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A Red Ruby Affair

Shirlee Ellis AmosJoyce Black**Mattie DobbsPatricia GibsonJamesina E. HendersonAlexis Camille JacksonRosina V. JacksonConsuelo B. MarshallIn 1975, a distinctive group of professional women shared with each other theirefforts, time, and energies in volunteer involvement. As individual small effortsbecame known to others, the seeds of their collective efforts were sown.Eventually, it was realized that more community service could be rendered ifefforts were combined into a single volunteer service group. The result was theSEAVU Service Club, composed of the original service group plus otherdedicated women from the community.To be effective in a large suburban community, they decided to target work insections of the community demonstrating the greatest need. The womenrepresented a wide variety of professional backgrounds and involvements; thus,they were very successful in expanding and manifesting community services ofall types and kinds to those in need.On May 25, 1985, the Beverly Hills West Chapter became a new link in thehistoric chain of dedicated women to friendship and service in The Links,Incorporated.LaDoris McClaneyClaudette RobinsonMargaret Patricia RodgersJan RooksErleen ScottMercedes H. WilliamsSonja L. ThompsonMyrlie E. WilliamsDoris R. ValdryPamelia L. WiltzFrances WilliamsGeraldine P. WoodsGail E. WyattMignon M. Wyatt

so we established the SEAVU Service Club. Among the community projects that webecame involved in were the L.I.E.U.C.A.P. program for senior citizens in Santa Monica,Mar Vista Housing Development, the Head-start programs in Venice and Santa Monicaand the Homeless Shelter for Abused Women in Venice. After several years of dedicated service, the SEAVU Service Club soon became aninterest group and on May 25, 1985, the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter was charteredin the historic chain of The Links, Incorporated, a national organization of dedicated andtalented women linked in friendship and service. Through consistent, dedicated service inthe areas of education and youth development, cultural enrichment, health and wellnessas well as civic and intercultural programming, we made noteworthy accomplishmentsand positively impacted our service area. Amongst our many achievements, one of the most memorable was in honor of our 20thAnniversary, when the Beverly Hills West Chapter hosted The Links' 37th BiennialWestern Area Conference at the Century Plaza Hotel in June, 2005. After more than 31 years of dedication and service to the Beverly Hills West (CA)Chapter and The Links Incorporated, I received Platinum status in July, 2016. Today, Ifeel so proud as I reflect on our history and how much my beloved chapter hasaccomplished over the past 40 years. Extreme proudness to our Link member, Dr. KarenCole for serving as the 19th Western Area Director, of The Links Incorporated, PlatinumActive Charter member, Dr. LaDoris McClaney who has served for many years on theNational Fundraising committee, and to all of our chapter members serving withNational appointments.I am grateful that God has allowed me to be here tonight to celebrate this momentousoccasion. Links will forever hold a dear place in my heart. A special thank you to eachmember of the Beverly Hills West Chapter for honoring our history and our legacy, andcontinuing to make a difference in the lives of so many through your dedication toservice.Congratulations to the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter on yourremarkable 40th Anniversary. I can vividly remember whenservice was the unifying objective that brought together adistinct group of professional women in the westside area of LosAngeles in the mid 1970’s. Soon after, we realized that morecommunity service could be provided if we combined our efforts,

