[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17644-17645]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COLUMBUS (GA) CHAPTER OF THE 
                          LINKS, INCORPORATED

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2014

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
honor the noble work of the Columbus (GA) Chapter of The Links, 
Incorporated on the eve of its 50th anniversary. The Columbus (GA) 
Chapter was chartered on December 19, 1964. Its members and supporters 
will be celebrating this milestone at a luncheon on Saturday, December 
13, 2014.
  The Links, Incorporated traces its origins back to 1946. Margaret 
Roselle Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott gathered seven friends in 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to form a group to respond to the pressing 
needs of the African-American community after World War II. Today, an 
esteemed international women's service organization, The Links, 
Incorporated

[[Page 17645]]

aims to improve the lives of African Americans by providing them with 
essential resources and services which offer disadvantaged communities 
new hope for improved lives.
  I would like to take this opportunity to specifically acknowledge the 
great work of the Columbus (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. The 
Columbus (GA) Chapter has implemented and sustained The Links, 
Incorporated's five programming categories: National Trends and 
Services, The Arts, Services to Youth, International Trends and 
Services, and Health and Human Services.
  The National Trends and Services facet of the Columbus (GA) Chapter 
champions the idea of empowering both the individual and the community 
through events such as a week-long community celebration that 
illustrates the positive impacts of diversity and multiculturalism. 
Displayed everywhere from government centers to schools to churches, 
The Links, Incorporated promotes ethnic pluralism within the community.
  In addition, The Links were the first to gather local black 
entrepreneurs and prospective customers together in order to explore 
shared interests and encourage the potential for reciprocal benefits. 
The organization also takes the time to honor the lifeblood of local 
communities: trash collectors, school bus operators, postal carriers, 
and cafeteria workers. It seeks to recognize every aspect of a 
community, understanding that everyone deserves respect and gratitude 
for the vital roles they play in keeping the community afloat.
  The International Trends and Services arm of the Columbus (GA) 
Chapter brings resources to countries across Africa through well-
building and providing clean birth kits to those in Uganda and survival 
kits to women in Haiti. The organization's dedication to domestic and 
international service showcases the depth of its commitment to 
community betterment through public service.
  The Columbus (GA) Chapter has instituted numerous programs under its 
Services to Youth facet, including a mentor program for kids in 
kindergarten to young adults in college. Additionally, Services to 
Youth promotes the values of higher education by raising interest in 
STEM education and career paths by awarding scholarships, creating 
endowments, and supporting Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities.
  In line with its mission to promote cultural awareness through The 
Arts program, the Columbus (GA) Chapter partners with a number of arts 
institutions, such as museums, art councils, symphonies, and 
educational institutes to reinforce the importance of a strong minority 
presence in the art community.
  Last, but certainly not least, the Health and Human Services facet of 
the Columbus (GA) Chapter works to implement and maintain community 
services to address the disparities in health conditions negatively 
impacting minorities. In this regard, the Columbus (GA) Chapter has 
joined forces with Linkages to Life, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Walk 
for Healthy Living, and the National Childhood Obesity Initiative.
  Through the wisdom and strong leadership of its past fourteen 
presidents, the Columbus (GA) Chapter has given back so much to the 
African-American community and, in turn, the community as a whole. 
Today, the Chapter is led by current president, Olive Gibson Vidal-
Kendall and boasts 33 spirited and outstanding members who provide over 
1,500 hours of service each year.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 50 
years of incredible and inspiring work by the Columbus (GA) Chapter of 
The Links, Incorporated. The services this organization has provided to 
the greater Columbus community are immeasurable and there is no doubt 
in my mind that The Links, Incorporated will continue its worthy 
mission of promoting hope and prosperity for years to come.

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