TRI-COUNTY (AL) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED - ARCHIVES - ALL STARS - 2019-2020-

Tri-County (AL) Chapter

The Links, Incorporated

ARCHIVES

ANNUAL DOCUMENT SUMMARIZING
CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

JOURNALS/PHOTOS/NEWSLETTERS/SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS/DATES

May 01, 2019 ~ April 30, 2020

Tri-County (AL) Chapter 2019-2020

Chapter Officers

Barbara S. Allen* President
Rhonda G. Allen* 1st Vice President-Membership
Tonya Perry, PhD* 2nd Vice President - Programs
Kathy Bonds Recording Secretary
Sharon Sherrod Corresponding Secretary
Rolessa Coleman, Esquire* Financial Secretary
Brooke E. Adams+ Treasurer
Mattie Wilkins-Crawford* Historian
Lynn Flowers-Martin* Chaplain
Janice G. Jackson, DMD* Parliamentarian
Margaret H. Lewis* Sergeant at Arms
Betty J. Underwood Strong* Immediate Past President

Tracey Morant Adams*+ Members Norma F. Humes*

Wardine T. Alexander Catrina L. Jackson
Nanette Baldwin Alesia Jones
Tamara C. Beasley, MD Velda Pugh Kinsey, MD*
Dovie W. Bell* Melva Langford*
Patricia Billups Rukiya P. McClain*+
Arillilian Kate Bushelon Judy Mannings, DM*
LeVoria Bushelon* Susanne Matthews, MD*+
Agnes Chappell, Esquire Patricia Hendon May*
Janice James Douthard* Janice H. Orange*
Samuetta H. Drew* Linda Parson
Cassandra “Casi” Ferguson* Carmen Perkins*
Derritta Ford-Gainer, DM* Brenda Carter Taylor, MD*
Juandalynn Givan, Esquire* Carle’Smith-Underwood
Marshell Jackson Hatcher, Esquire* Mechelle Wilder
Patricia Aurelia Hill Debbie Williams*
Hazel Hosey* Rosilyn Houston
Teresa Williams
*Indicates Charter Member
+Indicates National Governance Board Member

Tri-County (AL) Chapter 2019-2020

The day 37 women that formed Tri-County boarded the “Friendship Train” and joined the ranks of
thousands of other decision-makers, opinion leaders and distinguished women of The Links, Incorporated.

Charter Officers

Samuetta H. Drew – President
Juandalynn Givan – Vice President
Griena H. Knight – Recording Secretary
Rukiya P. McClain – Assistant Recording Secretary
Brenda Carter-Taylor – Corresponding Secretary
Cassandra Fincher-Fells – Treasurer
Carmen Perkins – Financial Secretary

Janice H. Orange – Chaplain
Malera Traylor-Wright – Parliamentarian

Velda Pugh-Kinsey – Archives Chair
Marshell Jackson – Program Chair

Tracey Morant-Adams – Ethics and Standard Chair

Barbara S. Allen Charter Members Margaret H. Lewis

Rhonda G. Allen Judy Mannings
Dovie W. Bell Lynn Flowers-Martin
LeVoria Bushelon Susanne Matthews
Mattie Wilkins-Crawford Patricia Hendon-May
Janice James-Douthard Latoya McQueen
Cassie J. Ferguson Adrienne Mitchell
Derritta Ford-Gainer Tonya R. Perry
Hazel Hosey Rolessa Powell
Norma Humes Margie Varner
Janice Jackson Debbie D. Williams
Melva Langford Tameka Woodruff
Bettie Jean Hill-Underwood

Tri-County (AL) Chapter Links, Incorporated

History

In 2008, two local Link Members, Dr. Juanita Jackson-Balton and Dr. Geraldine Watts-Bell, came together to
form a new chapter of Links. They felt that there was a great need in the Birmingham (Jefferson County) and
surrounding counties for community service and much work needed to be done in these communities. As a re-
sult they contacted thirty (30) local women of dignity, intelligence and various backgrounds to accomplish this.

On January 5, 2008, with a “solid” record of accomplishment, and a passion for service in the community, over
30 women from different backgrounds and professions came together. These women spent the next few months
getting to know each other, learning the strengths of the individuals in the group, and planning. They quickly
learned that there was a magic that seemed to “sparkle” among them. The differences of the women in the
group were like patches for a hand-woven quilt, bringing together unique yet beautiful pieces for a common,
positive purpose. The ladies truly believed that if they stayed bound together, they could accomplish their col-
lective goals.

