Roses and Revelry: A Live Art Affair
June 14, 2025
EMBASSY SUITES 201 HARRISON OAKS DR. CARY, NC
2025 Sponsors
The Triangle Park (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated wishes to thank our 2025 sponsors for their generous support.
CHAMPAGNE EDITION
Cheri Beasley JAMS Arbitrator and Mediator
Message from the Chapter President
June 14, 2025
Dear Friends, Sponsors, and Partners,
Greetings on behalf of the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter of The Links Incorporated. We proudly celebrate a fantastic 2025 White Rose Luncheon, Roses and Revelry: A Live Art Affair. This year’s celebration elevates the Arts and their communication of culture, history, and community.
In the past year, Triangle Park has continued transforming communities by providing exceptional educational programs and scholarships to our youth, while providing a platform for young people to explore the Arts. Our initiatives have also included advocating for better healthcare while maintaining a focus on the social and economic justice that shape our communities. Our commitment to children, families, and communities has been vast, facilitated through outreach and charitable assistance programs.
Through our five facet programs, the Arts, Services to Youth, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services, we have successfully met the needs of many people of color and accomplished our goals.
To our friends, partners, and sponsors, thank you for participating in this extraordinary journey of service and friendship of over forty years. With over eighty-five members, including our alumna and charter members, we have been a beacon of hope and transition for communities. Your support and generosity have been significant in our mission of touching lives and creating opportunities for hope. As you celebrate this outstanding occasion with us, we thank you, and we look forward to your continued support as we implement many more years of compassionate and sustainable services in the Triangle community.
With heartfelt thanks and gratitude,
Katherine Katherine Everett, President Triangle Park (NC) Chapter
of The Links, Incorporated®
Office oftheSouthern Area Director
June 14, 2025
Greetings Triangle Park (NC) Chapter and Guests,
It gives me immense pleasure to extend greetings and best wishes to your chapter on your White Rose Luncheon Roses and Revelry: A Live Art Affair.
For more than four decades, the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter has delivered impactful and sustainable service through the five major programmatic thrusts of The Links, Incorporated. Your efforts have been impactful, profound, and far-reaching. Of note are the partnerships you have established and leveraged with other local organizations such as Dress for Success, NAACP, Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and St. Augustine University to serve the community.
Additionally, among the many contributions, your chapter’s diligence in the field of the arts; whereby, the Arts Facet adopted a theatre department at a local high school directed by a renowned director to support its work. As a result, a studio was built with the chapter’s support. The outcome of the Facet’s support has been extraordinary, allowing students to continue their dreams in arts and cultural expression.
The Southern Area is stronger because of your unwavering commitment to the mission of The Links, Incorporated, and for admirably representing the ideals of our beloved organization with grace and distinction. I am confident that you will continue this level of outstanding service because you are Friends Transforming Communities Through Service. Thank you for Leading with Intentional Friendship and Service in the Southern Area.
Warmest regards,
VanessaFalls
Southern Area Director
2025 White Rose Luncheon Co-Chairs
Rebecca Gilliam Co-CHAIR
Lorie-Ann Lee-Carter CO-CHAIR
Greetings Friends and Guests,
It is truly an honor to welcome each of you to the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter’s 41st Anniversary Luncheon. Today is a time to reflect on over four decades of impactful service and to share some of the accomplishments that have shaped our legacy. This occasion also presents a meaningful opportunity to raise funds for our ongoing community service initiatives.
For the past forty-one years, the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter has been steadfast in its commitment to outreach throughout Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties. We take great pride in our efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. Our success would not be possible without your continued generosity and unwavering support.
As you enjoy the luncheon, we invite you to browse our Souvenir Journal. Please take special note of the programs and service projects implemented by our five facets, as well as the businesses and organizations that have partnered with us. Know that your support has played a vital role in bringing these initiatives to life.
Thank you once again for your philanthropy and for joining us in celebration of friendship and service. We hope you enjoy this special day.
Warm Regards,
Rebecca Gilliam
Rebecca Gilliam
Lorie-Ann Lee-Carter
Lorie-Ann Lee-Carter
Triangle Park (NC) Chapter Members
Tawannah Allen-Jackson, Ed.D.
Patrice Andrews
Shirley Arrington, Ed.D.
Florence Bowens Avent, Esq. **
Katrina H. Avery, M.D.
