PROFILE OF BROTHER “LINK” YOUNG This profile proves that “Reclamation” really works. For it was after retirement and discharge from the U. S. Air Force and experiencing a very long break from active fraternity life that Brother Purvis “Link” Young became interested in becoming a viable and very active member of his only Alumni chapter, Delta Psi Lambda, whereby at first chance he became a life member. Let’s look at his journey chronologically…………………. Being one of eleven siblings of Reverend William and Mrs. Perline Young, Brother “Link” Young started his journey into education in the Mound Bayou School System. Having observed one of his favorite uncles….His Uncle Clyde, who he later discovered was an Alpha man, was the Principal of a local Elementary School. Through the years, “Brother Link” has always been involved in the World of Music. It was in the fifth grade that he was a Student Director of the Elementary School Choir, and In High School was a member of the marching band. Then, it was in College that he directed a Gospel Choir and was member of the marching band, but also held the position of Drum Major, and not surprisingly, it was during these formative years that he recognized a strong desire to play piano and organ. Brother Young matriculated into Mississippi Valley State University, and as it was with his Uncle Clyde, the observation carried over in 1969 as he observed how “Alpha Men on the Yard”, who carried themselves with high esteem and with appearances and that were beyond reproach. The record will show that while attending this, University, with a major in Music Education, Brother Purvis “Link” Young was initiated into Zeta Phi Chapter in 1970 of our great fraternity. After graduation from Mississippi Valley State University, Brother Young joined the Air force. During his tenure in the Air Force, he traveled extensively and often served as the musician and director of the gospel choir where he was stationed. While in the Air Force, Brother Young received a Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Management from Webster University. Brother Young is currently employed with the Social Security administration as a Management Support Specialist. During this employment he has received the Commissioner Citation, The highest award within the agency, and the regional Commissioner Citation, the highest award within the Region. While in the Air Force he, became engrossed with the Wild side. In 1982, remembering that he always had a yearning to own a Motorcycle, since one of his neighbors had an old smoking chain-driven motor-bike. So, having never losing the desire to
Photo: Brother Purvis “Link” Young ride a bike, even though he had never been on one, bought a 600 Honda “Silver Wing” which he rode until 1989. Then, after graduating up to a “1200 Kawasaki”, he became rider with a group of “weekend riders, and tells of a trip up on Trailridge Road. This is a road, at high altitude with no protective railings on the side of the road, which is two miles above the nearest tree top. The trip was slowed as the group came upon a slow driven RV on the highway. He was the only one in the group that was glad that their speed had been slowed down. The desire to ride dwindled in about 2001, when he sold his bike. He currently serves as the Minster of music at the Rising Star missionary Baptist Church in Denver, under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Jules E. Smith. His passions are his Christian walk, his family, both biological and extended…particularly his God, Children, his Fraternity, Music, traveling and eating. He has recently developed a penchant for the humbling experience that many refer to as golf. Our brother has long believed that he “can do all things through Christ.” that strengthens him.
*Profile written by Bro. Harry T. Waters