New York, NY — On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated welcomed more than 800 guests to Pier Sixty for its inaugural Dr. Marcella Maxwell Spring Luncheon: Black Swans—a celebration of Black excellence, community impact, and the enduring power of scholarship.
The event honored the resilience, brilliance, and leadership of Black women while raising over $112,000 for scholarships that will support high school senior girls in the Greater New York area. Proceeds will benefit the Dr. Marcella Maxwell and Mrs. Betty King Obiajulu Scholarship Fund, directly supporting young scholars as they pursue their academic and leadership goals.
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The program opened with a stirring tribute to Joy-Ann Reid, who received the inaugural Vanguard Award for her courageous journalism and commitment to truth-telling. Reid’s remarks captivated the audience and offered a personal glimpse into her next chapter of advocacy and storytelling.
The Trailblazer Award was presented to Tonya Lewis Lee and Satchel Lee for their powerful work in advancing maternal health awareness and eliminating racial disparities in care. Their voices continue to shape national conversations around justice for Black mothers and families.
The Breakthrough Award was awarded to American Ballet Theatre’s Project RISE for creating pathways for young dancers of color in classical ballet. Special reflections by Misty Copeland and Aubrey Lynch honored the transformative power of the program and the visionaries behind its growth, including Susan Fales-Hill, Arielle Patrick, and Karen Phillips.
The afternoon also featured a stunning fashion show curated by Blake Newby, showcasing collections by Fe Noel, Kaphill, and Chuks Collins, with official beauty sponsorship from L’Oréal Paris and The Doux.
The event’s success was made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Title Sponsor Wynn Resorts, Advocate Sponsors AmeriHealth and HSBC, and Partner Sponsor Johnson Security Bureau. Beverage sponsors La Fête Wines and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits elevated the guest experience, and a curated Female Founders Marketplace spotlighted women entrepreneurs in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.
The Chapter also extended its appreciation to its community partners—National Urban League, 1199 SEIU, NAACP, Unique People Services, and Spectrum—for supporting a day that celebrated both legacy and future impact.
The Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated remains committed to economic empowerment, maternal health, and educational advancement. The Black Swans luncheon marked a powerful step forward in amplifying that work and honoring those who lead it.
To learn more, visit www.greaternewyorklinksinc.org or follow @gnylinks on Instagram.
See photos from the event on our Gallery page.
