Historian Archive Submission
The Pasadena-Altadena Chapter of the Links Incorporated is one of the oldest chapters in the
Western Area. Chartered on February 9, 1963, we enjoy a rich history of civic and community
involvement. During the early years, the Chapter focused on programs that raised money for
museums, arts programs, and community libraries. The programs also focused on youth
workshops that would encourage their scholarship and public service. In 1968, the Chapter began
our annual Isaac McClelland Scholarship program for Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD)
graduating seniors.
Empower
After only 7 years of formation, the Chapter hosted the Links Western Area Conference at the Huntington Hotel in 1970.
During the 1980’s, we presented the iconic Ebony Fashion Fair at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium to benefit the United Negro College Fund and other service programs. The Links National program "Project LEAD, High Expectations", for middle school students was
implemented. The first Annual Tea Dance, one of the Chapter’s most successful fundraisers, was held in December 1985.
During the 1990’s, the Chapter received grants from the City of Pasadena to produce a monthly year-long project on "The Empowerment of African American Senior Citizens." In 1995, the
"Pasadena Links to Student Success Saturday School" for grades kindergarten through fourth was founded.
In 1993, the Chapter held the first Annual Senior Talent Showcases which remains a popular community event.
Over the years, the Chapter has received numerous awards and recognition from the Western Area and the National Assembly for many of its programs including “Pasadena Links to Student
Success Saturday School", "Linking to the Arts", for middle school students, "Links Under the Roses”; a health and walking program, Human and Sex Trafficking Workshops, Support of Haiti,
Support of Food Panties and Homeless Shelters, and transitional housing for needy families .
In 2009 the Chapter launched the "Links-Up for Success: Connecting Through Mentoring" program
at John Muir High School which aimed to promote academic achievement and prepare students for college. Two years later, the Chapter received a first-place award (as well as a "$2000 FedEx" Mentoring Award) at the 40th Western Area Conference in 2011, for the "Links Up for Success" program. The Chapter was also awarded a $10,000 STEM Educational Grant from Southern
California Edison.
This grant was used to fund STEM Scholarships, a Computer Coding Module, and admission of 25 mentees to a Disney Educational Youth Engineering Workshop.
Service
The Chapter was honored with the Western Area First Place Diamond Level of Program ServiceAward for our Links Up for Success - Connecting Through Mentoring Umbrella Program, andthe Second Place Winner of the 75 Million Step Challenge in 2021. In 2020, the Chapter received national recognition for best practices for our transformational umbrella program; LinksUp for Success – Connecting Through Mentoring.In 2023 the Chapter held a grand celebration recognizing 60 years of service to the Pasadena-Altadena community.
