By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
The Toledo Chapter of The Links, Inc. held a “Links and Friends” reception August 24 in the Toledo Museum of Art’s Cloister Gallery commemorating a charter member and the contributions of the members of the Toledo Links to the Toledo Museum of Art. The event included a viewing of famed painter Jacob Lawerence’s special exhibit, African-inspired cuisine and drumming from JP Dynasty.
The Arts Facet of the Toledo (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated hosted their “Links and Friends” reception to celebrate their 50-year legacy of leadership, service and friendship and in recognition of charter member Joyce Jones, who was committee chair for the Toledo Museum of Art Black Artists of Toledo showcases in 1973, 1974 and 1984.
“Joyce Jones exemplified her love for the arts through her professional career as an educator in Toledo Public Schools and her volunteer service in the community… remarked Erin Baker, president of the Toledo (OH) Chapter of the Links, Inc. “She served as the committee chair the Toledo Museum of Art Black Artists of Toledo showcases in 1973, 1974 and 1984. In 1986 she was appointed as a Board of Directors for the museum and was appointed in 1991 as the first Link member to become TMA Ambassador.” Her efforts established a long-standing relationship and commitment of the Toledo Links Chapter and the TMA.
Rhonda Sewell, inaugural director of Belonging and Community Engagement and member of the Links, Inc., provided further history of the contributions of the Links, Inc to the Museum that “allow(ed) the museum to showcase the multifaceted nature of art and culture broadening visitors’ horizons and often time deepening our appreciation for the richness of Black art.”
One of the most notable contributions was the acquisition of an African vessel created by an African artist to the museum in the name of the organization. During the reception, the “Vessel: Four Men Carrying a Bowl” was on display. The purchase of this unique piece is accredited to Toledo (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated members, as well as other supporters of Black art.
The evening included Nigerian and Harlem-inspired cuisine, music and a viewing of exhibits: “Black Orpheus: Jacob Lawrence and the Mbari Club” and “Africa Unmasked.”
Since 1972, Toledo (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has served the community. As one of 299 chapters, membership is comprised of business and civic leaders, role models, mentors and activists. They work towards a common vision by engaging like-minded organizations and individuals for partnership committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.
The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946 consisting of more than 16,000 professional women in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom. To learn more, www.thelinksinc.org.