Our History
The Gateway (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Historical contributions by Katie H. Wright, PhD
The precursor to establishment of the Gateway Chapter was MELIG. MELIG (Metro-East Links Interest Group) was organized by Dr. Lillian A. Parks on November 9, 1984. Women who were interested in becoming members of The Links, Incorporated worked together to promote and conduct activities geared toward “Improving the Quality of Life” and epitomizing “Friendship, Service and Leadership.” In fulfilling these goals, the group implemented a program commensurate with the programmatic thrust of The Links, Incorporated. Subsequently, the Gateway (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was chartered May 5, 1986. Charter Officers and members were:
Lillian A. Parks, PhD
Frankie M. Freeman, Esq*
Gwendolyn Key
Gloria Patterson
Vivian Adams*
Diane Thomas
Katie H. Wright, EdD
Fredda Witherspoon, PhD*
President
Vice President
Recording Secretary
Corresponding Secretary
Financial Secretary
Treasurer
Historian
Parliamentarian
Donna Blackwell, PhD Annetta Hiliard Mark A. Polk
Wilma Clopton, PhD Joyce Humphries Lillian Reed*
Myrtle Davis* Rosalee Johnson Joyce Thomas, PhD*
Belma Givens Betty Lee* Cynthia Thompson
Audrey Gooch Ruth Lewis Lena Weathers, PhD*
Frances Gooden, PhD* Lula Lockett, PhD Judy Williams
Johnetta Haley Fran McCollum, PhD* Jane Woods*
*Deceased
Linked in Friendship and Connected in Service, the chapter provides services to women and children of African descent located in the St. Louis, Missouri, East St. Louis, Illinois, and contiguous communities within a 50-mile radius of St. Louis and East St. Louis. Women who become members of The Links, Incorporated form a chain of friendship with a singular purpose of serving community needs for the improvement of life and the pursuit of excellence in the programmatic areas of The Arts, Health and Human Services, International Trends & Services, National Trends & Services, and Services to Youth.