Dear Members, Friends and Guests,Our illustrious chapter was chartered on May 25, 1985 during a time when actress Diahann Carroll broughtelegance to the television screen in “Dynasty" along with shoulder pads and dramatic looks. It was also a timewhen the Electric Slide and Cabbage Patch were dances to be remembered. In 2025, “Boots on the Ground” hasbecome a trending favorite and the words represent to me the manner in which our members have always shownup over the past 40 years, ready to serve in and with the community. Our work in the arts goes back to ourfounding with the star studded “Panorama of Talent” to our standing room only panels featuring womenexcelling in their industries to our kidney care community events and Dr.ME! program inspiring youth to pursueSTEM professions and our giving to assist the unhoused and senior communities.It is a privilege to preside as a second term President for the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter of The Links,Incorporated. We are 66 members strong, bringing our myriad of skills sets, life experiences, talents and tithestogether to collectively blend in friendship and service. It has been my joy to bring a few firsts to our chapter:the “Chapter and Verse” newsletter, managed so well by Jasmine C. Houston; the Past Presidents’ Council,Chaired by Ruth V. Creary to advise me; the Family Linkages Committee, chaired by Natasha Joplin-Lightfooteto embrace the family of our members; the creation of a Press Secretary, Press Core and CommunityEngagement Committee; the active pursuit of Fund Development; a chapter podcast, “Community inConversation” co-hosted by member and television personality Tanya Acker and a partnership with Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills.Reflecting on the continuum between our Chapter Organizer, Joyce T. Black launching our chapter, to theinspiration that continues through our only active Charter Platinum Member and our 8th Chapter President, La-Doris McClaney; to the dynamic leadership of Karen Ragland Cole our 10th Chapter President and WesternArea Director; to the loving encouragement of my sponsor Ruth V. Creary and 11th Chapter President; to theanointing by Adell Batchelor Walker who appointed me as Vice President during her term as our 12th ChapterPresident; to having a member of Congress as an esteemed chapter member, Sydney Kamlager-Dove; to everysingle member of our esteemed chapter who give unselfishly, there is a clear through line and that is dedication!Our National President, Ethel Isaacs Williams exemplifies dedication and her intention cascades through everylevel of Linkdom! I am grateful to her for my appointment to the National Women’s Empowerment Committee.Congratulations to our Chapter! We are at the precipice of a new decade of service and commitment duringvery challenging times. May we make the best of all that we have to offer and be blessed in the fulfillment ofour purpose.Thanks to all of you, our members who bring their best selves, our sponsors, partners, visiting members of TheLinks, Incorporated, our friends and family for standing with us! Special gratitude is extended to my entirefamily for supporting me and embracing the time that I spend for the betterment of Beverly Hills West (CA).Yours in Honoring Our History & Advancing Our Future,Zna Portlock HoustonPresident, Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter of The Links, IncorporatedMay 31, 2025

Welcome, Family, Friends, and Honored Guests,It is our great honor and privilege to welcome you to the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter’s40th Anniversary Celebration - A Ruby Red Affair.As the daughters of Links (DOLs) of our chapter’s first and second Presidents, Joyce T. Blackand Doris R. Valdry, we are proud to serve as Co-Chairs of this milestone occasion. We standon the shoulders of these dynamic women, and the other visionary charter members who, onMay 25, 1985, established our beloved chapter of The Links, Incorporated.While the official colors of The Links, Incorporated are green and white, the radiant ruby redgemstone, symbolic of a 40th anniversary represents the strength, vitality, and perseverancethat has defined our journey. What began with 22 charter members has blossomed over fourdecades into a vibrant, unified chapter of dedicated women committed to friendship, service,and impactful programming. Tonight, we invite you to celebrate our extraordinary journey of sisterhood and service. Weextend heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, tireless 40th Anniversary committeemembers, and our devoted Chapter President, Zna Portlock Houston, Esq. With your supportand donations we continue to uplift our community through transformative programs andscholarships that empower African American high school students. We honor each and everymember of the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter, past and present, for your contributions, yourleadership, and your enduring commitment.Together, we will continue to build a lasting legacy, one of excellence, purpose, and pride forgenerations to come.With gratitude and joy,Jeanine T. Black and Linda ValdryCo-Chairs, 40th Anniversary CommitteeBeverly Hills West (CA) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated

Tanya Hart is an acclaimed producer and host whose career spans several decades acrosstelevision, film, and digital media. A four-time Emmy Award winner with eight nominations,Hart was recently honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Gold Circle Award bythe National Television Academy. She has also been inducted into the National Association ofBlack Journalists’ (NABJ) Journalism Hall of Fame.Renowned for her groundbreaking work, Hart has received numerous accolades, including anOscar nomination and a Peabody Award for her powerful documentaries and docuseries. Inthe early 1990s, she relocated to Los Angeles to build Black Entertainment Television’s (BET)West Coast operations, playing a pivotal role in expanding the network's presence andinfluence in the entertainment industry. Shortly thereafter, she founded Tanya HartCommunications, Inc. (THC Inc.), continuing to lead innovative projects at the intersection ofmedia and social impact.Once a proud member of The Links, Incorporated, Hart transferred from the Boston Chapterto the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter, where she served as Chapter secretary and helpedlead numerous signature entertainment events. Her recent work includes the compelling documentary The Birth of a Black Movie Hero, nowstreaming on SHOWTIME, and The Longest Walk, available on TUBI and Prime Video. Shealso appears in the award-winning documentary Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni & TupacShakur. Under her production company, Hart recently launched the scripted podcast InvisibleEagles: Bessie Coleman, starring Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis.In addition to her media productions, Hart hosts a podcast for American Urban RadioNetworks, continuing to influence and inform audiences nationwide. She is a distinguishedalumna of Michigan State University and holds a master’s degree from the Harvard GraduateSchool of Education.Tanya Hart lives in Los Angeles with her family and continues to be a powerful voice in mediaand culture.Host | Producer | Trailblazer

