Links' Harlem Renaissance Affair

The Links, Inc. teams with literacy

and throws classy, Harlem Renaissance affair

By Tomi Morris Johnson. Digital images by Kurk and Tomi Johnson.

MPN Metro Correspondent / tomij@wingcomltd.com

May 4, 2002…The Dogwood City Chapter of The Links, Inc. celebrated its 20^th anniversary by holding an event at the Atlanta Hilton. The focus was on jumpstarting literacy initiatives based on the cultural vibrancy, artistry, and creativity of Harlemites during the 1920s. The high-class gathering offered everything: philanthropic mission, live music, awards, great costumes, soul train line, tap dancing, photo opportunities, ethnic, food, celebrity mixing, poetry, and hero worship.

Colorful Links, Inc. members pose for photographers after Event Coordinator Dr. Karen Moore (ctr.) received fragrant blossoms.

Atlanta’s Dogwood City Chapter is a member of The Links Foundation, Inc., a 501 ( C ) 3 tax-exempt organization. The Links, Inc., founded in 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an collection of over 10,000 women with 270 chapters located in 40 states, Germany, and the Bahamas. Membership is by invitation only.

Obsessed with a passion for learning, the event’s programme stated the affair was held to raise funds for Literacy Action, Inc., “…because in the city of Atlanta, 38% of adults have minimal reading and writing skills. Can we hope for another Langston Hughes or James Weldon Johnson?” Supporters were many and included Platinum Plus Level contributor United Parcel Service (UPS) with a $25,000 donation and AirTran Airways, giving three gift certificates for trips to anywhere it flies which were raffled away.

Matted, black and white pictures of intellectuals and artists from the Harlem Renaissance graced the columns of the ballroom, and period silhouettes surrounded centerpiece globes lit with candles. Projected skyscrapers glittered the walls, making a perfect atmosphere for remembering the lights of Harlem’s heyday. The mood was festive and memorable. Co-chairs were Billye Aaron, wife of baseball great Hank Aaron, and Tanya Coleman.

Giving a special salute to Langston Hughes, tap dancer Terrance J. Bennett performed while State Sen. David Scott recited “Weary Blues.” Music was provided by Golden Touch Revue and included a salute to trumpeter/music ambassador Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong.

Pediatrician Karen Moore, the event’s coordinator, received a fragrant blossom bouquet of premium-quality red roses for her “unending research and tireless efforts revealing Harlem in the 20’s and making this beautiful evening a wonderful learning experience.”

“I opened my big mouth one time too many about how I wanted the affair planned, and the membership said, ‘Just go ahead and do it,’” said Moore “We all pitched in that morning and arranged the flowers ourselves. We had gotten away from theme dressing at events held in the past, but after asking a costume shop for a discount and reminding our members that we couldn’t ask our guests to do what we wouldn’t do, they all decided to dress up.” Moore said the organization netted approximately $68,000 to help fund their literacy project.

I dream a world…

Where love will bless the earth…

Where greed no longer saps the soul…

Where wretchedness will hang its head

And joy, like pearl,

Attends the needs of all mankind…

Langston Hughes

For more information on The Links, Inc., go to: http://mylinkseip.com/eip/

Table 4 exemplified a diversity of culture, beauty and clothing.

Peabo Bryson, famous for singing the theme songs from Disney’s animated movies Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, posed with WingcomLtd’s Tomi Johnson.

Dr. Moore’s period costume swirls after she receives kudos for her tireless efforts for the Harlem Renaissance Affair.

WingcomLtd’s Kurk Johnson was off in one corner with vivacious Anne Allison and Link Planning Committee Member Linda Gulley.

Former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young was dressed for 1920s success in his white pin-stripped suit, derby and cane.

Carolyn Young (right) wore a hat of gold, perfect for the Harlem Renaissance occasion.

In shimmering silver, white and black, Brenda Burks took time off the dance floor to pose with Marlon Jackson.

The trumpeter for Golden Touch Revue gave a rendition of Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World.

Silhouetted centerpieces were fabulous, and the champagne and wine flowed around distinguished guests.

Terrence Bennett, dressed in white tails, tap danced as Georgia State Sen. David Scott gave a wonderful rendition of Langston Hughes’ Weary Blues.

Spats and elbow-length, feathery gloves were the favorite accessories of the evening.

President Audrey Hines and the affair’s co-chairs, Billye Aaron and Tanya Coleman, took time out to thank guests and corporate supporters.

Click on this link - MPN Metro Correspondent to e-mail Tomi Morris Johnson about this article, any suggestions, or other news stories of like relevance and interest to MPN viewers and subscribers. This information is the opinion of the author and, therefore, should not be construed as libelous. ©2002 WingcomLtd. All Rights Reserved.