungstown (OH) Chapter

“I very deliberately prepared myself for this position. I have been working in the Youngstown (OH) Chapter for 37 years. I am asking you to be very serious and ‘mark round Clark.’”

CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Kim Mumby Green Eastern AreaFairfield County (CT) Chapter

“Ding, you've got mail. I bring you 21st century leadership, building off of a 67-year legacy [of The Links]. . . .Continue the investment and optimize the investment you helped instill for 20 plus years [that I have been a Link].”

The Daily Linkup

The Thursday Civic Luncheon was a moment to reflect upon the public accomplishments of Links, and to publically acknowledge five newsmakers with Co-Founders Awards – representing each of the organization’s program areas. Awardees are recognized for service rendered nationally or internationally to the African-American, African and/or Caribbean communities. Each honoree received a specially commissioned Elizabeth Catlett bronze sculpture.

• Services to Youth conferred an award upon Dorothy Cowser Yancy, Ph.D., the 14th and 16th president of Shaw University.

• The Arts lauded Lynn Whitfield, Emmy Award and NAACP Image Award-winning actor.

• National Trends and Services awarded Terry Jones, managing partner, Syncom Venture Partners.

• International Trends and Services saluted His Excellency Michael Moussa-Adamo, the ambassador of the Gabonese Republic.

• Health and Human Services honored Dr. David Satcher, director Satcher Health Leadership Institute; director, Center of Excellence on Health Disparities; the 16th surgeon general of the United States.

Mistress of ceremonies, the Honorable Joyce Beatty, Columbus (OH) Chapter, who represents Ohio’s 3rd congressional district, stirred the crowd as she recognized the achievements of her life-long friend, National President Margot James Copeland.

Past National President Gladys Gary Vaughn, Potomac (VA) Chapter, who delivered the occasion deemed it a time to continue to serve – while Vivian Pickard, Renaissance (MI) Chapter, chair of Corporate Linkages, president of the General Motors Foundation and director of GM Corporate Relations, applauded the corporate community for its service in sponsoring the Assembly. Shelby County (TN) Chapter Connecting Links, representing sponsor corporation FedEx,

Civic Luncheon

demonstrated service in action. Senior Vice President / Chief HR & Diversity Officer for FedEx Express Shannon A. Brown, and Senior Vice President U.S. Operations for FedEx Express Matthew Thornton, III, lauded the many Links who hold executive positions in their company and who contribute to the valuable work of both FedEx and The Links.

WWW.LINKSINC.ORG

Co-Founder Award Honorees are greeted by Links leadership. They are (L-R) Co-Director, National Programs Delores Stamp; National Vice President Glenda Newell-Harris; HHS honoree, Dr. David Satcher; ITS honoree, His Excellency Michael Moussa-Adamo; STY honoree, Dorothy Cowser Yancy Ph.D.; NTS honoree, Terry L. Jones; Arts honoree, Lynn Whitfield; National President Margot James Copeland; and National Programs Director Barbra Ruffin-Boston.

The Daily Linkup

Facet Forums: A Conversation with Co-Founders Award Honorees

His company has funded TVOne and BET, two of the most recognizable and successful urban media brands. Terry L. Jones, managing partner of Syncom Venture Partners, has changed the face of media ownership since the late 1970s.

• “The word ‘minority’ is a mindset. There's power in words and symbols. Don't buy into it - we are not minor as a people in any way.”

• “Be aware and vigilant regarding the current trends of media consolidation. There are going to be a very few controlling everything and voices will not be widely heard.”

• "We must maintain a sense of consciousness, in that we are unequally endowed as African-American people to make an impact.”

• "If we don't create wealth our children will always be working for other people."

Facilitated by Wendy Thomas Director, National Tends and ServicesHuntington (WV) Chapter

NTS Honoree Terry L. Jones, Managing Partner, Syncom Venture

Facilitated by Erma J. HadleyChair, Education LinkagesFort Worth (TX) Chapter

STY Honoree Dorothy Cowser Yancy, Ph.D., President Emerita of Shaw University

Facilitated by Sharon U. Richardson Director, International Trends and ServicesNewport News (VA) Chapter

ITS Honoree His Excellency Michael Moussa-Adamo, Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic

HHS Honoree David Satcher, M.D., 16th Surgeon General of the United States and director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine. ARTS Honoree Lynn Whitfield, Actor Facilitated by Karen Patricia Williams, Ph.D. Director of Health and Human Services

Facilitated by Alpha Blackburn, Director The ArtsIndianapolis (IN) Chapter

“For success in building healthier communities there is a need to reduce health disparities . . . which is unlikely without the full implementation of Universal Health Care coverage.”

