Links to Basketball: Bringing The Heat

The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is proud to host a basketball clinic featuring Remy Ndiaye, the Miami Heat’s Player Development Specialist.

This is a unique opportunity for aspiring athletes to learn from a professional with extensive NBA experience. The clinic is open to players ranging from 3rd grade to the college level. Younger players will focus on fundamentals, while high school and college athletes will also gain insights into what it takes to reach the NBA.

Event Details:

Date: August 8, 2026
  - Location: Topeka High School (800 SW 10th St)
  - Cost: $100 + book donation (We are asking for PreK to 8th grade books)
  - Session 1 (3rd to 8th grade): 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  - Session 2 (High School & College): 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Includes Bleacher Talk Q&A with Miami Heat’s Remy Ndiaye)

As part of our commitment to youth literacy, we ask that all attendees bring a book to donate. These books will be shared with our local youth community and our sister community in Kenya.

Register here today

Remy Ndiaye Bio
Remy Ndiaye is the current Player Development Specialist for the NBA's Miami Heat. Ndiaye assists both players and coaches, specializing in improving players' skills through on-court training. A native of Dakar, Senegal, 16 year old Remy came to the United States as a part of the Sports for Education and Economic Development (SEEDS) program in Senegal from 2005 to 2008. After graduating from Lake Forest Academy high school in 2010, Remy attended college at Dallas Baptist University (DBU). While at DBU, Remy received his Bachelor of Science Degree, served as a Graduate Assistant Basketball Coach, and completed his Master’s in Sports Management.

Following his graduation from DBU in August of 2014, Ndiaye worked in Rwanda for NBA Africa and the Shooting Touch program. During his 10-month stay in Rwanda, Remy helped kids develop their skills on the basketball court, taught health education classes, and led Bible studies. Remy’s journey in sports management started with an internship for the NBA Summer League, which led to his first position with the Philadelphia 76ers as a Video Coordinator Intern and then a role as Player Development Specialist. After his stint with the 76ers, Coach Remy would move on to join the Miami Heat as an Assistant Video Coordinator and Player Development Specialist.

First Come, First Served….Limited Spots Available.

register here today

Scholarships for 2026 Graduating High School Seniors

The Topeka Chapter of The Links Inc. was organized in November 1958 with a commitment to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the identities, culture, and economic survival of African-Americans and persons of African descent. As such, our chapter is dedicated to assisting young African American students in their pursuit of higher education. Scholarships are available to high school students that meet the following criteria:

  • The applicant must be an African American, or of African descent, student graduating from high school.

  • The applicant will attend a trade/technical school or college/university upon high school graduation.

  • Applicant cannot be an immediate family member of a member of The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Please note: immediate family members include the member’s spouse, brother or sister (whether by whole or half-blood or were legally adopted), spouse or brother or sister (whether by whole or half-blood or legal adoption), ancestors (parents, grandparents), children (including a legally adopted child), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and spouses of children, and great-grandchildren (whether by whole or half-blood).

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred; however, eligible students with lower GPAs will be considered. A transcript must be provided at the time of submission.

The deadline to apply is April 1, 2026.

Scholarship Application Form

Mother's Day Brunch 2025

Join us for our 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Brunch. This year’s theme is “Wear Your Crown!”

Celebrate the special women in your life with a delicious brunch at the beautiful Townsite Tower Ballroom. Join us on Sat, May 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM for a brunch filled with tasty food, great company, and lots of love.

Treat your mom, grandma, or any mother figure to a special day out that they truly deserve.

This year we’ll have:

  • Linda P. Jeffrey - Mother’s Day Keynote

  • Linessa Frazier - Mistress of Ceremonies

  • Performance from The Men’s Chorus with Jonathan Andrews as Musical Director

  • Positive Image Awards

  • A prize for the best hat

  • Silent Auction

  • A Scrumptious Brunch

  • DJ & Dancing

Reserve your spot now and make this Mother's Day one to remember!

If you wish to pay by cash or check, you can purchase tickets at the above listed dates and times. If you wish to pay by credit or debit card, you do so by clicking the button below.

Purchase tickets

Seeking Participants for The Men’s Chorus

Jonathan Andrews, Music Director

Come Join Your Brothers!

All Levels Of Experience Welcome

Flexible Rehearsal Schedule

For More Details click the link below:

The Men's Chorus Information & Registration

Questions?

Please Text
785.608.8229 or 785.979.3637

Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors

The Topeka Chapter of The Links Inc. was organized in November 1958 with a commitment to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the identities, culture, and economic survival of African-Americans and persons of African descent. As such, our chapter is dedicated to assisting young African American students in their pursuit of higher education. Scholarships are available to high school students that meet the following criteria:

  • The applicant must be an African American, or of African descent, student graduating from high school.

  • The applicant will attend a trade/technical school or college/university upon high school graduation.