Welcome……..................................................................................Member Procession……..…................................................ 40th Celebration Chairs…............................................“Redspiration”….......................................................................Invocation……..............................................................................Dinner is ServedMusical Entertainment…...............................................Remarks..…....................................................................................Video Presentation….........................................................President’s Greeting……..................................................40th Celebration VideoA Toast to 40 Years…......................................................Remarks…......................................................................................Our Scholars & Video…..................................................Congratulations to Our Family….........................Our Programs…......................................................................Acknowledgement of Dignitaries…....................Remarks…......................................................................................Sponsor & Partnership Recognition….............Closing Remarks...................................................................Party on the Patio with DJ PrintzMistress of Ceremonies, Tanya Hart, Syndicated Radio Host and Producer”Boots on the Ground” Jeanine T. Black, J.D., and Linda Valdry; Daughters of Chartering MembersJasmine C. Houston, Mental Health Liaison and Chapter Press SecretaryVictoria Moran, PsyD., Western Area Chaplain of The Links, Incorporated,Chapter Co-Chair, Scholarship CommitteeUnderground VibesKaren Ragland Cole, MD, FACR, MPH, MBA, Western Area Director of TheLinks, IncorporatedEthel Isaacs Williams, J.D., National President of The Links, IncorporatedZna Portlock Houston, Esq., Admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of theUnited States, President of Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter of The Links,IncorporatedLa-Doris McClaney, PhD. (hon) Active Charter Platinum MemberRuth Creary, PhD., BHW Past Presidents’ Council ChairMonet Daniels, EdD., Scholarship ChairNatasha Joplin-Lightfoote, BHW Family Linkages ChairErika Littleton-Grant, BHW Health and Human Services ChairKimberly Freeman, EdD., Vice President of BHWSydney Kamlager-Dove, Congress Member 37th Congressional DistrictAdell Batchelor Walker, Lead Chair, Ways and Means; Western AreaStrategic Planning ChairZna Portlock Houston, Esq., President of BHW

Vegetable Napoleon (Vegetarian layered roasted vegetables)Asparagus & Baby Carrots Fingerling potatoesPan Roasted Salmon garnished with AsparagusBroccoliniGarlic Confit Mashed PotatoesChicken CacciatoreAsparagus and Baby carrotsCreamy Yellow PolentaBaby arugula, Cherry tomatoes, and Shaved Parmesan,served with the Cameo house-made vinaigretteStrawberries Dipped in Chocolate

It is an honor and privilege to be a part of an organization founded on the precepts offriendship and service, and I am pleased that you have chosen to share this moment with us aswe commemorate our historical journey. When we look back on our history and reflect uponthe work and services we have done in our communities, I am most proud of the work we havedone in providing talented African American students throughout the Los Angeles Area,college scholarships based on financial need, cumulative grade point average and school andcommunity involvement. Since its inception, the Beverly Hills West Chapter has awarded morethan $500,000 in scholarships.Our Scholarship Program has grown from offering one-time scholarships to a single student tooffering four-year scholarships to multiple students. In addition, we have added a mentoringcomponent so that each scholar has a mentor who provides guidance throughout his/hereducational journey. In 2020, during the midst of Covid, eight four year scholarships wereawarded, totaling over $124,000. Half of the class made the Dean's List every semester, andone student graduated in three years with a 3.8 GPA. These scholars graduated in 2024, andtoday are either in graduate school at Columbia University, studying for the MCAT, working atGoldman Sachs or teaching at a private school in Brentwood. Because of your support, theirfuture will be brighter.In 2024, we selected six students for our newest class of scholars and distributed $50,000 inscholarships. These BHW Scholars have just completed their freshmen year at HowardUniversity, Morehouse College, UC- Berkeley or Loyola Marymount University. Four of themsucceeded in making the Dean’s List their first semester. We are excited to see what theirfuture holds. We know, with your unwavering support, we can provide the financial assistanceneeded for them to accomplish their dreams.As we celebrate our 40-year history and reflect upon how our scholarship awards have made adifference, we hope that over the next forty years, we are able to help even more promisingyouth. With your continuing generosity and support, we will achieve this goal. Thank you!Sincerely,Dr. Monet L. DanielsBHW Scholarship ChairOn behalf of the Members of the Scholarship Committee of theBeverly Hills West (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Iwelcome and thank you for joining us as we celebrate our 40Chapter Anniversary.th

