Their purpose is to follow the visions of their past leaders.

Their purpose is tofollow the visions oftheir past leaders.
By MARGARET NERY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
NITA BROWN, MARGARET Smith and Grace Hill Walker were looking for a way to bring women together to establish lasting friendships and at the same time provide services to the community.
They agreed the answer was through The Links Inc., which was founded in 1946 in Philadelphia by Margaret Roselle Hawkins and Sara Strickland Scott. The two friends were joined by seven other women and set out to bond a chain of friendship and improve the quality of life for others, particularly those of African descent, with civic, educational and cultural activities and programs.
Due to the local women's efforts, Youngstown Chapter of Links was chartered Dec. 3, 1955. Walker served as the chapter's first president, a position presently held by Mary E. Patterson of Salem, an 11-year member of the chapter. She is determined to carry on the traditions and goals that were outlined by the charter members and that have been the focal point of the organization during the past 48 years.
"Our past leaders have left us with a rich legacy to follow. We would be remiss if we did not follow the visions of those courageous women," notes Patterson. "We want to reach out and touch the souls of the youth in our community, to serve as role models for women of color ... as they strive for excellence in the workplace, and to help the elderly who have no one to turn to in their last years of life."
With such lofty goals in mind, the 26 active members and five alumnae, all of whom represent many professions and serve on various boards, are dedicated to being involved in community service.
Membership in the organization is limited to 50 and deemed a privilege. Those accepted must be sponsored, approved by the members and finally invited to join.
The full quota has not been reached in recent years since the group is selective, Patterson says. "There are so many choices for the women of today who are busy at work and at home with their children and husbands, and have many outside interests."
Source of pride
Betty Armstrong of Youngstown, a 44-year member and past president of the chapter, is still actively involved as an alumna of the organization. She is proud of the fact that the chapter has hosted a wealth of cultural activities.
She explains, "The Youngstown Chapter was the first African-American organization invited into membership in the Youngstown Federation of Women's Clubs, and became the first black organization to assist in a halfway house for girls -- a project to help rehabilitate girls with mental, alcoholic or drug problems."
The chapter is also the first African-American organization to purchase paintings of noted African artist Jacob Lawrence and local artist Al Bright for the permanent collection at The Butler Institute of American Art.
Armstrong points out that the chapter regards one of its most significant services to youth and the arts project to be its part in the revitalization of the Youngstown City School District's String Team Project, which had been eliminated for years due to budget cuts and lack of a viable program.
"It was reinstated in cooperation with the Ohio Arts Council, Youngstown Symphony Society, Youngstown State University, Youngstown city schools and the Youngstown Chapter of Links," notes Armstrong.
The program makes it possible for minority and economically disadvantaged students in six elementary schools to learn to play a string instrument, while increasing the students' self-esteem and sense of achievement.
According to Armstrong, "The chapter has provided financial assistance to gifted, disadvantaged minority youths attending various schools, has granted scholarships, and has provided articles for the drug awareness programs in Youngstown city schools through the national Project LEAD (Links Erase Alcohol and Drug Abuse) program."
Recognition
For its participation in the String Team Project, the chapter received the Central Area's First Place Award for Services to Youth at the Links National Assembly in Miami in 1988.
The chapter has also been recognized over the years for fulfilling the national purpose of Links, for its community service, and for its contributions to the Mahoning Valley in civil rights and in providing a better life for black Americans in the Youngstown-Warren areas.
This year the chapter received the Youngstown Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta's Tribute to Black Excellence in physical and mental health development.
Early enrichment
Links began its sojourn into the field of cultural enrichment by sponsoring a modern dance group from West Virginia University. Other notable undertakings have included a ballet performance titled "Artistic Celebration" by Stephanie Dabney of Youngstown and her partner, Donald Williams, from the Dance Theatre of Harlem; the chapter's most successful fund-raiser, a presentation by the renown Boys Choir of Harlem before a sold-out audience at Stambaugh Auditorium; and a program by the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble.
Members have also worked on a variety of programs such as antique and art shows, plays, lectures, fashion shows and concerts, and have continued to support programs sponsored by other community organizations.
Recently the group sponsored a Christmas holiday luncheon at the pavilion at Opus Twenty One as a benefit for Mahoning County Children Services.
Patterson says, "Invitations were extended for the annual event, and patrons were asked to take toys for tots. This year we received over 200 contributions of toys as well as clothing."
While most of the projects are meant to improve the Greater Youngstown Area, Patterson stresses that one of the things uppermost in the minds of members is the education of children in Third World countries.
"We built schools but need to implement the land progress as we are having a difficult time getting teachers and books to the children," says Patterson.
As it works to create a never-ending chain of friendship and goodwill throughout the world, Links continues to hold monthly meetings at the homes of members, where project are reviewed and plans made for the future.
nery@vindy.com
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