  • Applicant cannot be an immediate family member of a member of The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Please note: immediate family members include the member’s spouse, brother or sister (whether by whole or half-blood or were legally adopted), spouse or brother or sister (whether by whole or half-blood or legal adoption), ancestors (parents, grandparents), children (including a legally adopted child), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and spouses of children, and great-grandchildren (whether by whole or half-blood).

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred; however, eligible students with lower GPAs will be considered. A transcript must be provided at the time of submission.

The deadline to apply is April 14, 2025.

Scholarship Application Form

2025 African American Read-In

Established by the Black Caucus National Council of Teachers of English in 1990, the Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated have hosted this event annually to build literacy skills by encouraging our community to read together, centering African American books and authors.

Register Today!

AileyCamp 2024

The Topeka (KS) Chapter works closely with the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey for 14 years to provide funds for transportation of students from Shawnee County to AileyCamp each summer.  One of ten award-winning AileyCamps in the USA, AileyCamp is FREE and includes transportation, uniforms, fieldtrips, leadership development, community service, drug prevention, breakfast and lunch. 

MORE THAN A DANCE CAMP. AileyCamp utilizes dance to develop self-esteem, self-discipline, critical thinking skills, conflict resolution skills, body strength, timing and creativity.

2024 is the 35th Anniversary for AileyCamp so this year will be EXTRA! AileyCamp is looking for 11-14 year old boys and girls to participate in this unique experience from June 5th to July 16th. Previous dance training NOT required. Camp hours will be 7:30 AM to 2:45 PM.

For more information, please visit https://kcfaa.org/aileycamp/ or contact Saundra Jackson via email at campailey24ks@gmail.com. She will contact you within 24 hours.

Brothers of the Dust

The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and Washburn University Theatre presents the Kansas premier of Darren Canady’s award-winning play, Brothers of The Dust. This play, set in Arkansas 1954, is a saga about the Colton family all returning to visit their family farm. As we peel back the layers of this drama, we discover that this is not your typical homecoming. Playwright Darren Canady, a Topeka native, weaves together a beautiful story of sibling rivalry, family legacy, love and betrayal.

When: February 23, 24, 29 & March 1, 2, 3
Where: Neese-Gray Theatre in Garvey Fine Arts Center at Washburn University
Time: 7:30 PM (March 3rd performance will be at 2:00 PM)

Tickets go on sale on January 8, 2024:

  • $10 suggested donation with a Pay-What-You Can option. This means if patrons can pay more, please do. If you can’t pay anything, you will still be welcomed but we are encouraging that you pay something.

  • All students of any school attend FREE

  • Washburn Faculty attend FREE

Tickets may be obtained at the door or may be purchased in advance by clicking here.

Special Events:

  • February 23rd Opening Night On The Red Carpet- Morgan Hall Atrium at Washburn University (17th Street & Boswell)

  • February 23rd Opening Night PRELUDE + PERFORMANCE - A pre-party for mingling, Red Carpet photos, interviews and cash bar. Cost is a $10 suggested donation. Advance Ticket Entry is 6:00 PM. Tickets Available at the Door at 6:30 PM.

  • February 23rd Opening Night AFTERGLOW 9:30 PM - A tribute to playwright Darren Canady featuring award winning writer Kevin Willmott and other special guests. $40 Advance Ticket Only

    Ticket includes Prelude Party, Performance, VIP Access, Appetizers, Two Drink Tickets & cash bar.

  • For opening night there will be a complimentary Red Carpet Parking Shuttle from Washburn Alumni Center to Morgan Hall Atrium 6:00 PM - 7:00PM

  • March 2nd Talk Back & Youth Night. Click here for more details

Purchase tickets

African American Read-In

Join us for our annual African American Read-In! The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated hosts this event during Black History Month to celebrate and introduce African American literature.

The African American Read-In features public readings, poetry and book discussions of African American literature. This event is for children and adults.

Register today!

College Scholarships Still Available!

Are you a CURRENT ( not incoming freshman) student or do you love someone who’s a student? Do you need some money to complete your education?

Here’s the criteria for a scholarship offered by the Topeka (KS) Links, Incorporated in coordination with the Federal Home Loan Bank. The application is due by Tuesday, August 15, 2023. PLEASE READ THE CRITERIA and reach out for an application if you meet the standards.

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be African American, currently enrolled as a full or part-time student at a four-year institution, majoring in Finance, Accounting, Banking, Economics, or related fields in Business, Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or related Technology field.

  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

  • Currently enrolled as a full or part-time student at a four-year institution in the Federal Home Loan Bank territory (Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma).

The application deadline is set for August 15th, 2023. Please be aware that we cannot award applicants who do not meet the above criteria.

This scholarship opportunity is a testament to our joint efforts and is made possible through the initiative of The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank. Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact in supporting education and empowering African American students.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to this cause. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out at topekachapteroflinks@yahoo.com.