Jalen Noel San Diego State UniversityBachelor of Science in Aerospace EngineeringMentored by Scholarship Committee Member Jasmine C. HoustonFor more information on "Our Scholars" go to:https://www.beverlyhillswestlinks.org/our-scholarsDevyn JacksonMorehouse CollegeMilissa SuttonUC BerkeleyGrayson TooleyHoward UniversityHaley HendersonUC BerkeleyRyan Kazadi-BowlesHoward UniversityTayla WilhiteLoyola Marymount University

BEVERLY HILLS WEST (CA) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATEDON 40 YEARS OF SERVICE, FRIENDSHIP, AND EXCELLENCE.CHEERS TO PRESIDENT ZNA PORTLOCK HOUSTON, ESQ.ON A WELL EARNED SECOND TERM. WE LOVE YOU ANDARE SO PROUD OF YOU!WITH L O V E A N D A D M I R A T I O N ,CEDRI C , D A N I E L L E , C O L E M A N , Z Y A A N D I K H I D ECongratulationsto thePresident pictured with her sponsor, Dr. Ruth V. Creary

HAL WILLIAMSHAL WILLIAMS

Congratulations to Attorney Zna PortlockHouston on your second term asPresident of Beverly Hills West (CA)Chapter of The Links, Incorporated andbest wishes to the chapter for continuedexcellence in serving the community!Yours truly,Charles BurnettOscar Winning Filmmaker, Director, Writer

Zna continues to serve her Chapter well as she beginsher second term as its President. Her vision resulted,among other things, in the creation of the PastPresidents' Council, a partnership with Mercedes-Benz ofBeverly Hills, Chapter newsletter "Chapter and Verse" andnow the Chapter Podcast, "Community in Conversation". Congratulations toChapter PresidentZna Portlock Houston and the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapterof The Links, Incorporated on the occasion ofthe Chapter's 40th Anniversary!Well done my friend!With Love,Brenda Penny GainerInglewood Pacific (CA) Chapter ofThe Links, Incorporated

BEVERLY HILLS WEST (CA) CHAPTERBEVERLY HILLS WEST (CA) CHAPTEROF THE LINKS, INCORPORATEDOF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED YOU'VE SET THE BAR HIGH!CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU CONQUER NEXTL i n k A d e l l B a t c h e l o r W a l k e rL e a d C o - C h a i r W a y s & M e a n s W e s t e r n A r e a S t r a t e g i c P l a n n i n g C h a i rN a t i o n a l S t r a t e g i c P l a n n i n g C o m m i t t e eon 40 years of exemplary service to communities that need our aid.YOU'VE SET THE BAR HIGH!CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU CONQUER NEXTon 40 years of exemplary service to communities that need our aid.L i n k A d e l l B a t c h e l o r W a l k e rL e a d C o - C h a i r W a y s & M e a n s W e s t e r n A r e a S t r a t e g i c P l a n n i n g C h a i rN a t i o n a l S t r a t e g i c P l a n n i n g C o m m i t t e e

Congratulations to theBeverly Hills West (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporatedon 40 years ofFriendship & Exceptional Community Service!Congratulations Beverly Hills WestChapter On Your 4oth Anniversary Palos Verdes (CA) Chapter

