The LINKS AWARD $1MILLION GRANT TO THE NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM DURING THE 2006 FREEDOM AWARD 

Third One-Million Dollar Contribution Made By The Links, Incorporated

(MEMPHIS, TENN – October 17, 2006) One of the leading African-American women’s public service organizations has announced a major financial commitment to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.  

The National President of The Links, Incorporated, Dr. Gwendolyn Lee, announced the $1 million grant to the National Civil Rights Museum to support the mission of the museum. “We are pleased to announce that this grant will preserve the legacy of a people and a movement that defined social action and social change across this nation,” said Dr. Lee.  “With the deaths of Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks, women who were stalwarts in the Civil Rights Movement, it is the right moment in time for The Links, Incorporated to take this historic step in capturing the contributions of those who paved the way for social and economic justice for African Americans.”  The funds will be used to establish The Links Incorporated Educational and Cultural Center at the National Civil Rights Museum.

“This contribution is significant and symbolizes the Link’s commitment to educating students and the general public about the importance of preserving civil and social rights progress in this country,” said Beverly Robertson, President of the National Civil Rights Museum. “It’s appropriate that we officially make the announcement of this gift on the day of the 2006 Freedom Award, where we also honor individuals who have spent their lives in the fight for social, civil and economic justice.”

The Links Educational and Cultural Center will serve as a national resource for teachers and their students to learn about the strategies of non-violence used in the 1960’s to foster social and economic justice. “We could

think of  no greater legacy for our children than to offer them a place to learn peaceful ways to resolve conflict,” according to Kaye Webb, J.D., Chair of the Grants Committee of The Links Foundation, Inc.

This award is the third in a series of $1million grants appropriated by the Links, Incorporated. Previous award recipients include The United Negro College Fund and The NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The Links, Incorporated’s Foundation and the 273 chapters within The Links organization have granted over $17 million dollars to assist a host of service organizations in communities and cities across the United States, throughout the continent of Africa, and developing and third world countries.

The Links, Incorporated, founded in 1946, is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.  The Links, Inc. has a membership of over 11,000 professional women of color serving in 273 chapters in 42 states, the District of Columbia, Germany, South Africa and the Bahamas.  Through its philanthropic arm, The Links Foundation, Incorporated, the organization has contributed more than 22 million dollars to charitable causes since its founding.  In 2006, members contributed more than 500,000 documented hours of hands-on service hours to assist communities throughout the United States, Africa and in developing countries.  Washington, DC is the site of the national headquarters. To learn more about The Links, Incorporated, visit the website at www.linksinc.org.

The Freedom Award ceremony is an annual event. Past recipients include Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Former President Bill Clinton, Bono, John Lewis, Mikhail Gorbachev, Oprah Winfrey, Ruby Dee, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Paul Rusesabagina, Former President Jimmy Carter, Colin Powell, Benjamin Hooks and Bishop Desmond Tutu.

The National Civil Rights Museum is located at the Lorraine Motel, assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The museum opened in 1991 and chronicles key episodes of the American civil rights movement and the legacy of this movement to inspire participation in civil and human rights efforts globally, thorough our collections, exhibitions and educational programs. For additional information on the National Civil Rights Museum visit the Web site at www.civilrightsmuseum.org.

Photo Tag (left-to-right)

Dr. Gwendolyn Lee, National President of The Links, Incorporated; and Beverly Robertson, President of the National Civil Rights Museum

Click here for a copy of the press release.

Links Civil Rights Museum Photo