Les Gemmes Incorporated

Les Gemmes Incorporated is a non-profit organization dedicated to charitable, educational, civic, and cultural purposes. The name "Les Gemmes" is French for "the jewels," pronounced "lay gem." The organization was founded in September 1955 by four visionary women: Melvine Blakeley, Lena Siler, Queenie Branch, and Inez Mercer Brown, all educators who attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in North Carolina and Virginia.

History and Incorporation

Les Gemmes was established primarily as a social organization for monetary savings, but it evolved into a charity-focused entity aiming to promote unity and positive change. The organization was officially incorporated in April 1968 in Virginia, becoming a tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code. Early incorporation efforts were led by Jean Alexander of Norfolk, who served as the first president.

Mission and Activities

Les Gemmes is committed to fostering positive influences within local communities through various programs:

• Community Health Initiatives: Organizing health fairs with screenings for diseases such as breast cancer and heart disease, along with blood and bone marrow drives.
• Scholarships and Education: Providing scholarships to high school seniors and engaging in youth and girls mentoring and tutoring programs.
• Cultural and Arts Activities: Promoting arts-related activities to enrich community cultural experiences.
• Community Service: Participating in volunteer work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, offering assistance to seniors and senior residence facilities, and facilitating transportation to voting polls.

Chapters and Membership

Les Gemmes has chapters across the United States, each guided by the National President and the National Board of Directors. Membership is open to women aged 21 and above who align with the organization's mission. Chapters are involved in a range of activities, from economic assistance and domestic violence awareness to leadership development programs.

The Dream Initiative

Les Gemmes' current national program, "The Dream Initiative," aims to fulfill the dreams of its founders by empowering and reviving communities. This initiative reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to charitable, educational, and civic activities while promoting cultural awareness and development.