Over the next year, the group worked toward their ultimate goal of seeking consideration as an interest group
for The Links, Incorporated. They hosted several retreats, attended and hosted several cultural arts performance
and named the group. It was from these efforts that Tri-County Organization of Professional Women
(TCOPW) was established. The “Tri-County” name was chosen to reflect the fact that following, metropolitan
population trends, African-Americans, too, dispersed from the center of the city of Birmingham to surrounding
counties. This decentralization created a service gap and made apparent the necessity for an organization which
could cast its net far and wide to meet the needs of an even greater regional area. TCOPW, with a mission of
empowerment, service, and program development in the focus areas of cultural awareness, youth, health and
education, filled this void.

TCOPW decided in February 2009 to increase its number by hosting its first membership intake process.
Twenty outstanding women in the community with the same enthusiasm and dedication to the goals of the or-
ganization were selected. TCOPW boasts a stable and steadfast membership of 41 dynamic, professional wom-
en.

Now, as TCOPW has continued to grow and better define itself, the group moves closer to its goal when they
took the monumental step of submitting a letter seeking consideration as an interest group of The Links, Incor-
porated. On October 16, 2009, their request was granted making TCOPW the newest Interest Group of The
Links, Incorporated in the aforementioned tri-county area. This strong group of women, dedicated to the mis-
sion of empowerment, service and program development, humbly continued their desires to join the ranks of
The Links, Incorporated and contribute their talents and resources to further its cause.

Thirty-seven women, each characterized by qualities of outstanding leadership, diverse expertise and unlimited
abilities, came together to provide service to the Jefferson, Shelby and St. Clair counties of Alabama under the
name Tri-County Organization of Professional Women
(TCOPW).

After years of fervent planning and action, the women of TCOPW were installed by the 14th National Presi-
dent, Gwendolyn B. Lee, as charter members of the Tri-County (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated on
Saturday, June 12, 2010.

The Links, Incorporated and The Links Foundation, Incorporated proudly announced the chartering of its 273rd
Chapter. The Links, Incorporated is built upon-warm sisterly spirits rooted in friendship and service.

The Tri-County (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated welcomed eight new inductees on Saturday,
June 15 2013, at The Summit Club in Birmingham. Joining “Linkdom” as Tri-County (AL) members are
Brooke Adams, Wardine Alexander, Nanette Baldwin, Kathy Bonds, Judge Agnes Chappell, Linda Parson,
Sharon Sherrod and Teresa Williams. The induction ceremony was led by Betty Jean Hill-Underwood,
Chapter President and Barbara Allen, Chapter Vice-President. Immediately following the ceremony, mem-
bers of Tri-County (AL) Chapter, visiting Links from The Magic City Chapter and Birmingham Chapter,
Connecting Links (Husbands), family and friends continued the morning with a Brunch in honor of the new
Links.

On Saturday, May 7, 2016 at an induction ceremony held at The Club, the Tri-County (AL) Chapter welcomed
eight outstanding women into the chapter: Patricia Bowman Billups, Arlillian Kate Bushelon, Patricia Aurelia
Hill, Rosilyn Houston, Catrina L. Jackson, Alesia R. Jones, Carle’ D. Underwood, and Mechelle S. Wilder.

Tri-County (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated – FIRST TRANSFER MEMBER
*Link Tamera Coyne Beasley

Transferred from Raleigh (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated - July 2019

Tri-County (AL) Chapter Today…

Currently there are 47 active members and no Alumna members. Chapter membership today is comprised
of outstanding women dedicated to the rich tradition of Friendship and Commitment to Community and
Service. The Tri-County (AL) Chapter is also proud of second generation-Link Legacy members who are
daughters of Links and continuing the tradition.

TRI- COUNTY (AL) CHAPTER LEADERSHIP

PAST AND CURRENT PRESIDENTS

Round Table Conversation September 2019

Samuetta Hill Drew (Chapter Establishment) 2008 - 2010
Samuetta Hill Drew 2010 - 2012
Betty J. Underwood Strong 2012 - 2016
Barbara Speight Allen 2016 - Present

Service Beyond Tri-County Chapter Level:
*Link Susanne Matthews - Appointed as the National Co-Chair of Rituals of
The Links, Incorporated – 2019
*Link Tracey Morant Adams - Appointed as the Co-Chair of the National Constitution-
Laws Committee of The Links, Incorporated – 2019
*Link Rukiya P. McClain - Appointed to the National Social Media Governance Board of
The Links, Incorporated – 2019
*Link Brooke E Adams - The Links, Incorporated National Membership Committee
Next Generation-2019

The Tri-County (AL) Chapter has a history of attendance and participation at Area and National confer-
ences. These opportunities are inspired by and to work with other chapters and bond with Link Sisters from
around the world. The Tri County (AL) Chapter members have served as presenters, served on committees
and volunteered at Area and National Conference.

