NATCHEZ — The Links will have their second Black History Month celebration, A Tribute to Ministers of Southwest Mississippi, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at Saint James Church in Brookhaven.

Women from the five counties and one parish represented in The Natchez Chapter of The Links, Inc. — Adams, Claiborne, Lawrence, Lincoln and Pike counties and Concordia Parish — are following the challenge set forth by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a talented and brilliant black scholar who in 1926 initiated the observance of Negro History Week.

The spiritual and community leaders of the past who were instrumental in the progress of the black race, as well as many of our present day spiritual leaders, have become symbols of courage and hope.

This tribute, “Ministers in ‘Psalm’ II — A Concert of Sacred Music,” will give the community an opportunity to recognize the tireless efforts and the tremendous sacrifices these men of faith continually make for their congregations and their communities.

Without their inspired leadership, we as individuals would falter. Without their dedication and commitment, the progress of our communities would be stifled.

Last year’s concert featured the outstanding voices in solo performances of 11 pastors of prominent churches across Southwest Mississippi, the Rev. Dan Alexander, the Rev. Dr. Birdon Mitchell Jr. and the Rev. Melvin White of Adams County; the Rev. Ray Earl Coleman of Claiborne County; the Rev. Michael Evans of Covington County; Bro. Winfred Frazier, the Rev. Phillip Hamilton, the Rev. Dr. Larry Jointer and the Rev. L. C. Williams of Lincoln County; and the Rev. Antione K. Eakins of Warren County. Other ministers participating on the program were the Rev. Charles Bartley, the Rev. John Scott, the Rev. Bruce E. Nix Sr. and the Rev. Waldo Lilly.

In 2006, the southern area of The Links Inc., developed an initiative to establish a scholarship endowment at each of the 51 historically black colleges and universities in the southern area, with each of our 75 southern area chapters supporting at least one school.

The Natchez Chapter supports Alcorn State University, having among its membership a number of Alcorn alumni and friends.

With a large portion of the funds raised at the 2007 “Ministers in ‘Psalm’ Concert,” the Natchez Chapter and the southern area of The Links, Inc., presented a $9,000 check to Alcorn State University during the halftime of the 2007 homecoming game.

These funds will be used to establish an endowed scholarship in name of the southern area of the Links, Inc., for the purpose of providing financial assistance to worthy students at the university. To commemorate this event, a plaque inscribed with the names all of the ministers who participated in the concert was also presented to the University.

The Natchez Chapter will continue to provide services to the community. For more information contact: Link Jacqueline Evans, 601-587-2150, Link Barbara Crenshaw, 601-442-5415, Link Betty Johnson, 601-636-9642, Link Geneva Patterson, 601-783-3353, Link Laura Price, 601-304-1177, Link Demetria Reed, 601-446-7908, Link Countess Thompson, 833-833-7745, or President Angela Miller, 601-684-5183 or 601-249-0598

The Links, Inc., is an international women’s service organization with 270 chapters in 40 states, the District of Columbia as well as chapters in Nassau, Bahamas and Frankfurt, Germany, and more than 10,000 members.

There are five chapters in Mississippi.