By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.
Fifty years is a long time—long enough to build a legacy of service, create deep bonds of friendship, and foster a commitment to community that spans generations. As the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of The Links, Incorporated celebrates its golden anniversary, one can’t help but reflect on the journey that began in 1974 with a group of determined women. Among them was Mrs. E. Pearl Maloney, AKA Mama Peral, a charter member who played a vital role in bringing the organization to life in Fort Lauderdale.
Sitting in the cozy comfort of Mama Peral’s living room, it was clear that the memories of those early days are still vivid in her heart and mind. With a nostalgic smile, she fondly recounted how the chapter came to be. “We started this journey when I was introduced to The Links in West Palm Beach by two dear friends, Ardis Orr and Lillian Alice Gaines. I was excited to join, but I couldn’t because I didn’t live in the area. My husband Charles, who was from West Palm Beach, was just as disappointed as I was. But he was determined to help me find a way.”
Mama Peral’s determination paid off. Along with 16 of her closest friends, she helped charter the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of The Links, Inc. on September 24, 1974. Of those 17 original members, four are still with us today: Ethel Pearl Maloney, Rose Legon Merritt, Nielza Miller Pittman, and Eleanor Robinson. Though some of the founding members have since passed, their contributions live on, immortalized in the history of the chapter and the broader Links organization.
As Mama Peral’s shared stories of those who are no longer with us—names like Agnes Burrows, Margaret Blake Roach, and Eddie Pearl DeGraffenreidt I better stop naming because if I Forget some I’ll be in trouble—there was a mix of joy and reverence in her voice. “We really loved one another,” she said. “It wasn’t just about the service, it was about friendship. And our husbands, our Connecting Links, played a big role in keeping the chapter going.”
In those early years, the women of the Fort Lauderdale Links, Inc. forged a legacy of community engagement that continues to this day. From walkathons and White Rose Teas to initiatives focused on youth development and sickle cell awareness, their work left an indelible mark on Broward County. Mama Peral’s beams with pride when she reflects on how the chapter has evolved. “Our Heir Links have continued to care for us and carry on the work we started,” she said, grateful for the new generation’s dedication to service.
When asked if there was ever a time she thought about stepping away from the organization, Mama Peral’s response was immediate: “I never wanted to stop. Even when my children were in college, I needed something to do, and service kept me going.” For her, The Links provided a sense of purpose that only deepened over time.
One of the highlights of our conversation was the gold medallion proudly draped around Mama Peral’s neck—a symbol of her status as a Platinum Member of The Links, a distinction reserved for those over the age of 80 with an exceptional record of service. She blushed with pride when I asked about it, as though she were a schoolgirl all over again. “We Platinum Members have earned our privileges,” she joked, “and my daughter, Charda, always teases me that we can get away with a lot now!” There are four Platinum Members in the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of the Links Inc. and they are: Ethel Pearl Maloney, Rose Legon Merritt, Nielza Miller Pittman and Barbara Jones.
As the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of The Links, Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s clear that the spirit of the organization remains as vibrant as ever. The chapter has grown, but its mission to uplift the community, empower youth, and preserve culture has never wavered. The legacy of women like Mrs. Maloney ensures that the chapter’s future will be as bright as its past.
Today, the Fort Lauderdale Chapter continues to thrive under the guiding principles of friendship and service, reaching across five key facets: Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services. As it steps into its next 50 years, the chapter will undoubtedly continue to be a pillar of the community, driven by the same passion and dedication that inspired its founders.
“It is a profound honor to serve as President of the Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated during our 50th anniversary. My connection to the chapter runs deep, long before I became a member in 2015. As a teenager actively involved in community programs and a member of Mount Hermon AME Church, I was fortunate to be mentored by visionary leaders like Mrs. Rose Merrit, Mrs. Pearl Maloney, Mrs. Nielza Pittman, and the late Mrs. Mary Allen, who are recognized as our Charter Members. In 1986, as a graduating senior, I was honored by the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of The Links, Incorporated for my scholastic achievements. The saying “it takes a village” resonates deeply with me, and I am filled with pride to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of these extraordinary women and express my gratitude for their 50 years of friendship and service.”
Congratulations to the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of The Links, Inc. on 50 remarkable years of service. Here’s to the future—may it be filled with love, friendship, and even more service to the community.
The 17 Charter Members Fort Lauderdale Chapter of Links, Inc.: Ethel Pearl Maloney, Rose Legon Merritt, Nielza Miller Pittman, and Eleanor Robinson. Gone on to glory are:
Enid C. Meadows Allen*, Mary Allen*, Agnes Burrows* Alma Reddick* Carolyn Dandy* Eddie Pearl DeGraffenreidt* Frankie Patton Foeman* Inez Gardener* Ethel Johnson* Alma Reddick* Margaret Blake Roach* Florie Seabury* Gloria Stephenson* Thomasine Torrence*
About The Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated:
Founded in 1974, the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, is part of an international organization dedicated to the cultural and economic well-being of people of African ancestry. With more than 17,000 members worldwide, The Links, Incorporated continues to make a positive impact through its volunteer efforts across the United States and beyond.