~“Community leaders are necessary to reach the masses and ignite preventive care and health advocacy. We must view leadership as a team sport if we’re ever going to make things happen.”

His Excellency Michael Moussa-Adamo, said that returning to his native Gabon, after living in the United States for more than three decades, was “a dream come true,” and addressed what he considers to be the needs of, and misconception about, African nations. Gabon, a French-speaking country in Central Africa, is one of the most prosperous nations in the region.

• “Eighty percent of children in Gabon attend school, one of the highest rates in Africa, and women have the same opportunities to be educated as do men.”

• “African-Americans can work to address the key social issues of economics, education, and technology affecting Africa. I am confident in the abilities of African Americans, and specifically African-American women, to positively influence the growth of Gabon.”

Lynn Whitfield enchanted the large audience that gathered for the Conversation, treating them to a recitation of the words of Ruby Dee and Maya Angelou. The audience posed questions and was able to pose for photos, as well as for autographs. Describing herself

Educator Dorothy Cowser Yancy, Ph.D., Atlanta (GA) Chapter, is president emerita of Shaw University and Johnson C. Smith University, and chair of The Links National HBCU Initiative.

• “The most critical tool we can give our youth, to compete in the world, is self-esteem and confidence. They need soft skills, including knowing how to dress, act and present themselves.”

• “We in Linkdom do not use the resources that we have in our own sister Links – talented Links who have access and expert knowledge that can help us to address our concerns.”

• “Stop trying to reinvent the wheel. Get out what works in the other chapters and drive it where you live.”

~“ The Links, Incorporated’s current impact in the community adds to the healing power of reducing disparities.”

as God-centered, the daughter of a dentist engaged those gathered, impressing them with her concern for and interest in developing health clinics in the community.

She told the audience:• Howard University was a wonderful, inspiring environment to grow and thrive as a performer.

• Reality shows are not likely to stop, because they are cheap and easy to produce, so I’m attempting to bring quality programming to the market through my production company.

• To be a part of the solution and bring healthcare to the community, I want to partner with nurses to design a replicable prototype.

TO GET INVOLVED: PLEASE VISIT THE LINKS AT WWW.LINKSINC.ORG

PartnersThe 39th National Assembly is generously supported by

SponsorsWe proudly thank our 39th National Assembly sponsors

Registered Trade Mark of General Motors Inc.

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Cassandra Hughes Webster, ChairShelby County (TN) Chapter

Rozalynn S. Frazier, Co-ChairMetro-Manhattan (NY) Chapter

Sheryl Battles, Eastern Area ChairFairfield (CT) Chapter

Lorna Hankins, Western Area Chair Gulf Coast Apollo (TX) Chapter

Sylvia Carter Perry, Southern Area Chair Bold City (FL) Chapter

Kathy Wade Jenkins, Central Area Chair Cincinnati (OH) Chapter

Alicia Nails, EditorOakland County (MI) Chapter

Dawn Hankin ClietteMetro-Manhattan (NY) Chapter

Veronica Spencer AustinMid Cities (TX) Chapter

Kyra HarveyMagnolia (GA) Chapter

Michele JacksonMetropolitan (DC) Chapter

Jacqui Love MarshallAlameda Contra-Costa (CA) Chapter

Jackie ThreadgillPotomac (VA) Chapter

Editorial TeamCassandra Hughes Webster, ChairShelby County (TN) Chapter

Rozalynn S. Frazier, Co-ChairMetro-Manhattan (NY) Chapter

Alicia Nails, EditorOakland County (MI) Chapter

Kathy Wade Jenkins, Central Area Chair Cincinnati (OH) Chapter

Communications Committee

Daily Linkup

Deana NewmanLansing/East Lansing (MI) Chapter

Kenyonn Demps Jacksonville (FL) Chapter

Jennifer Satterfield-Siegel Indianapolis (IN) Chapter

Melonie Jones Jackson County (MO) Chapter

Cate StetsonAlbuquerque (NM) Chapter

Michele JacksonMetropolitan (DC) Chapter

Photography Rodney BrownDavid FitzpatrickOlesha Haskett-Basma

Graphics, VIVO360, Inc. Sophie GibsonErica Carroll