SERVICES TO YOUTH FACET
The Arts
During the 2020 pandemic, The Arts Facet conducted various virtual programming, including our Annual African American Read-In, with our partner CUNY/York College. The featured author was the CNN political commentator, politician, and attorney Bakari Sellers. Additional virtual programming included JCAL Reading and Discussion: American Politics and Community Today; The Queens Historical Society; Jay Jaxon: 40 Years of Fashion Design Brilliance Exhibit and the James Baldwin Series; and an exercise dance program.
In 2023, the Arts Facet spearheaded programming for Women’s History Month, which recognized the contributions of African American women to the genre of gospel music and honored leading women in the Borough of Queens and NYC. A luncheon program featuring Grammy, NAACP Image & Stellar Gospel Award Winner Yolanda Adams was the featured artist. Honored were Principal Dancer American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland & Honorary Member of The Links, Incorporated; Speaker, New York City Council, The Hon. Adrienne E. Adams; Group Vice President Government Affairs Charter Communications, Camille Joseph-Goldman; NAACP National Board Member & President New York State Conference, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, and Sr. Pastor, The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of NY, Rev. Dr. Elaine M. Flake, D. Min, both legacy members of The Links, Incorporated.
Recorder Program
As part of the chapter’s Umbrella program, the Arts Facet partners with P.S./I.S. 116, providing students with educational resources and experiences that increase their academic awareness through music. The Recorder Program has been for 3, 4, and 5th graders. The students participate in year-round recorder instruction once a week. There is a culmination performance of the students for the faculty, parents, and members of the Greater Queens (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
Annual African American Read-In
The Chapter has a long-standing tradition of hosting the Annual African American Read-In, which is celebrated in February, where we celebrate the diverse voices of African American writers. In the past, we have featured writers such as the Honorable Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, 24th President of Liberia, Frank Savage, and our very own Cheryl Wills, news anchor and reporter of Spectrum News, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the event.
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
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National Signature Arts Programs
Greater Queens (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has also adopted several signature arts programs of The Links, Incorporated, such as the National Poster Arts Contest, Young Masters 2.0 Competition, and Classic Through the Ages. Students come from different schools and arts organizations within the borough of Queens.
The National Poster Art Competition incorporates sub-themes including, but not limited to, a healthy and clean environment, a bully-free world, and an inclusive and diverse society as elements related to healthy and happy communities.
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Classics Through the Ages is an innovative dual mentoring program that thrives on collaboration. Chapters, in conjunction with artistic partners, mentor promising student artists, who in turn mentor their peers. This collaborative effort extends to the community, as chapters provide further support by funding advanced training classes and workshops to expand the student artists’ learning experiences, ensuring that everyone has a role to play in nurturing our young talents.
Community Partners
Greater Queens (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated often partners with arts institutions in Queens. We have worked with Jamaica Center for Arts Learning (JCAL) to offer a book discussion series highlighting the works of James Baldwin. In addition, we work with Joe’s Academy of Music to offer music instruction to students.