Lisa Barnes
Cheri Beasley, Esq.
Edna Earle Blue
Samatha D. Brown
Stilwyn Perry Brown
Lorie-Ann Lee-Carter
Bernadine Cobb
Robin L. Crawford
Cassandra Deck-Brown
Kimberly Dorman
Chanda Douglas-Ward
Joelle M. Duren
Indira Everett
Katherine S. Everett
Kathy Everett-Perry, Esq.
Sheronda Fleming, Ph.D.
Valerie P. Foushee
Deryl Davis Fulmer, Ph.D.
Rebecca Gilliam
Davida Hamilton
Cynthia B. Harrell
Venessa Harrison
Ethel Hasty, Ed.D.
C’Nay Hines
Charletta M. Hines
Alisa Hughley
Debra Clark Jones
Yolanda Keller-Bell, Ph.D.
Dwan Kelsey
Brenda Richardson Malone, Esq.
Makeba McDaniel
DiJuana McDougal
Gloria A. McNeil, DNP
Carolyn Moore, Ph.D.
Arrica Moseley-DuBose, Ph.D.
Dana Peebles
Marguerite D. Peebles
Stilwyn Perry-Brown
Norma Petway Smith
Mary J. Phillips, Ph.D.
Susan Poole
Rubestene Fisher Potter
Ruth Reid-Coleman
Tara Reid-Jones
K. Michelle Rouse
Gloria C. Shealey, Ph.D.
Janelle A. Shumate, M.D.
Vynedra Smith–Champ, M.D.
Erin Smith-Imafidon, DDS
Regina Stephens, Esq.
Deborah Thomas
Acie L. Ward, Esq.
Kaye R. Webb, Esq. **
Danielle Wilson, Esq.
Jacqueline R. Wynn
Triangle Park (NC) Chapter
ALUMNA MEMBERS
Becky Beckwith-Scott
Chacona Baugh
Angela McAlister Berry
Gladys C. Burnette, Ed.D.
Esther Coleman, Pharm.D.
Carolyn B. Cureton
Stellyne Curtis
Bonnie B. Davis *
Ann Edmonds *
Phyllis A. Gray **
Cheri J. Harrell **
Lizzie J. Harrell, Ph.D.
Carolyn Henderson
Barbara Hibbert
Olive W. Hopson *
Alice W. Hughley
Bettye Jackson
Ruth G. Kennedy, Ph.D. **
Caroline L. Lattimore, Ph.D.
Lucy C. Lincoln *
LaFayette W. Lipscomb, Ph.D.
Jean F. McAlpine
Delores W. Pruitt
Yvonne Pugh-Burford, Esq. **
** Charter Member * Deceased
Veronica Ray Perry, M.D. **
Jennifer Robinson
Joyce Dawson O’Rourke ** *
Jesse Taylor Sharpe*
Esther M. Smith
Barbara B. Stanley
Rose T. Vaughan, Ed.D.
Lauriette West-Hoff, Esq.
Charlotte H. Wooten
Peggy L. Wynn
2025 Fund Development Committee Members
Rebecca Gilliam, Co-Chair
Lorie-Ann Lee-Carter, Co-Chair
Shirley Arrington, Ed.D.
Katrina Avery, M.D.
Florence Bowens Avent, Esq.
Kim Dorman
Chanda Douglas-Ward
Indira Everett
Katherine Everett
Venessa Harrison
C’Nay Hines
Dana Peebles
Marguerite Peebles
Debra Clark Jones
Dwan Kelsey
DiJuana McDougal
Carolyn Moore, Ph.D.
Arrica Moseley-DuBose, Ph.D.
Kathy Everett-Perry, Esq.
Norma Petway-Smith
Rubestene Potter
Michelle Rouse
Kaye Webb, Esq.
