HISTORY
The Hendersonville Area (TN) Chapter
of The Links, Incorporated
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In the Spring of 1976, two young ladies in Nashville met to discuss the need for a cultural revitalization of the city's African American community and the formation of an unbreakable bond for a group of seriously committed women. The Hendersonville Area Chapter of The Links, Inc. held its initial meeting on August 14, 1976, with its founders/organizers, Joan C. Elliott and Chestina Archibald. There were 36 charter members inducted by Area Director link Roberta Basnette. The Chapter soon made its presence felt in the community as its members worked vigorously to incorporate a variety of activities and projects into the four program facets of the National body-The Arts, National Trends, International Trends and Services to Youth.​ By 1978 the chapter became well-recognized within the Nashville community for its Arts programming. The chapter gained recognition for its "theater brunch" and held the first of many brunches in the newly built Opryland Hotel. The huge crowd reveled in the presentation of “A Kaleidoscope of Skits, Poems and Sounds” brought to life by Pamela Poitier (daughter of Sidney Poitier) and local actress, Diane Dixon. The afternoon netted $4,000, which was donated to the United Negro College Fund. This success was quickly followed with a performance by Oprah Winfrey (before she became an icon) and Sweet Honey in the Rock, a Washington-based female quartet. Proceeds from the brunch provided $3,000 in scholarships for students at Tennessee State University and Fisk University.​ After 49 years of service, the Hendersonville Area (TN) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has continued to make significant contributions to the local, national and international communities as it discharges its obligation to the National body. Moving forward, the chapter is continuing to design programs to close the achievement gap of African American children and, thereby, improve the quality of life for all members of the Nashville community.
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