Three decades strong: Selma Walk-A-Thon unites community for heart health and wellness

With the sun beaming down, lively music filling the air, and a buzz of joy all around, the Selma (AL) Chapter of The Links turned Valley Creek Park into a vibrant celebration for The Links, Incorporated 30th Annual Walk For Healthy Living Walk-A-Thon. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, people of every age and background gathered for an upbeat day packed with heart health, kidney health, educational activities, and a true sense of community togetherness. This special milestone event not only brought awareness of the risks of heart and kidney disease but also promoted voter registration and sparked a fun, collective commitment to healthy living for all.

At the heart of the Walk-A-Thon lies a clear and powerful mission: to provide each attendee with essential knowledge about heart health and raise awareness of risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, inactivity, poor diet, and stress. From the very beginning, Valley Creek Park filled with excitement as upbeat music energized the crowd, drawing together participants of all ages, united in a common cause. Dr. David Scott, Superintendent of Selma City Schools, proudly served as Grand Marshal, leading the event alongside dedicated chapter members Ms. Phenicia Nunn, Health and Human Services Chair, and Monica Gayle, National Trends Chair. Throughout the day, attendees could take advantage of complimentary screenings for blood pressure and diabetes, while also accessing a wealth of educational resources focused on heart health, kidney disease, and cancer prevention. Thanks to the Emerald Plate Program, attendees took home fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy recipes designed to promote lasting lifestyle changes. The festivities were elevated by lively giveaways, exciting prizes, and the enthusiastic waving of colorful pompoms, transforming the Walk-A-Thon into both a joyful community celebration and a valuable learning experience that left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

For thirty years, the Selma (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has stood as a pillar of strength and compassion within the community, leading the charge to advance public health and wellness through unwavering volunteerism and transformative programs. This year’s Walk-A-Thon, a marquee event in celebration of the chapter’s 30th Anniversary, embodied the theme “Three Decades Strong: Connecting Hearts, Lifting Lives, Shaping Futures” and highlighted the profound impact of collective action. In honor of this significant milestone, the chapter pledged to conduct 30 acts of kindness, host or participate in 30 educational events, and award 30 scholarships throughout the year, each initiative reinforcing its enduring commitment to service. The Walk-A-Thon itself was a shining example of this dedication, featuring voter registration, complimentary health screenings, and access to vital community resources and health education. These efforts not only addressed critical public health issues but also fostered a sense of unity, empowerment, and lasting positive change, demonstrating the chapter’s steadfast resolve to uplift every member of the community and inspire future generations.

For updates on upcoming events or to access resources on heart and kidney health, reach out to the Selma (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated at selmalinksinc@gmail.com. Be sure to follow the chapter on Facebook and Instagram for the latest educational materials and announcements about future activities.