TRIANGLE PARK (NC) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED
2025 WHITE ROSE LUNCHEON
Roses and Revelry: A Live Art Affair
June 14, 2025
Programme
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
THE OCCASION AND GREETINGS
SPONSOR RECOGNITION
INVOCATION AND GRACE
Chanda Douglas-Ward CHAPTER VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP
Deborah Holt Noel MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Katherine Everett CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Rebecca Gilliam
Lorie-Ann Lee-Carter
CHAPTER FUND DEVELOPMENT CO-CHAIRS
Charletta Hines
CHAPTER CHAPLAIN
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
LIVE ART PAINTING
LUNCH
VENDOR SHOPPING
RECOGNITION OF CHAPTER PROGRAMMING AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
Yolanda Rabun MUSICAL ARTIST
Kyndall Owens LIVE ARTIST
Carolyn Moore CHAPTER PROGRAM CHAIR
DJ Glenn Stanley
ANNOUNCEMENTS: DOOR PRIZES, MYSTERY BOX RAFFLE, AND LIVE ART AUCTION WINNERS
CONGRATULATORY AND CLOSING REMARKS
Deborah Holt Noel
Katherine Everett
2025 Spec ial Guests
Deborah Holt Noel
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Deborah Holt Noel is a seasoned storyteller, an engaging conversationalist, and a strategic thinker. She serves as the host and contributing producer of PBS North Carolina’s Emmynominated travel series North Carolina Weekend, where she guides viewers through the rich cultural landscape, cuisine, and hidden gems of our great state.
Kyndall Owens LIVE ARTIST
She is also the executive producer of Black Issues Forum, PBS North Carolina’s longest-running public affairs series, where for more than 25 years she has elevated vital conversations about race, culture, and community—both in studio and on location.
A champion of thoughtful dialogue and authentic storytelling, Deborah brings heart, insight, and grace to every endeavor.
Kyndall Owens is a lifelong creative who finds joy in painting and creating. Art has always been her preferred mode of expression, allowing her to convey emotions and ideas that words can’t capture. Her artwork explores themes like nature’s beauty and self-love, all through a vibrant and colorful lens. She is versatile in her subject matter, from portraits to landscapes to abstract pieces, always pushing my boundaries and skills.
Beyond the physical artwork, she focuses on how it’s presented to the world. She uses intense and vibrant colors to evoke positivity, whether she is painting live at events or hosting private paint classes. She has collaborated with charities and organized community projects, recognizing the power of art to unite people and bring joy. For Kyndall, art is a ministry—a way to connect with others and share a piece of herself without words. Her goal is to use color and creativity to bridge divides and inspire a love for art in all corners of our community.
2025 Special Guests
Yolanda Rabun
MUSICAL GUEST
Yolanda Rabun (pronounced Yo-lawn-duh Ray-bun) is not just a Renaissance Woman—she is a force of nature, a symphony of brilliance, and a living masterclass in fearless reinvention. With the soul of a jazz legend, the mind of a legal strategist, and the heart of a revolutionary, Yolanda blazes through life with unstoppable momentum, leaving inspiration in her wake.
From the board room to the concert hall, from global stages to grassroots movements, Yolanda’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. A Corporate Vice President and Associate General Counsel by day, and a chart-topping, globe-touring recording artist by night, she is a rare fusion of intellect, artistry, and unshakable purpose. She’s a BMI and ASCAP-registered singersongwriter and publisher, a Grammy-voting member of the Recording Academy, and a commanding keynote speaker who doesn’t just motivate—she awakens.
A proud graduate of Atlanta’s legendary Northside High School of the Performing Arts, Yolanda’s early career saw her working with the late, great Isaac Hayes and opening for Broadway and Grammy royalty Jennifer Holliday. Since then, she’s headlined elite jazz venues in North Carolina and across the U.S., opened for icons like Ron Isley, Stephanie Mills, KEM, Will Downing, Lalah Hathaway, and Sheila E, and taken her electrifying performances to audiences in Japan, South Korea, Portugal, Spain, Jordan, and Turkey. She even conquered the main stage of the Atlanta Jazz Festival with her signature fire and finesse.
Her discography—No Fear, YOLANDA, So Real, Christmastime, and Hold On to Your Dreams— is a sonic journey through empowerment, vulnerability, and soul-deep truth. Her critically acclaimed one-woman show, NO FEAR, AND BLUES LONG GONE: NINA SIMONE, is a theatrical triumph that cements her status as an award-winning Equity actor and producer.
But Yolanda’s story doesn’t end under the spotlight. She’s a devoted wife of 30 years, a mother to two brilliant sons, a political scientist, and a STEM youth advocate who fights for the future of underrepresented girls of color with the same passion she brings to the mic.
