Seven decades.
One enduring commitment.
Founded by twelve women on March 2, 1952, our chapter continues a tradition of friendship, cultural enrichment, and meaningful service.
Chapter leadership
Founding and Early Traditions
The Hampton (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was founded on March 2, 1952, in Hampton, Virginia, by twelve charter members: Frances Anthony, Norvleate Downing, Helen Hart, Julia Moses, Lucinda Murphy, Corrine Scott, Lillian Smith, Juanita Thomas, Minnie Whiting, Lenora Williams, Emmy Wilson, and Lois Woodard.
From its inception, the Chapter embraced a threefold aim: civic, educational, and cultural enrichment. In accordance with national requirements, the Chapter purchased a full life membership in the NAACP.
Its first event, a soirée, featured a Christmas reading by Martin Bolton and Christmas carols performed by Charles Flax and the Crusaders. The gathering became a popular annual tradition.
Early Service and Cultural Programs | 1952–1980
During its first decades, the Chapter encouraged educational achievement, celebrated the arts, and fostered cultural exchange through initiatives that included:
Motivational guidance for students in grades one through three.
An art show presented by Link Lorraine Bolton at King Community Center.
An exhibition featuring Hampton Institute art student Ernest McBurrows.
Instruction in test-taking strategies for 20 junior high school students.
A traveling art exhibit presented at libraries in Hampton and Newport News.
Hospitality for German high school exchange students participating in an American exchange program with Pembroke and Kecoughtan high schools.
Continuing Community Impact | 1980–Present
Building on this foundation, the Chapter has supported a wide range of educational, cultural, health, and humanitarian programs. Initiatives documented in the Chapter’s history include:
Annual support for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s Mayflower Marathon.
A winter clothing boutique for 46 University of the Bahamas students hosted by Hampton University following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian (2019).
Clothing, toiletries, and furniture donations to Transitions Home for women and children affected by domestic violence.
Partnership with the Newport News Chapter in support of the Megagenesis College and Career Workshop.
A paint party and wellness baskets for women undergoing cancer treatment.
The Young Leaders Vision Black College Tour for high school juniors (2000).
Annual fundraising for scholarships for Hampton City public high school students, along with HBCU scholarships benefiting students at Hampton University and Norfolk State University.
Annual school supply drives for Hampton City Schools, and support for American Red Cross blood drives through volunteering and blood donations.
STEM programs for middle school students, including the NASA-associated “Cubes in Space” initiative, through which students sent experiments aboard rockets or high-altitude balloons (2018).
Annual participation in Legislative Day in Richmond, Virginia.
Sponsorship of Hampton University students attending the Grammy Award–winning opera “Intelligence.”
“Pack the Pantry,” providing nonperishable food to Hampton University students in residence halls.
Annual support for the Kwanza Marketplace at Hampton University.
Support for Hampton public schools’ Eco-Schools certification project.
Annual support for the Black Family Wellness Expo, a health fair open to the public, and the Walk for Healthy Living.
“Link Up the Vote” initiatives providing voter information and registration assistance.
The “Beyond the Bell” after-school umbrella program, introducing middle school students to African American arts through monthly community-center activities, with poetry in its first year and visual arts in its second.
Organizations and Causes Supported
Over the years, the Chapter has provided financial contributions, in-kind donations, scholarships, and other assistance to community and national organizations and causes, including:
National Urban League; United Negro College Fund; NAACP; Meals on Wheels; and United Way.
King Street Community Center; Northampton Community Center; Hampton Boys and Girls Club; and senior citizen centers.
Hampton University students, through food pantry, cultural, and educational support.
American Cancer Society; Virginia Peninsula Foodbank; and shelters serving women.
Clothing and toiletries for Haiti.
Scholarships for Hampton City public high school students and HBCU students at Hampton University and Norfolk State University.
Signature Fundraising Events
The Chapter has brought members and supporters together through memorable fundraising events that benefit scholarships and community programs:
Fashion Show Luncheon, first held at the historic Chamberlin Hotel, featuring chapter members as models.
Jazz Show Brunch, combining live jazz and a meal.
White Rose Dinner Dance.
“Wakanda on the Water,” a Spirit of Norfolk event featuring dinner and live music.
African Extravaganza, a dinner dance celebrating African attire, dance, art, and music.
Awards and Recognition
The Hampton (VA) Chapter has received national, Eastern Area, and community recognition for its programs and service. Honors recorded in the Chapter’s history include:
Humanitarian Award from 100 Black Men of the Virginia Peninsula (2011).
Hardiman-Johnson Umbrella Award for “Programming at Its Best” at the 44th Eastern Area Conference (April 21, 2017).
$1,750 subgrant from The Links Foundation, Incorporated, for STEM programming.
Recognition from the Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, for ten years of support for the Megagenesis College and Career Workshop.
HBCU Legacy Award from the Eastern Area of The Links, Incorporated (2019).
Award for “Ongoing and Steadfast Commitment to Keeping Friendship First.”
Recognition for Eastern Area strategic planning.
Eastern Area Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Programming.
Third-place music award in the Young Masters 2.0 Arts Competition for violinist Kearston Gonzales.
Health and Human Services Best Practice Award for the Women’s Health Initiative Program.
Umbrella Program Best Practice Award for the ESTEAM program.
Third-place recognition for chapter friendship activities, honoring the Chapter Vice President and Membership Committee at the 48th Eastern Area Conference (2025).
Chapter Membership
Membership figures provided for November 1, 2026, reflect 39 active members, including one Active Platinum Member, and 14 alumna members affiliated with the Hampton (VA) Chapter.
For more than seven decades, the Hampton (VA) Chapter has carried forward a tradition of friendship, meaningful service, educational opportunity, and cultural enrichment—building on the vision of its twelve charter members and contributing to the well-being of the communities it serves.