Our Chapter History

On Saturday, April 19, 1986, the Dover (DE) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was founded by three visionary, civic-minded women: Mrs. Gertrude W. Jackson, Mrs. Virginia L. Carson, and Mrs. Helen Walker. Although an initial attempt to establish the chapter was delayed due to a moratorium on new chapters in Delaware, their determination never wavered.

In October 1984, Mrs. Virginia L. Carson reconvened a group of 28 dynamic women who shared a passion for service. They formed an official interest group under the name “Cliffs of Dover,” inspired by the iconic White Cliffs of Dover in England. United by professional excellence and a commitment to uplifting their community, the group elected Ms. Martha Woodfolk as their first president and began addressing the needs of youth, seniors, and underserved populations in the Dover area.

Just two years later, the National Office of The Links, Incorporated, granted the group official chapter status. Mrs. Carson served as the Chapter Organizer, ushering in a new era of sustained community service and leadership. Since that time, the chapter has been led by a distinguished line of presidents: Mrs. Winifred C. Harris, Mrs. Nettye H. Evans, Mrs. Alice Carson Tisdale, Dr. Mary G. Wyche, Mrs. Gertrude Jackson, Dr. Mary F. Jones, Dr. Merriel Bullock, Dr. Vivian L. Griffin, Mrs. Barbara S. O’Neal, Dr. Wilma A. Mishoe, and Ms. Blanche L. Jackson, immediate past president. The current president is Dr. L. Germaine Cheatham-Hemphill.

The chapter’s signature programs reflect its long-standing commitment to its mission: to serve, uplift, and empower individuals and communities. Launched in 1987, the Young Achievers Program provides high school students with monthly workshops focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), college readiness, and essential life skills. Program graduates are awarded scholarships to support their academic journeys.

In 1988, the chapter introduced The Chocolate Hour, a community event held each February during Black History Month. This vibrant celebration of African American culture features local artists, vocalists, and performers, along with wellness resources and themed refreshments.

In June 2022, the Dover (DE) Chapter proudly welcomed a cohort of twelve exceptional women into its membership. In recognition of this milestone class, the Chapter established a meaningful relationship with House of Hope, inspired by a special community service project led by these new members. This partnership reflects the Chapter’s deep commitment to service and resulted in the launch of an annual support drive on April 19, 2025. Through this ongoing initiative, the Dover (DE) Chapter provides sustained assistance to House of Hope—the only shelter in Kent County, Delaware dedicated exclusively to serving women.

The chapter launched two additional impactful initiatives. In 2022, Links to Success: Children Achieving Excellence Through Reading was created in support of the 43rd National Assembly’s 7,500 Book Challenge. The initiative promotes literacy and healthy lifestyles for pre-kindergarten through third-grade students, particularly through partnerships with organizations such as Children & Families First (CFF) Head Start and the Early Childhood Lab School at Delaware State University. To date, more than 1,000 books in English and Spanish have been donated, and interactive reading sessions have been hosted across Kent and Sussex Counties.

In 2023, the Chapter partnered with the Biggs Museum of American Art to present Links to Christmas, an annual celebration highlighting the African American Christmas experience. Featuring more than 100 culturally meaningful decorations, story time sessions, and festive crafts, the event has become a cherished community tradition and is now offered with free museum admission.

That same spirit of responsive and compassionate service guided the Chapter’s collaboration with the Delaware Adolescent Program, Incorporated (DAPI) in September 2025. Inspired by The Links, Incorporated’s national L.A.M.B.S. (Links Aiding Moms To Be Strong) Program, the Dover (DE) Chapter developed a creative mentoring initiative designed to support and empower expectant high school–aged mothers and mothers-to-be. This program aligns with the Chapter’s programmatic facets and reinforces its commitment to strengthening families and improving outcomes for women and youth.

Rooted in friendship and sustained by a legacy of excellence, the Dover (DE) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated remains steadfast in its mission to serve, uplift, and empower individuals and communities—today and for generations to come.