Oakland Bay Area Links (CA) Chapter History

For over seven decades, the Oakland Bay Area Links (CA) has remained a leader in transformational community service, anchoring its work in Oakland while extending outreach to neighboring communities.

The Oakland Bay Area (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (OBAL), the second chapter chartered in the Western Area, was established on September 23, 1950, by seventeen visionary women who were inspired to make a meaningful difference in their community.

The founding members were: Miriam Rogers, Mary Lou Loving, Frances France, Alice Joseph, Talulah McCrudy, Winifred Younge, Leslie Rickmond, Rose Martin, Ophelia Johnson, Mae Winfield, Mamie Buckingham, Yvonne Fouche, Hazel Vaughn, Frances Crawford, Loraine Rickmond, Margaret Lewis, and Freda Bethel.

The chapter’s first president, Loraine Rickmond, also made history as the inaugural Western Area Director, laying the foundation for OBAL’s leadership legacy in The Links, Incorporated.

For over seven decades, OBAL has remained a leader in transformational community service, anchoring its work in Oakland while extending outreach to neighboring communities. The chapter delivers impactful programming through the five national facet areas.

Signature initiatives include:

Linking Enrichment to Success (LETS), launched in 2007, which began with the adoption of Lafayette Elementary School as our umbrella program, providing enrichment for K–5 students.

In 2017, OBAL expanded its efforts to McClymonds High School, forming a partnership with the student group The FLY Girls (First Love Yourself) and launching #BeyondBarriers, a mentoring program designed to build self-esteem, cultural identity, and holistic teen wellness.
Service partnerships have also included Elizabeth House, a safe haven for women and children, and Youth Uprising, a comprehensive youth empowerment center offering wellness, educational, and cultural services.
OBAL instituted an HBCU Expo hosted at Youth Uprising. This dynamic event introduced local students to the HBCU experience while addressing college preparation, financial aid, mental health, and global education opportunities.
Most recently, OBAL has partnered with St. Paul’s Episcopal School, delivering the Dr. Me! program to expose and encourage underrepresented youth to pursue careers in medicine and other STEM-related professions.

OBAL is widely recognized for its two signature events:

The Cotillion, established in 1956, is the chapter’s hallmark fundraiser. This transformative nine-month leadership program culminates in an elegant gala that honors outstanding high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to community. Over the past seven decades, OBAL has presented more than 1,000 debutantes and escorts across 62 Cotillions.
The Celebration of Excellence Program (COE) awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors. Applications are reviewed through a rigorous evaluation process. For over 25 years, scholarships have been awarded through this program

Together, proceeds from the Cotillion and other fundraising efforts have allowed OBAL to raise over $2.25 million to implement community service programs and provide grants and scholarships to nonprofit organizations and youth across the Bay Area.

With a rich legacy rooted in friendship and service, the Oakland Bay Area (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated continues to lead with purpose, passion, and impact—honoring its past while investing boldly in the future.