Yolanda Rabun doesn’t just live life—she commands it. With a voice that shakes souls, a mind that moves mountains, and a spirit that refuses to be contained, she challenges the world to rise, roar, and live at the speed of passion.
www.yolandarabun.com @yolandarabun
Yolanda Rabun Music available on all streaming platforms
TPC Charter Members
Florence Bowens Avent Glenda Davis
Frances Dyer
Ora L. Easley
Vivian Edmonds Aurelia Franklin
Phyllis Gray
Cheri Harrell LuAnn Edmonds Harris
Marian Turner Hopkins Alexine Jackson Carla Johnson
Kathleen Clement Johnson
Susan Thornton Kane
Ruth G. Kennedy
TPC Charter Members
Joyce O'Rourke
Winona Peace
Veronica Ray Perry
Yvonne Pugh
Nancy Rowland Josephine Jodi Clement Smart
Janetta Steele
Pamela Thorpe-Young
Vera Turner
Gail Thornton Wade
Kaye Webb
TPC Past Presidents
2017-2022
DiJuana McDougal 2017-Present
Deshera Mack 2016-2017
Caroline Lattimore 2014-2016
Marguerite Peebles 2012-2014
Ann Edmonds 2008-2012
Ruth Kennedy 2006-2008
Stellyne Curtis 2004-2006
Peggy Wynn 2002-2004
Edna Blue 2000-2002
Alice Hughley 1998-2000
Ruth Reid Coleman 1996-1998
Glenda Davis 1994-1996
Joyce O’Rourke 1992-1994
Lafayette Lipscomb 1989-1992
Kaye Webb 1988-1989
Frances Dyer 1986-1988
Vivian Edmonds 1984-1986
Triangle Park (NC) Chapter History
The Triangle Park (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was established on June 9, 1984, under the guidance of organizers, Dr. Helen G. Edmonds, Fifth National President of The Links, Incorporated, Lulu Robinson, Rebecca Edmonds and Lucille Webb. The twenty-six charter members hailed from Durham, Orange and Wake Counties, and coalesced to address the community needs of their respective locales. Vivian Edmonds, Editor of The Carolina Times at that time, became the first president of the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter. Under her capable leadership, the Chapter began a legacy of providing meaningful service to the local community and abroad.
During the past forty years, the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter has grown to sixty-one members under the inspiring leadership of eighteen dynamic presidents. As a volunteer community service organization, we are committed to civic, educational and cultural activities with the purpose of serving the needs and improving the lives of children and families of the surrounding Triangle area. Each year has brought new challenges for our Chapter as we embrace community service projects that span our 5 facets – The Arts, Services to Youth, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services. Under the National Trends and Services Facet, we implemented our Habitat Build project in which we volunteered with Wake County and Orange County Habitat for Humanity to help build homes in the East College Park Community in Raleigh, and the Northside Community in Chapel Hill. One of our programs, which encompassed several of the facets, provided an after-school initiative called the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter Academy of Arts and Humanities. This program served the children at the Global Scholars Academy in Durham, and provided tutoring, mentoring, musical enrichment, and several forms of artistic expression. Other Chapter projects are focused on the college population. As part of the National Links HBCU Initiative, the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter has adopted St. Augustine’s University, providing workshops, mentoring and over $12,000 in scholarships to its students. Our longstanding and award winning Collaboration with St. Augustine University (SAU) most recently donated computers to bridge the digital divide for SAU international students who were abruptly thrown into virtual learning from abroad due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We also pride ourselves on consistent commitment to voter education and political awareness - registering hundreds of voters over the years and emphasizing the importance of election voices for our future.
Our Integrated Program, led by the Services to Youth Facet and supported by The Arts, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services includes tutoring, mentoring, art, music and dance, as well as, personal health and development. Another program led by the Health and Human Services Facet - “Kids Cook with Heart” - addressed childhood obesity and healthy nutrition. Both of these programs served children at Reaching All Minds STEM Academy in Durham. In addition, the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter, in collaboration with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, addresses food insecurity in students at Burton Elementary School. For more than sixteen years, we have distributed backpacks filled with nutritious food for the students to take home each weekend during the school year. The above initiatives were recognized as “Best Practices” programs by the Southern Area of the Links, Incorporated, in 2017. At the 2019 Southern Area Conference, the National Trends and Services Facet won the 2nd place award for its “Get Out the Vote”, Women Running for Public Office, and Links Day at the Capital programs.
