About the Legislative Summit
- Links in Congress— Since the Election. Members of The Links, Incorporated serving in the U.S. House of Representatives will examine the state of Black America since the 2020 presidential election. From voting rights, to economic recovery and stability, policing, and criminal justice reform, this dynamic panel will address systemic issues affecting our communities.
- Sisters United4Reform— How it Started ~ How it’s Going. Leaders from the 13 African American women’s organizations comprising Sisters United4Reform will reflect on the impetus for the call to action the alliance delivered in 2020 in response to the racial and social reckoning ignited in the United States. Our esteemed panelists will discuss the progress the country has made and the work that still needs to be done.
- The Women Behind the CROWN: Forces behind the CROWN Act will share about the journey from getting the anti-hair discrimination act first passed in California, to its passage in 13 other states, its status as a federal bill introduced in both chambers of the U.S. Congress, and its cultural and personal impact on Black lives.
The 2021 presentation of The Links, Incorporated Trailblazer Award to Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” a Presidential Commendation to the Honorable William J. Walker, sergeant at arms, United States House of Representatives, and a Presidential Citation to Kim. E. Campbell, deputy sergeant at arms, United States House of Representatives. An inspiring call to action to push our advocacy agenda forward will help round out the day’s programming.
The Legislative Summit, a signature event hosted by The Links Foundation, Incorporated, is designed to elevate the national conversation on critical issues impacting the progress of Black communities. Please join us as we demonstrate the strength of Our VOICE. Our VOTE. Our POWER!
Participants
Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, Ph.D.
National President
The Links, Incorporated and
The Links Foundation, Incorporated
Ethel Isaacs Williams, J.D.
National Vice President
The Links, Incorporated and
The Links Foundation, Incorporated
Kamilia Landrum
National Legislative Affairs and Public Issues Committee
The Links, Incorporated
Abina Billups
National Legislative Affairs and Public Issues Committee
The Links, Incorporated
Kamala D. Harris
Vice President of the United States of America
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
D-TX, 30th District
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
D-TX 18th District
Congresswoman Val Demings
D-FL 10th District
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley
D-MA 7th District
Jo Ann Jenkins
CEO
AARP
Dr. Glenda Glover
International President
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Beverly Evans Smith
National President and CEO
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Rasheeda Liberty
International Grand Basileus
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Virginia Harris
President
National Council of 100 Black Women
Gwainevere Catchings Hess
President
Black Women’s Agenda, Inc.
Susan L. Taylor
Founder and CEO
National CARES Mentoring Movement
Melanie L. Campbell
President and CEO
Black Women’s Roundtable
Adjoa Asamoah
Founder
ABA Consulting
Esi Eggleston Bracey
CEO, EVP Beauty & Personal Care
Unilever North America
Kelli Richardson Lawson
Founder and CEO
JOY Collective
Opal Lee
“Grandmother of Juneteenth”
Social Impact Leader
The Honorable William J. Walker
Sergeant at Arms
United States House of Representatives
Kim E. Campbell
Deputy Sergeant at Arms
United States House of Representatives
2020-2022 Advocacy Agenda
Operating Principle
Diversity and Inclusion
The Links, Incorporated’s legislative and public affairs priorities are considered through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Links, Incorporated is uniquely positioned to leverage the collective strength, resources, and energy of our members to ensure that public policy being considered is reflective of our membership and the global community we serve.
Advocacy Priorities
While we continue to monitor and advocate on numerous public policy issues, The Links, Incorporated has identified four priorities for the biennium. Our efforts in these areas do not imply that other areas are excluded from our engagement.
- Health
Public Health | COVID-19
- Research, Access & Distribution of Vaccines
- Education | Impact on our Communities (virtual learning, schools, etc.)
- Community | Individual Safety Protocols
- Affordable Health Care (protect pre-existing conditions)
Environmental Justice (clean air, water, housing)
- Reducing Health Disparities | Equity
- Mental and Behavioral Health
- Economic Sustainability
- Recovery (jobs and business ownership)
- Racial and Gender Economic Equity
- Civil and Voting Rights
- Maintain voter protections and expand access to the polls
- Increasing voter participation and engagement
- Advocate for fair representation (redistricting)
- Sentencing reform
- Civil protections under the law
- Criminal Justice and Public Safety
- Law Enforcement Reform
- Reduce Gun Violence
- Bail
- Police Review and Policing
2020 – 2022 Partners
- Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
- White House – Office of Public Engagement
- When We All Vote (WWAV)
- National Medical Association (NMA)
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
- National Bar Association (NBA)