Lansing/East Lansing (MI) Chapter
National Organization History
The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. Membership consists of nearly 20,000 professional women of color in 288 chapters located in 42 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. 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 Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

The members of The Links, Incorporated are influential decision makers and opinion leaders. The Links, Incorporated has attracted many distinguished women who are individual achievers and have made a difference in their communities and the world. They are business and civic leaders, role models, mentors, activists and volunteers who work towards a common vision by engaging like-minded organizations and individuals for partnership. Links members contribute more than 500,000 documented hours of community service annually – strengthening their communities and enhancing the nation.The Lansing/East Lansing (MI) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is proud to implement our national programs in a manner that is reflective of the unique needs and individuality of our local community.
Our Local History: Herstory - "The Bloom"
The Lansing/East Lansing Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was chartered October 28, 1972. Two years prior to the chartering by the National Organization of Links, sixteen chartering members were organized as the TIL (Those Interested in Links). They had been together since 1970. Link Hortense Canady served as President of the local chapter.
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The women of the organization are characterized by qualities of outstanding leadership, diverse expertise and unlimited abilities. They are affiliated with more than 50 community organizations and agencies. Members of the chapter have received numerous awards, honors and recognitions on the national level. Link Hortense Canady was elected 18th President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and Link Eva Evans was elected 24th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Link Sharon Cardwell was elected to the National Link Nominating Committee.
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The mission of the Lansing/East Lansing Links is to enhance the quality of life in the community, particularly for African Americans. The Links also promote quality education through the arts, international awareness and civic responsibility.
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The Lansing/East Lansing Links continue to meet the challenges of the community throughout the years, support and stimulate growth and development with the same strong spirit the sixteen chartering members gave in the meaning of friendship.
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