Chapter Meetings – 2019-2020

The Tri-County (AL) meets on the third Sunday of each month except summer months. These business
meetings are held at the Oxmoor Valley Community Center, 1992 Wenonah Oxmoor Road, Birmingham,
Alabama 35211.

Tri-County (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

WON 1st Place in Chapter Exhibit at The 45th Southern Area Conference on

THE HAITI SURGE

Orlando, Florida, May 2019

Tri-County Chapter Program Highlight Reflections:

The Tri-County (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated continues to be a leading organization in the Shel-
by, St. Claire and Jefferson Counties Communities since our inception in 2010. In the areas of service and
philanthropy. Our membership consists of professional, influential, decision makers, opinion leaders, distin-
guished women who are achievers and have made a difference in their communities and the world. Women
who are well-connected and highly regarded in the community and serve the organization through projects
and initiatives around its five facets.

The Tri-County (AL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, has worked diligently to bring awareness to the
many social, education and health related concerns within our communities.

Through our charitable entity, The Links foundation, Incorporated, a 501©-3 organization, we remain com-
mitted to serving our communities and its citizens.
For over 70 years, The Links Incorporated, through the work of its local chapters has provided outstanding
service programs through five facets which include:

 Services To Youth
 The Arts,
 National Trends and Services
 International Trends and Services
 Health and Human Services
The Tri-County (AL) Chapter supports many initiatives through various programs, which include but not
limited to:
*Youth Leadership - Summit at Huffman High School
*Summit on Women’s Mental Health Issues
*I AM H.E.A.R.D. – (Healthy, Expressive, Able, Respectable, Determined) Holy Family Cristo Rey
High School Girls’ Empowerment Program
*STEAM POWERED: Fueling College, Careers, and Awareness through the Arts at Leeds High
School
*Academic Scholarship Programs
*HAITI S.U.R.G.E. (Sisterly Uplifting Resilient Girls through Empowerment)
The Tri-County (AL) Chapter fosters partnership with other organizations and our combined efforts have
resulted in programs, scholarships, and activities that have benefited the Shelby, St. Claire and Jefferson
Counties, National and International Communities. Additional examples but not limited to the following
activities:
*reading and working with the youth in elementary, middle and high schools
*Miles College
*providing coats for the needy
*providing blankets, hats, gloves and socks for the elderly
*collecting items and feeding those impacted by natural disasters
*donate to and volunteer with Grace Mission Chez Moi for the Haiti Surge
*purchasing supplies and book bags for students
*Renasant Bank
*teaching different sessions in schools (including workshops on economic development)
*5K Junction National Walk-A-Thon
*providing information to the community about healthy living
*visiting Children’s (AL) Harbor Family Center to give hopeful parents a night of rest while we
play games and/karaoke with the children and provide a meal
*participate in the Annual MLK Day 5K Drum Run, and
*working whenever we see a need in our community to fulfill that void.

Tri-County (AL) Chapter 2019-2020

Fundraising and Community Support:

The Tri-County (AL) Chapter raises funds to support its programs and projects through donations from
corporations, individuals, philanthropist and foundations: ticket sales to our signature fundraising events.
Community Organization supported by the Tri-County (AL) Chapter includes but not limited to:
 Grace Mission, Inc. Chez Moi – Haiti Surge
 United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
 Annual Martin Luther King (MLK) Unity Breakfast
 MLK-Drum Run Walk
 National Aids Day
 Academic Scholarships
 American Heart Association
 Susan Koman Cancer Walk
 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s)
 5K At The Junction Walk
 Safe House
 Children’s Hospital of Alabama Harbor Family Center

Linked in Friendship ~Connected in Service

The Links, Incorporated
Mission

The Links, Incorporated consists of nearly 15,000 professional women of color
in 288 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Common-
wealth of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom. It is one of the nation’s oldest
and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are
committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic
survival of African American and other person of African ancestry.

