Our History


West Towns (IL) was breaking ground from the start, sponsoring a performance of the Broadway musical “The Wiz” at the Shubert Theater in Chicago. (Now known as Bank of America Theater) The Chapter also began our commitment to Services to Youth with a Career Conference for High School Students in May 1977. In 1978 the chapter held a Human Rights Day luncheon at the home of noted sculptor and chapter member Link Geraldine McCullough’s home and studio.


In 1979 West Towns Links honored 100 High School students for the first time. This event was held annually for over 15 years.

FOUNDING MEMBERS

Link Barbara Smith, Link Carolyn Gibson, Link Ollie Matthews, Link MaryLou Finley, Link Georgia Edwards

Charter MEMBERS

Link Jann Beauchamp, Link Helen Branch, Link Mary E. Davidson, Link Georgia Edwards, Link Mary Lou Finley,
Link Carolyn Gibson, Link Grace Hagan, Link Elsie Harley, Link Beverlynn Ivory, Link Margaret Jackson, Link Bobbie Lawrence


Our History Support to the Arts and Services to Youth facets - 1980’s


The Chapter continued to support The Arts and Services to Youth facets with recognition luncheons for high school students and art sales. In 1981 the Chapter participated in the Juvenile Justice Advocacy Network, supporting our youth. In May 1982 the chapter held an exhibit at the Fermilab Gallery on Twenty Nineteenth Century Black Women. In 1983 both the Ebony Fashion Fair and a book fair featuring a presentation of the Wheaton, IL Underground Railroad were sponsored by the Chapter. In 1985 the chapter sponsored a traveling Black Art Display featuring a collection of art by five black artists. The display traveled to three locations in the chapter service area. During this decade the Scholarship Fund was established and the Village of Djarmia in Chad was adopted through AfriCare.


The chapter started the year 1988 in the state capital, (Springfield, IL) celebrating the unveiling of a statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The statue was commissioned by the state and was created by our own Link Geraldine McCullough. The Chapter’s first annual Black History Month Art Exhibit, co-sponsored with the Village of Oak Park was held. This event is held each year in the Village Hall and features local art and artists. Also in 1988 the Chapter held our first Teen Appreciation Award Ceremony. The event included monetary awards to four top seniors, and commendations to 32 High School students in the areas of Academics, Community Service, Fine Arts and Sports.


MLK statue created by Link Geraldine McCullough

Commitment to Services to youth - 2000’s


Continuing our commitment to Services to youth, West Towns partnered with “100 Black Men” to offer Kaplan tutoring at a significantly reduced rate for college bound minority students in our service area. The Chapter provided an annual workshop to groups of high school students called, CHOICE. This workshop featured sessions on the high school-college transition: responsible credit; safe sexuality and staying healthy while on your own; the differences between jobs and careers and the value of networking.


The Chapter partnered with the Glass Slipper Project in Chicago to provide donated prom dresses and accessories at no cost to girls, who might otherwise not be able to go to their proms. This program grew exponentially and now serves thousands of girls throughout the Chicago area and has received national recognition.

West Towns presents at the It’s Just Us Girls event and girls are attending!

The West Towns Links Chapter developed programs in support of all of the Links Facets including a series of financial workshops to increase financial literacy, investing responsibility, and securing the future for families. Presenters from Charles Schwab and other firms provided valuable resource material.



The Chapter raised the awareness of the importance of organ donation with a “green ribbon” campaign. As a partner with the American Cancer Society, we held workshops on prostate cancer and arranged for free screening at two local hospitals. Additionally we participated in “Tell a Friend”, a breast cancer initiative with all of our members contacting 10 friends, co-workers, and neighbors to remind them to schedule a mammogram and provided information on resources to get the exam for free if money was a challenge.


A continuing program in the International Trends facet is support for the Feed My Starving Children organization. Several times each year, chapter members go to Feed My Starving Children’s suburban headquarters and make packages of high nutrition food that are then sent to places around the world where needed. Recently, the Chapter began sponsorship of a Football (Soccer) program for boys in Jamaica. In 2013 the chapter sent uniforms, socks and sports equipment to the team.


As part of the National Trends programming, we have sponsored black businesses and established a scholarship to support a female minority student entering a business management curriculum. We also facilitated workshops on dressing for success and preparing for job interviews.


Advancement in academics - 2010’s


As part of the Washington School partnership and adoption, we have provided school supplies, winter outdoor clothing, and uniforms to address the community’s needs in light of the recession. To advance the academic growth of the students, chapter members mentored students in math and reading and did volunteer tutoring over the summer months. The Chapter began offering a Fine Arts Festival at Washington Elementary School.


The festival features mixed media artwork, dance, African drumming and instrument making, drill team, and performances highlighting historical events and personalities. We also established “Fun Runs” held once a month. During the event, the students are encouraged to include exercise as part of their daily routine and are taught about how to live a healthy life. The school, once on a State underperforming list, has identified the partnership as one of the reasons for the improved performance.

Link NEED NAME reading to a class of students from SCHOOL

The Chapter has a robust Eco-Youth Initiative, a strategic project aligned with our national health initiatives and objectives. The purpose of this project is to raise youth awareness of the ecological and environmental challenges through hands-on activities and workshops. The Eco-Youth Initiative has included demonstrations and activities including seed planting, recycling, planting flowers and protecting the environment. The Chapter maintains an urban garden in Maywood, IL, providing the residents in our service area a true “hands on” sustainable gardening experience. The Chapter has partnered with Home Depot and the Morton Arboretum for supplies and facilitators.


In February 2013 the congregation of St. John’s AME Church, Lisle, IL, honored the West Towns Chapter for our service to the community.


In 2017, we committed to a theme of YES (year of extraordinary service). This commitment coupled with the foundation laid by others contributed to our chapter being honored with national award-winning recognition.


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