After pausing for an elegant celebration of its 60th anniversary in 2016, the Little Rock Chapter of The Links Inc. resumed its traditional Holiday Jazz Brunch. The 45th annual event took place Dec. 2 at the Metroplex in Little Rock.
Themed "A Winter Wonderland -- A Time to Remember," the event was indeed a wonderland ... of all-white decor. Links members wore white or off-white, and invited guests to do the same.
A reception, featuring cash-bar cocktails, a silent auction and music by David Ashley Entertainment kicked off the day. Co-chairman Connie Curry introduced the mistress of ceremonies, Vickie Newton, who in turn introduced each Links member. Chapter President Gloria Love also spoke.
Guests partook of the meal as a short program featured a special tribute to Raye Montague, noted as Arkansas' own "Hidden Figure" and credited for the first computer-generated rough draft of a U.S. naval ship as well as serving as the Navy's first female program manager of ships. Her nickname comes from Hidden Figures, the book and 2016 movie chronicling the lives of three black female mathematicians who worked at NASA and were key figures in the successful launch into orbit of astronaut John Glenn.
Instead of the customary fashion show, the event was topped off with a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer Deniece Williams. Williams crooned a handful of hits including "God Is Amazing" (a cappella), "Free," "Black Butterfly" and "Let's Hear It for the Boy."
Proceeds from the jazz brunch will go toward college scholarships for female high school seniors from central Arkansas and the group's community projects, which include the annual Move Your Body Obesity Forum and the Link Institute for Family Empowerment (L.I.F.E.) program.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 12/10/2017