The Triangle Park (NC) Chapter has remained steadfast in our overarching goal to make a significant and positive difference in the communities we serve; while drawing upon the talent, expertise, womanpower, financial resources, and wisdom of our members, in partnership with people of generosity and goodwill. This year, we are hosting our White Rose Luncheon: “Roses and Revelry: A Live Art Affair’’ to commemorate this Chapter’s 41st anniversary. This luncheon also serves to raise funds in support of our service initiatives, and to thank our supporters. Working together, we can continue to achieve our humanitarian and philanthropic goals.
Triangle Park (NC) Chapter Officers 2024-2025
V ICE P RESIDENT OF M EMBERSHIP
S ECRETARY
A SSISTANT F INANCIAL S ECRETARY Dwan Kelsey C ORRESPONDING S ECRETARY
Hines R ECORDING S ECRETARY
Chanda Douglas-Ward
Carolyn Moore P ROGRAM C HAIR
Katrina Avery T REASURER
Regina Stephens* A SSISTANT T REASURER
Indira Everett F INANCIAL
Samatha Brown*
Katherine Everett P RESIDENT
Triangle Park (NC) Chapter Program Facet Leadership
2024-2025
THE ARTS
Susan Poole, Chair
Charletta Hines, Co-Chair
INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES
Cassandra Deck-Brown, Chair
Venessa Harrison, Co-Chair
Tawannah Allen, Ed.D., Co-Chair
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Deryl Fulmer, Ph.D. Chair
Deborah Thomas, Co-Chair
NATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES
Makeba McDaniel, Chair
SERVICES TO YOUTH
Shirley Arrington, Ed.D, Chair
Lisa Barnes, Co-Chair
Services to Youth
The Services to Youth (STY) facet of the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter (TPC) implements programs that seek to eliminate the academic achievement gap for minority youth from elementary school through college. The programs integrate the following components: early literacy development, character building, health and wellness education; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics studies; leadership development, career awareness and preparation, and support for the stability and retention of students at historically black colleges and universities. This integrated approach ensures the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter is preparing young people to succeed in the global workforce as knowledgeable and healthy citizens.
Burton Elementary and Murray-Massenburg Elementary School: Triangle Park (NC) Chapter has long supported Burton Elementary School and recently adopted Murray-Massenburg Elementary School. TPC has donated Science kits to support STEM exploration programs at the two schools.
Sister to Sister at Pearsontown Elementary: This program supported 45 3rd-5th grade girls. Sister to Sister began at Pearsontown Elementary as a program to support character development while building on important life skills. During the school year, Triangle Park (NC) Chapter met monthly with the students to lead workshops focused on integrity, kindness, courage, perseverance, and self-confidence. The girls also received special tokens to remind them of each topic. Triangle Park also used this time to expose the students to STEM careers and presented each of them with a STEM book written by a local Durham student. At the conclusion of the school year, Triangle Park helped sponsor their trip to the National African American Museum in Washington, DC.
Dream Big Book Harvest: STY participated as a sponsor contributing $500 and supported in the book sorting at the Dream Big Book Harvest event held during the Martin Luther King Holiday. TPC Links donated over 125 books to this effort. Additionally, we volunteered at the event to help ensure its success.
I
Read, You
Read,
We
Read Together:
Triangle Park (NC) Chapter launched the I Read, You Read, We Read Together program at Burton Elementary (Durham County) and Roseboro Elementary (Sampson County). With this national Links initiative, we supported literacy for first grade students at these two schools. Each month we led the students through reading exercises while building connections to motivate them. At the conclusion of the program, we continued to promote STEM (similar to Pearsontown) and sent each child home with a STEM focused book. Students at Roseboro Elementary also received a Highlights Magazine subscription.
The Arts
The Arts Facet focuses on fostering and enhancing the appreciation of the arts within our community and organizational programs. This is made possible through providing instruction in the performing and fine arts, and sponsoring programs for the display of talent by budding, as well as, established artists.We have the following goals:
• To expose chosen groups to the contributions made by African American artists
• To encourage the development of talented young artists in our community
• To ensure that all forms of art (visual, performing and literary) are a part of the art experience
The Arts Facet has continued to expand art activity, supporting art-related educational opportunities for minority youth, as well as attending and supporting performances and exhibits by youth and accomplished professional artists.