Scholarship Application

Taking Back Our Stories: A Conversation with Rita Woods

The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated invites you to attend in-person or via Zoom, this Black Diversity tête-à-tête between author RITA WOODS and beloved Topeka homeboy, ACTA Osborn Prize winning playwright, DARREN CANADY Dr. Woods is the Hurston/Wright Award-Winning writer and Afrofuturist author of The Last Dreamwalker and Remembrance . Woods and Canady will be discussing themes of power, agency and the ways that trauma and secrets can take shape across generations. This event will also feature a Canady-directed LIVE Reading of The Last Dreamwalker as well as a performance by the Top City Step Team led by founder & Step Artist, Tonyce Jackson

The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is providing four opportunities to interact with award-winning Afrofuturist writer Rita Woods:

  1.  Storytelling Salon on April 14th from 8:00-10:00 PM: A master class for new and experienced writers with Hurston/Wright Award-Winning Author Rita Wood. Moderated by ATCA Osborn Award-Winning Playwright Darren Canady.

  2. Unity Breakfast on April 15th from 9:00-10:00 AM: Guest speaker, Senator Oletha Faust-Goodeau, Assistant Minority Speaker.

  3. A Conversation with Rita Woods on April 15th from 10:00 AM-Noon: Dr. Rita Woods will discuss her book , The Last Dreamwalker. This event will be moderated by playwriter and Topeka native, Darren Canady. Participants will be able to attend either in-person or via Zoom.

  4. Book Signing Reception with Rita Woods on April 15th from Noon-1:00 PM, immediately following the "Conversation with Rita Woods" and will be held at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. The Last Dreamwalker & Remembrance are available for purchase now at RAVEN BOOKS , a Kansas independent book seller. They will also have Woods' books available for purchase during the April 15th event at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library.

Except for the book signing reception, each event above has a separate registration. To register, please click the appropriate button below:

Storytelling Salon
Unity breakfast
Conversation w/ Rita woods
conversation w/ rita woods - zoom registration

Have breakfast with beloved Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau!

Sponsored by the Greater Topeka Partnership's Equity & Opportunity Office , please join The Topeka (KS) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated for a hot breakfast featuring much beloved guest orator Kansas Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau Assistant Minority Speaker District 29-Democrat. This is the Kick-Off of a series of events celebrating Black Diversity during April's National Diversity Awareness Month . Attendees will enjoy quiche, sausage, fruit and coffee. While this scrumptious morning meal is FREE, all attendees must register by April 10th to be admitted. Limit two reservations per person.

Register Today

Black Diversity in Literature: A writer's workshop with two experts in the field

Writers with all levels of experience are invited to attend this writing workshop featuring renowned Afrofuturist author RITA WOODS . Attendees will have a chance to hear from Dr. Woods about storytelling, narrative and story structure. This event will be moderated by award-winning playwright and Topeka native DARREN CANADY . Please bring your tools of choice for engaging in active writing!

This event highlights and amplifies Black Diversity in literature and offers an opportunity for local and regional writers to learn from two experts in the field. This event is made possible thanks to The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Monice Crawford, President and ARTSConnect Topeka, Sarah Fizell, Executive Director.

Register Today

Conversation with Award-winning Author Rita Woods

Date: April 15, 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Where: Topeka & Shawnee County Library

Diversity is crucial in assuring that we can understand each other in deeper ways that help keep us humble and open to the fact that the world does not only revolve around our beliefs. It can help develop us into better people, as it increases our understanding of human nature. The importance of diversity itself benefits us in all aspects of our lives. The Topeka (KS) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated are keenly aware that we as African/Americans are often seen as a monolith. That we are all the same. To model Black Diversity for ourselves and others, we have the opportunity to work with Afro-futurist Hurston/Wright award winning author Dr. Rita Woods and many other incredible people.

In The Last Dreamwalker we get to follow a family of incredible Black Women through centuries and across generations. Hurston/Wright Legacy Award-winning author Rita Woods is back with a gripping, contemporary read about power and agency; and the ways trauma and secrets take shape across generations. The Last Dreamwalker tells the story of two women, separated by nearly two centuries yet inextricably linked by the Gullah-Geechee Islands off the coast of South Carolina—and their connection to a mysterious and extraordinary gift passed from generation to generation. In the wake of her mother's passing, Layla Hurley unexpectedly reconnects with her mother's sisters, women she hasn't been allowed to speak to, or of, in years. Her aunts reveal to Layla that a Gullah-Geechee island off the shore of South Carolina now belongs to her. As Layla digs deeper into her mother’s past and the mysterious island’s history, she discovers that the terrifying nightmares that have plagued her throughout her life and tainted her relationship with her mother and all of her family, is actually a power passed down through generations of her Gullah ancestors. She is a Dreamwalker, able to inhabit the dreams of others—and to manipulate them. As Layla uncovers increasingly dark secrets about her family's past, she finds herself thrust into the center of a potentially deadly, decades-old feud fought in the dark corridor of dreams.

More Details to Come!

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