THE LINKS, INC. SUPPORTS SOJOURNER TRUTH MEMORIAL FUND

Capital City Chapter Provides Support For United States Capitol Statue

On April 28, 2009, Sojourner Truth, an American abolitionist and women's rights activist (1797 – November 26, 1883), will become the first African American woman to be memorialized with a bust in the United States Capitol. This honor is made possible in large part due to the support of The Links, Incorporated’s Capital City Chapter whose members are providing the pedestal on which the likeness will be placed.

On Tuesday, First Lady of the United States Mrs. Michelle Obama will unveil the bust at a ceremony in the Capitol. She will be joined by Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and other sponsors including members of The National Congress of Black Women, Inc. and The Links, Inc.

Following the unveiling, representatives of The Links, Inc. will join the National Congress of Black Women at a luncheon hosted by Cicely Tyson and Yolanda Adams at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington.

The National Congress of Black Women, Inc. undertook the campaign effort to place the bust in the United States Capitol and established the Sojourner Truth Memorial Fund. The Fund is designed to carry on the life and legacy of women who have paved the way for equality for all women. Under the leadership of C. Delores Tucker (also a Link) the effort became known as the "Sojourner Truth Crusade."

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a member of the Houston Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, and then-Senator Hillary Clinton, authored the legislation that made the bust possible.

The Links, Inc. Capital City Chapter and national membership are proud supporters of the Sojourner Truth Memorial Fund. The Capital City Chapter raised the money from its membership to provide the stand that the bust will be placed upon.

“We are very excited to be a part of this historic occasion,” stated Gina Adams, President of the Capital City Chapter of The Links, Inc. “Our members continue to make an impact on the communities that we serve in very special ways. The fact that we are providing the support – literally - to honor such a courageous pioneer is truly humbling.”

“I could not be more proud of The Links, Inc. Capital City Chapter and all our members nationwide that make such historic tributes possible,” stated Gwendolyn B. Lee, National President. “We are proud to help others remember Sojourner Truth’s sacrifice, suffering and struggle to make the world a better place.”

The Links, Inc. is committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the cultural and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. In January, the organization was honored by the Trumpet Awards Foundation and inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.

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For more information, interviews or to request photos from the event, please contact Dan Rene at 703-869-1146 or drene@impactstrategiesllc.com

Dan Rene

Impact Strategies

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Suite 504

Washington, DC 20036

(202) 223-4407 - office

(703) 869-1146 - cell

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drene@impactstrategiesllc.com

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