In Celebration of 40 Radiant Years of Sisterhood, Service, and Unshakable LegacyExcerpted Version Presented at A Red Ruby Affair – Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter 40th Anniversary GalaSome jewels are worn. Ours are lived.Forged in fire. Carried with purpose. Passed down through generations of sisterhood.Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate time—but to honor transformation.Not simply to reflect on 40 years—but to reignite the flame that has burned brilliantly through every season of our chapter’s journey.This is more than A Red Ruby Affair.It is a sacred celebration of vision, resilience, and divine sisterhood.The ruby—our gem of honor—is more than beautiful.It is bold. It is battle-tested. It is born of pressure.And like the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter,it does not crack under fire—it glows brighter because of it.For four decades, we have been a force of grace and grit.We have lifted young voices, preserved culture, fueled movements, and expanded access.We have marched. We have mentored. We have ministered.Not for praise, but for purpose.Not for recognition, but for revolution.This celebration belongs to every Link who ever stayed up late planning,every woman who gave from her heart when no one was watching,every sister who whispered, “I’ve got you,” when someone almost gave up.You are this chapter’s heartbeat.This ruby’s glow is yours.And on this night—the final day of Mental Health Awareness Month—we pause not only to honor the soul of our legacy,but also the souls of one another.Because even rubies must rest.Even leaders need light.Even the strongest women deserve softness, safety, and space to breathe.Let us remember:Strength is not the absence of struggle.True strength is found in our willingness to check on each other,to say, “I need help,” to rest without guilt, to heal while we lead.Tonight, we honor not just the work we’ve done—We honor the women we’ve become while doing it.Because our wellness is part of our witness.And our joy is part of the justice we seek.Let this be your REDSPIRATIONLet the fire of these 40 years remind you—we are just getting started.Let every ruby-lit memory fuel the next vision, next victory, next voice.Let your service flow from a full cup.Let your brilliance be matched by your balance.And when you rise tomorrow—Rise boldly. Rise whole. Rise knowing:You are the legacy.You are the light.And your glow cannot be dimmed.Beverly Hills West—Our light is legendary.Our link is unbreakable.And our legacy is eternal.Happy 40th Anniversary.A Red Ruby Affair isn’t just a celebration—It’s a promise that we will keep shining, keep serving, and keep showing up—for each other, and for those still waiting to rise.Jasmine C. HoustonMental Health Liaison & Chapter Press SecretaryBeverly Hills West (CA) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated

— Chapter Members —— Chapter Members —— Officers —Zna Portlock Housto n - PresidentKimberly Freeman - Vice PresidentTina Choyce - Recor ding SecretaryMarchelle Broussard - Corresponding Secr etary Lura Flowers - Fin ancial SecretaryKathryn Shirley - T reasurer+*La-Doris McClaney - Nominating ChairCamille Mayo - Assi stant Financial Secre taryLovene Knight - Par liamentarianPalencia Turner - P rogram ChairLisa Holly - Histor ianShanta Sullivan - C haplain+*Joyce T. Black, May 25, 1985+Charter Member, *Past President, **Immediate Past President, ~Past President, previous chapter— Chapter Organizer —— Active Members —— In Memoriam —Thelma Anderson • Cecilia Brown • Dorothy Ehrhart-Morrison • Viola W. Golden • *Barbara Lake • +Margaret (Patricia)Rodgers • +*Erleen Scott (Platinum) Johnetta Settle • +*Doris Valdry • Virginia Rodney Valdry • Susie Williams— Alumna & Platinum Members —Yvonne Adams • Addie Arbor • Mary L. Davis • Carolyn Folks • Evelyn Johnson • Marion JohnsonCherie Martin • +*La-Doris McClaney (Platinum) Cynthia Oredugba • Deborah Prothrow-StithMargaret Batchelor White (Platinum Alumna) • +Pamelia Wiltz • +Mignon WyattTanya Acker, Claudia Alleyne, Victoria Beeks, LaShonda Blevins, Stacey Bowers, Cheryl Bowman-Scott, Adrienne Burrows,Qiana Bush, Roberta Butler, Monica Carter-Soaris, Tamala Choma, *Karen Cole (Western Area Director), Dana Coleman,Rahel Mengiste Cook, *Ruth Creary, Alexis Crump, *Monet Daniels, I. Jean Davis, Raven Davis, Evelyn Duckett, LaurenTrosclair Duncan, Nicole Duncan, Lisa Grant, Bonnie Boswell Hamilton, Tanisha Harper, Frenchye M. Harris, MeredithHightower, Jasmine C. Houston, Nicole Hancock Husband, Sherri Jefferson, Janine Hancock Jones, Nicole J. Jones,~Natasha Joplin-Lightfoote, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Holly Lake, Glenda Lang, Marguerite Lathan, Sharoni Little, ErikaLittleton-Grant, Lillian Maynard, Victoria Moran, Val Murphy, Senta Newell, Maygan Orr, **Sherril Rieux, MaryellaSatinover, Misty Shellner-Bennett, Salaam Smith, Sylvia Swilley, Lisa Thompson, Susan Valdry, *Adell Batchelor Walker, April Woods— 40th Anniversary Co-Chairs —Jeanine T. Black and Linda Valdry