Birmingham Chapter

Founded in 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, The Links, Incorporated, is an organization of over 10,000 women of African descent in Chapters in the United States, The Bahamas, Germany, and South Africa. For over 57 years, the organization has gathered momentum, continuously redefines its purposes, sharpened its focus and expanded its program dimensions in order to make the name "Links" not only a chain of friendship, but also a chain of purposeful service.

The Birmingham Chapter, Alabama’s first chapter, began with a core group called “Pacesetters”, consisting of eight women: Hattie Calloway, Columbia Clayborne, Madeline Davis, Mayo Forniss, Minnie Gardner Gaston, Theodora Shores, Bernice Sterling and Essie Taggart. Area Director Georgia Schank installed the charter members on February 4, 1956.

Fifty years later the Birmingham Chapter continues to be a leading organization in the community in the areas of service and philanthropy. The support of the community and dedication of resourceful Link members have resulted in programs, scholarships, and activities that have benefited the Birmingham community.