By: Jessica Willis

In 1946, two African-Americans gave birth to what would become an international community organization supporting African-American women around the world. Margaret Hawkins and Sarah Scott invited seven friends to join them in a new type of social, and from there, The Links Inc. came to life. The organization was especially necessary in a time when blacks were not allowed to socialize with whites and had to find their own networks. 

Other branches of the organization began to spring up around the country, including Augusta, Georgia, which will be commemorating its 50^th anniversary this year. “They pulled together and not only satisfied their social needs, they also volunteered in their community to embrace and empower those who were less fortunate," said Ann Johnson, president of the Augusta Chapter of The Links Inc. to The Augusta Chronicle.

The celebration will take place in mid-November, noting the accomplishments of community service and sisterhood over the last 50 years. Dr. Gwendolyn Lee, national president of The Links Inc. will be guest speaker at the event. In-conjunction with the 50^th anniversary, the chapter committed itself to two community goals, including establishing an endowment scholarship for Paine College, a local college for African-Americans and providing a house for a homeless family in time for the holiday season. The endowment scholarship is part of a larger organizational initiative to establish endowment scholarships at all HBCU’s around the country.

The Links Inc. currently serves over 12,000 women of color throughout the United States and the Caribbean, and continues to dedicate itself to improving the lives of the communities of color they serve.