The Arts Facet supports our decade long partnership with the award-winning Hillside High School Drama Department. This year, TPC proudly donated to the Hillside library a book about renowned sculptress Elizabeth Catlett who was also a former instructor at Hillside. In addition to attending productions throughout the year, support was provided for Burton Elementary and R. N. Harris Elementary students to attend plays. The Triangle Park (NC) Chapter (TPC) donated much needed snacks to the Hillside Performing Arts students for their after-school rehearsals. Financial assistance was given to support newer community outreach technology. During our most recent program years, we made an investment of approximately $4,000 to enable Hillside Drama to secure screenwriting software, podcast equipment and furnish a recording studio.
In 2021 United Strings of Color (USC) became our latest Classics Through the Ages (CTA) partner. TPC assisted USC with coaching sessions, master classes, as well as instrument support for their members and for the Instrument Zoo Project. This project provides an opportunity for USC members to introduce string instruments to young people throughout our community. TPC has invested close to $3,000 in these activities including book/supply scholarships to USC students,
The Arts Facet continues to identify local youth to participate in The Links, Incorporated Young Masters Writers Artists Program Competition. Jointly with our Services to Youth Facet, the Arts Facet sponsored coding and quilting STEAM activities for the Phenomenal Girls of Burton Elementary.
TPC made a deliberate effort to host group activities to partake in local exhibits and performances throughout our community by supporting local and visiting African American artists and lectures. A highlight of these activities was the private tour of the Ruth E. Carter (two-time Oscar winning costume designer) exhibition we experienced at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
National Trends and Services
The National Trends and Services NTS facet is committed to empowering communities by addressing the economic and social disparities in finance, housing, violence prevention, political influence, and empowerment. The vision of National Trends and Services (NTS) is to eliminate disparities by reducing barriers to services through advocacy, education, and community service initiatives. The Triangle Park (NC) Chapter (TPC) over the years has made significant strides to meet the needs of the community in Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties.
Voting is as essential and matters to live in a community that reflects our values. NTS continued our efforts to support GOTV initiatives and encourage voting in the primary and general elections for 2024. The facet’s goal was to educate the public about the right to and the need for voting and, ultimately, to vote. Like previous years, NTS reached more than 1,000 households in the noted counties.
During the 2023-2025 program years, we prioritized the essential need of food and clothing. In doing so, we participated in six of the national initiative and partnership with Dress for Success Donation Days. In essence, the mission of Dress for Success mirrors much of the focus of NTS, to “empower women to achieve independence.” TPC members and friends donated 100s of dresses, work pants and blouses, suits, and shoes to community women entering the workplace, and securing their independence. On a local level, we partnered with the St. Joseph House managed by the St. Joseph AME Church in Durham, North Carolina.
With a focus on feeding the hungry and acknowledging that many in our community experience food insecurities, NTS, for the second year continued its mission of providing families with food during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. We adopted North Carolina’s Food Lion Store’s Holidays without Hunger initiative and donated numerous boxes of food to local families. Each box contains enough food to feed five adults.
In furtherance of empowering our community, NTS collaborated with The Continental Societies of Raleigh, NTS organized a free session for the community on financial literacy, including executing Wills, Trusts and establishing College Savings. From college to retirement, NTS presented a session on AARP to the TPC members.
NTS participated in the 2024-2025 North Carolina Links Day at the Capital (LDAC) held in April. The focus for this year’s gathering was food insecurities and maternal heath for African American women.
International Trends and Services
For the past several years, the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter has been intentional about supporting the Bahamas Scholars International Living Project by donating funds through both the Southern Area and the Nassau Chapter to remodel and restore the dormitory for young women to attend the University. With the opportunity to further support the college attendees, the chapter made a quilt that embodies the mission and vision of The Links, Incorporated, while specifically empowering the young student who will be the recipient of the quilt. The quilt focuses on the individual while embracing the pillars that have sustained both our chapter and the greater organization. We recognize the importance of opportunities to learn and grow. Our quilt not only empowers the young woman through a heartfelt message, but it tells the story of all of our facets: STY, ARTS, NTS, ITS, and HHS, as well as HBCU. Often, through donations, we can collectively see the tangible aspects and outcomes of how such funds were spent, and we recognize the impact of a formal education for women. This opportunity has not always been afforded. The decision to create a “Quilt of Empowerment” is a reflection of the constant support poured into women of Linkdom, and while the dorm will be a place to support this learning endeavor. The quilt offers the personal touchpoint of confidence, reassurance, comfort and support in knowing that someone in NC supports her educational journey across the miles.
