PRESIDENT MESSAGE

Legacy of Leadership, Service and Friendship

From October 2022 to November 2023, The Toledo (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is honoring the rich history of service established in Toledo by our fourteen charter members. 

• October 20, 2022: Hosted a press conference at Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) Mott Branch, inviting other prominent Black organizations to announce the 12-month celebration of Toledo Chapter's 50-year legacy of leadership, service and friendship culminating in November 2023 with the Emerald Ball Experience fundraiser.  Throughout the year, we are honoring the rich history of service established in Toledo by our charter members.  In recognition of charter member, Kate Jackson, who was the first Black librarian at TLCPL, we partnered to unveil the newly completed digital archives of the Toledo Black Americans scrapbooks.  As Digitization Supervisor Janet Rhodes states, “thanks to forward-thinking librarians [such as our dear Kate Jackson] who created these scrapbooks, there is nearly a century of Black history in Toledo and Lucas County covered including sections highlighting local chapters such as the NAACP and The Links, Incorporated as well as countless stories marking the strength, fortitude, and excellence of Toledo’s Black community at every stage in Toledo’s timeline.”

• October 21, 2022: Little Black Dress Dinner (members only) at Georgio's Restaurant — celebrating the chapter's 50th Anniversary and recognizing three living charter members: Laura Palmer (organizer), Maryanne Payne and Odessa Rowan (organizer).  VIEW PHOTOS

• November 19, 2022: Hosted an intimate pre-concert (Ledisi Sings Nina Simone) “Links and Friends” cocktail hour celebrating friendship month.

• January 9, 2023: In recognition of charter member, Marietta Leverette’s service and commitment to the St. Michael’s in the Hills Echo Shop, which regularly made clothing donations to churches and charitable agencies, as well as raised funds for education.  The Services to Youth Facet in collaboration with Health and Human Services Facet, held a press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Links L.O.V.E. (Living Our Vision Everyday) hygiene and clothing closet at Toledo Public School's Ella P. Stewart Academy for Girls.   

• February 23, 2023: In recognition of charter member, Faye Fenwick’s service and dedication to the Toledo Symphony, chapter members, friends and family attended the Fly Dance Company, as well as donated tickets for Toledo Public School students to attend the performance. 

• May 2, 2023: In recognition of our charter member, Richardine Chadwell’s service to the musical arts and education, chapter members, friends and family attend the Lion King, as well as donated tickets for Toledo Public School students to attend the performance.

• August 2023: Host an intimate cocktail event at Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) in recognition of our charter member, Joyce Jones who chaired the TMA Black Artists of Toledo showcase.  During the cocktail hour, the “Vessel: Four Men Carrying a Bowl” will be on display whose purchase is accredited to both the Toledo (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and many of our members, as well as community supporters of the Black arts.  A press release and announcement will be made indicating our continued commitment as the Toledo (OH) Chapter pledges to allocate its annual TMA contribution toward the recruitment and training of paid, volunteer tour guides of color. 

• November 18, 2023: The Emerald Ball Experience fundraiser is sponsored in partnership with The Links Foundation, Incorporated. All proceeds benefit the underserved population in the Toledo Lucas County community by supporting charitable and educational programs of the Toledo (OH) Chapter and The Links Foundation, Incorporated.