Tri-County (AL) Chapter 2019-2020

Tri-County (AL) of The Links, Incorporated
P. O. Box 13604

Birmingham, Alabama 35202
[email protected]

@tricountylinks #tricountylinks

Chapter’s Communication Methods:
Weekly Updates from the President
GroupMe, Text and Email

Chaplain’s Daily Inspirational Message
One Call Now

Quarterly Newsletters

Archives Committee

Link Mattie W. Crawford, Chair Link Barbara S. Allen, President

Link Dovie W. Bell

Link Janice H. Orange

Link Kathy Bonds

Link Teresa Williams

(Tri-County (AL) Chapter Storage Unit: Public Storage, 428 Commons Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209)
(Backup Storage Drive)

Tri-County’s Mission
“Youth Empowerment - Building Strong, Solid Youth”

Linked in Friendship ~Connected in Service

Tri-County (AL) Chapter
HONORS ~ AWARDS ~ ACCOLADES

2019 - 2020

Year Name Accomplishments

2019 Tracey Morant Adams *Appointed as Co-Chair of the National Constitution and Bylaws
Committee of Links, Incorporated.
2019 Susanne Matthews, MD *Senior Executive Vice President at Renasant Bank, was featured in the
2019 Rukiya P. McClain Birmingham Business Journal regarding The Nest Initiative
*2019 Birmingham Business Journal “Women to Watch” Award

*Appointed as the National Co-Chair of Rituals of The Links, Incorporated

*Appointed to the National Social Media Governance Board

2019 Brooke Adams *The Links, Incorporated National Membership Committee Next
Generation
2019 Juandalyn Givan, Esq *University of Alabama Jefferson County Alumni Association Executive
2019 Velda Pugh Kinsey, MD Committee
*University of Alabama Student Recruitment Coordinator 2019-2020
*Leadership Hoover Class of 2019-2020

*Was chosen as one of 200 women to speak on the future of Women in the
State of Alabama

*Dr. Kinsey was randomly selected and interviewed by the Birmingham News
to recognize “People in Alabama” who are making a difference.

2019 Judy Mannings, DM *Passed the National Association of Parliamentarians Membership examina-
2019 Rosilyn Bosley Houston tion.

2019 Nanette “Nan” Baldwin *Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking, American Banker
*The President’s Award, Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention
2019 Mechelle Wider *Atlanta CHRO Executive Summit Keynote
2019 Mattie Wilkins-Crawford *Momentum Class 17 Welcome Luncheon Keynote
2019 Tri-Co (AL) Chapter *BBJ Women’s Summit Keynote
*Leadership Alabama, Class 2019-2020
*Reappointed to the Board of Directors, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
*Appointed by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to the Alabama Board of Licensure
for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. She is the first African Ameri-
can woman to serve on this board which was established in 1935.
*Certification in Economic Development from the Government and Economic
Development Association of Alabama and Auburn University

*2019 Birmingham Business Journal “Women to Watch” Award
*New Member of the Community Foundation

Appointed to Board of Directors of the Donald “DC” Crawford Scholarship
Foundation.

Won 1st Place in Chapter Exhibition at the Southern Area Conference on
THE HAITI SURGE, Orlando Florida, May 2019

Tri-County (AL) Chapter
HONORS ~ AWARDS ~ ACCOLADES

2019 - 2020 (continued)

2019 Cassandra “Casi” Ferguson *Leadership Alabama, Class of 2019-2020
2019 Tamera Coyne Beasley, MD
*Tri-County’s FIRST Transfer Member
2019 Councilor Wardine T. Alex- *Director, UAB Division of Adolescent Medicine
2019 ander *Board of Directors, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
2019 Brenda Carter Taylor, MD *Cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Adolescent Clinic at Children’s
2019 Hospital
2019 Connecting Link Jesse Hosey *Victory in winning the re-election to District 7 of the Birmingham City
2020 Connecting Link Council
2020 Rev.Thomas Wilder *Featured in Portico Magazine for “Women in Medicine,” Celebrating
2020 Heir-O- Link Kylan Powell Birmingham, Alabama’s Top Physicians
2020 Coleman *Inducted into Alcorn State University Sports Hall of Fame
2020 Tonya Perry, PhD
2020 *Reappointed to the Board of Directors, Birmingham Civil Right Institute
Judge Agnes Chappell
2020 Rolessa Powell-Coleman, *Debutante of the year and Queen of the 2019 Debutantes
2020 Esq *Community Service Award Winner
Teresa Williams *Honored as 2020 Unsung Heroes-5th Annual Black History Luncheon-
Wardine Alexander Wilkerson Middle School
*White Rose Award 2020
Brenda Carter Taylor, MD
*Nominated by the Lawyers of Distinction Selection Committee as a candi-
Tracey Morant Adams date for the Lawyers of Distinction for the year 2020
*White Rose Award 2020
Samuetta H. Drew
*Honored as 2020 Unsung Heroes-5th Annual Black History Luncheon-
Wilkerson Middle School
*Honored as a Profile of Living History Award at the 45th Street Baptist
Church, For Evaluable Contribution Toward–Civil Rights in Birmingham, AL
*White Rose Award 2020
*Renasant Bank Recognized as a high performer focused on organizational
leadership and client satisfaction
*Article published in the Birmingham Times on What-If-You-Contract-COVID
-19
*Article featured on the Southern Area Facebook Page - “Keeping An Eye on
Safety”