ITS also supported the Christiana Moravian Primary Infant School in Kingston, Jamaica, by shipping nearly $1,000 in school supplies to sustain academic support for over 900 students.
ITS hosted a Meet and Greet with Shaw University’s international students in partnership with the Raleigh Chapter of the Links Incorporated, to build a relationship that would enable students to participate in future projects, as well as career and educational opportunities.
Education across the miles does not only happen abroad, but it also happens within our chapter. ITS hosted a panel discussion regarding a Visit to the Motherland to hear the perspectives and shared experiences of various Link Sisters, who had traveled abroad to various areas on the continent of Africa to share those experiences with the chapter members. Due to their professional and personal travel purposes, we discussed their travel experiences, which encompassed all topical areas of our organizational facets: Services to Youth, International Trends and Services, National Trends and Services, the Arts, and Health and Human Services.
The ITS provided financial support to deserving international students by establishing criteria and application process for awarding four Needs-Based Academic Scholarships. With a minimum, the students were afforded the opportunity to apply for the scholarships provided they meet the minimum academic requirement of a 3.0 GPA, the students submitted essays that best described their need and why they should be considered for the scholarship. Additionally, as tomorrow’s leaders, they were prompted with an essay requirement that asked them to describe how they would be an “Essential Link in Making an Impact to Change the World.”
Health and Human Services
The goal of this facet is to promote and facilitate programs that support good health. Particular emphasis is on bringing awareness to and eliminating chronic health disparities in communities of color:
Oral Health: As part of The Links, Incorporated national oral health initiative, TPC collaborated with the Colgate Bright/ Bright Futures Dental Van to help children improve their dental health. Children are provided free education and screenings to teach them about proper oral health.
Breast and Other Cancer Education and Early Detection: Triangle Park (NC) partnered with the Sisters Network Triangle to support women diagnosed with breast cancer by providing supplies to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. TPC Links developed a Girls Spreading the Word session for pre-pubescent girls. TPC Links partnered with Rex Hospital System and St. Matthews AME Church to provide 15 mammograms using the mobile mammography van and also partnered with Lincoln Community Health Center to provide 10 mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. TPC Links partnered with the Raleigh (NC) Chapter of the Links, Inc. to host the Black Family Wellness Expo (BFWE) 2024. 60% of active TPC members completed a Health Equity Ambassador Training focused on breast, lung and colorectal cancer risk reduction.
Childhood Obesity and Family Nutrition: TPC Links partnered with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and Burton Elementary School to provide Weekend Power Pack meals for approximately 40 students per week throughout the school year, yielding 3,312 Weekend Power Pack bags delivered.
Organ Donation Awareness: The Southern Area of The Links, Incorporated, hosted the Gift of Gospel program in the fall of 2024. Triangle Park partnered with the Durham and Raleigh chapters to host a live Facebook event featuring testimonies from donor recipients interspersed with gospel performances. Partnering with White Rock Baptist Church, St. Joseph AME Church and Donate Life NC, TPC Links provided information on the importance of organ donation. 3 organ donors were recruited.
Kidney Health Awareness: TPC Links also began participating in another new Links program called Black K.A.R.E which stands for “Kidney Awareness, Resources and Education.” Given that Black Americans are four times more likely than white Americans to develop kidney failure, this program was launched to provide online and in person resources and information about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
TPC Partners and Collaborators
2025 Friends of the TPC Links
David Alston
William Alston
Ruby Berlin
Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated, Pi Chapter
Brandi Delany
Esther Delany
Sandra Duncan
Geneva Fearrington
Dr. Cheryl Giscombe
Frances Graham
Susan L. Hester
Juanita Massenburg, Durham Chapter of The Links Incorporated
Robert McNeil (Connecting Link)
Leadon Newsome
Chariss Sanders Riddick
Mary Rudd Robinson
Patricia C.A. Sasser
Gwendolyn Sanders, Elizabeth City (NC) Chapter
Vatara Copeland Slade
William Smith (Connecting Link)
Gladys Walker
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BrianHoliday Owner
Thank you to the attendees and supporters of the 2025 White Rose Luncheon and to our collaborating partners. Together, we impact the communities we serve for the better.
Thank You For Your
Generous Support!
The Triangle Park (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated extends special thanks to the following sponsors and supporters: Duke Energy
Friends of the TPC Links
email: t pclinks@gmail.com website: www. triangleparklinks.org