Linked in Friendship ~Connected in Service





I Am Program Series with Tri-County youth at
Holy Family Cristo Rey High School
December 2019

Tri-County enjoy Dinner at Holy Family
Cristo Rey High School
September 17, 2019

Tri-County Link Sisters & Leeds High School
students trekked to Sloss Furnace in September
2019. Then on to Vulcan the Iron Man Statue,
Birmingham, AL in October 2019.

The Mock Trials
May 2019

Links Crawford, Houston & McClain interact with
students at Leeds HS on Building a Portfolio for

College February 2020



Services to Youth Committee presented Scholarships to
4 deserving students at The Club in May 2019.

Tri-County Supports
Young Musical Geniuses
of Birmingham in July
2019 and March 2020

Tri-County attends meeting for
The Haiti Surge ~October 2019

February 2020

Tri- County at Be The Match, Miles MLK 5K Drum Run
College November 11, 2019
Tri- County at Children’s of
Alabama Harbor Family Center
~ February 2020

4th Annual MLK 5K Drum Run
January 2020

Tri- County at Safe House shared
gifts of friendship tool kits ~
November 2019



MLK

UNITY BREAKFAST
JANUARY 20, 2020

February 2020

TRI-COUNTY CELEBRATES
HBCUs ~ SEPTEMBER 2019

October 2019

Outing with Family and Friends at TopGolf
November 2019

Tri- County supporting Friends at the Worship Service at Sixth Avenue Baptist
Black Violinist during Friendship month Church with other Link Chapters
November 2019
November 2019

FRIENDSHIP MONTH

Tri-County boarded the friendship train last
evening with the Birmingham Chapter and
the Magic City Chapter for a fun-filled
evening!

Tri-County Links Kathy Bonds and Lynn Flowers-Martin attended
National Leadership Summit in Columbus, Ohio

October 31, 2019 - November 2, 2019

Tri-County members Patricia Billups and Catrina Jackson attended the
Southern Area Founders Day Weekend Celebration during “Friendship

Month” in Sarasota, FL November 2019

Tri-County was present at the National Headquarters of The Links, Incorporated
and The Links Foundation, Incorporated during “Open House” and for The Links,
Incorporated and The National Cares Mentoring Movement contract signing! Tri-
County member, Catrina Jackson was in attendance. September 2019

INTERGENERATIONAL

Annual Holiday Social at Perfect Note members
and Connecting Links enjoyed holiday music,
great food and Tri-County singers. December
2019

Congratulations Heir-O-Link Kylan Powell Coleman, Community
Service Award winner and Debutante of the Year and Queen of the

2019 Debutantes

Honors/Awards/Accolades 2019-2020

Link Tamara C. Beasley Ribbon Cutting UAB MEDICINE
The Youth Advisory Board for Adolescents and Young Adults

October 2019

Congratulations Link Tonya Perry and Link Wardine
Alexander honored as 2020 Unsung Heroes at
Wilkerson Middle School February 2020

Congratulations Link Tracey Morant Adams recognized as
a High Performer Focused on Organizational Leadership
and Client Satisfaction.

Tri-County celebrated with Southern Area Vice-Director Link
Vanessa Falls of the Birmingham Chapter Links.



Tri-County (AL) Chapter

In The News

Fundraising 2020

Tri-County (AL) Chapter 2019-2020

Tri-County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Social Media

Facebook Tri-County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Social Media

Twitter

@tricountylinks #tricountylinks @tricountylinks #tricountylinks
Instagram

CONNECT WITH US

[email protected]

@tricountylinks #tricountylinks



Volume 1|June - September 2019





Volume 11|October 2019 - January 2020