The Southeastern Region of Jack and Jill of A programming that its chapters have delivered i committed to empowering African American yo communit
As the programming year continues, we look forward to building on the successes of the first half of the year and continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the region.
Teens and mothers enjoyed the Georgia Jack and Jill Day at the Capitol! Teens learned a great deal about legislative processes. We’re especially proud to have liaised with past chapter Dad Representative Billy Mitchell.
Stone Mountain
Mom’s Fanisha Powell and Melba Kendrick attended the 2023 Southeastern Region Children’s Super Cluster and Teen Leadership Summit in Jackson, TN. The Mothers and Associates of the Jackson, TN Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. have "laid the blueprint", by planning a day of fun. From the Ann Owen Gordon Oractorical to the Mom’s Mocktail Mixology Workshop, fun was had by all.
Picture One: Knoxville’s Royal Teens, Twixt N’ Tween and What’s and Why’s posing with RD Darlene Whittington
Pictured Two: Mom’s Fanisha and Melba posed with the Mom’s and Associates of Jackson TN Chapter.
Picture Three: Mom’s Melba and Fanisha are all smiles with Region Director Darlene Whittington
TheLakeSpiveyGeorgiaChapterhostedthe 2023SoutheasternRegionGeorgiaClusteron March18thatWoodlandHighSchoolin Stockbridge,GA.
Thethemewas:“YouLaidTheBlueprint,We’llBuild TheEmpire”Therewereapproximately250participants,anditwasfilledwitheducationalandinteractiveactivitiesforchildren,teens,andmoms.
Themorningbeganwithacontinentalbreakfast followedbybreakoutsessionsforthechildrenand teenswhilemomsrelaxedwithayogaandmeditation session Children'sactivitiesincludedareadingbyMiles Garrett,a10-year-oldauthorofthebookTheLastPlay, participationinaninteractiveSTE(A)MExtravaganza, andacommunityhelpersessionwithfirefighters.
Preteensandteensenjoyedsessionswithtopicsthat includedcollegereadiness,self-esteem/bodyinsecurities,entrepreneurship/moneymanagement,and
TheMemphischapterenjoyedthe2023TennesseeSuperClusterhostedbythe Jackson,TNChapteratLaneCollege.CongratulationstoourJackRamonDahmer forhisoutstandingspeechandforplacing2ndplaceinthe AnnOwenGordon
Oratoricalcompetition CongratulationstoourJackCedricPate,IIforhisimpactful speechinhisSpeakUpSpeakOutdivision.WehadchaptersfromGreaterChattanooga, Knoxville,Nashville,WilliamsonCounty,andMemphis.WeweregreetedbyRegional Director,DarleneWashington,madegreatconnectionswithourmomsfromallover TN,andbondedwithourgroupofMemphismomsandfamiliespresent!Themoms andthechildrenhadagreattime!
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter hosted its an Robinson Community Oratorical Competition on Saturday, March 4, 2023. This year's competition occurred at the African American Research Library & Cultural Center. The Speak Up - Speak Out event (ages 10 - 12) theme is "You Laid the BLUEPRINT, We'll Build the Empire."
The theme for ages 13 - 15 is "Black Excellence: Aspire to Build an Empire." The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter congratulates its own Jack’s and Jill’s for participating and placing in each age group. 10-12 Age Group: Matthew Odom, 1st place and Skylar Gibson, 2nd place. 13-15 Age Group: Bryson Sainvil, 1st place and Carter Haynes, 2nd place. 16-19 Age Group: Skylar Reed, 1st place and Christian Smith, 2nd place.
Matthew Odom will represent the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter and present at the 2023 Florida Super Cluster in Jacksonville, FL on March 25, 2023. Bryson Sainvil will represent the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter and will be COMPETING at the 2023 Florida Super Cluster in Jacksonville, FL on March 25, 2023. A special thank you to Oratorical Co-Chairs, Moms Belinda Daise and Karyn Jeannopoulos.
FromMobiletoPalmBeach,KnoxvilletoBuckhead, andallplacesinbetween,mothers acrossourregionaregettingwellwiththeBodyandSoulMarchMadnessFitness Challenge.
We are all familiar with research that African-Americans have less favorable health outcomes than other groups. Each year, more African American women die from heart disease than breast cancer, lung cancer and strokes combined, What are the factors that increase their risk of developing heart disease? Inadequate physical activity is a leading cause of mobility problems and early mortality. African Americans have the highest hypertension rates in the world. African American women are also the least physically active group of women in the United States. Now's the time that we focus on changing the narrative on heart health and African American women.
The Sisterly Relations Committee is helping to change the narrative with the second annual Body and Soul March Madness Challenge. From March 12-April 7, 2023, mothers are encouraged to engage in a small, simple daily act to improve overall wellness. Mothers have been going for walks and jogs, meditating and praying, or having full out workouts with Orange Theory and Peloton. No act is too small to improve our emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Some of our mothers are even getting in a quick workout between hearings!
If you have not been participating in the challenge, you can start today. Do one thing daily to improve your wellness.
On Saturday, February 25, 2023, the Miami Chapter hosted its annual oratorical competition.
Congratulations to first-time orator Christopher Prophete. This Jack and Jill teen will go on to represent the Miami Chapter at Supercluster in Jacksonville, Fl. He was announced as the winner after rendering a phenomenal speech on Black Excellence! This event was led by Chair Crystal Wagar and her dedicated AGO Committee Moms.
The Augusta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. showcased their chapter’s collective fundraising efforts on March 4, 2023 with Vino, Visual Arts & Vibes at Mercedes-Benz of Augusta.
Our Vino, Visual Arts & Vibes fundraiser kicked off on the first day of Black History month with an online auction from February 1-15, 2023, to raise funds and donations while displaying and celebrating the creative talent of the Augusta Chapter’s very own Jack and Jill children (all age groups) and teens artwork. An Art-showcase followed the online auction on March 4, 2023 which included wine-tasting, individual charcuterie grazers, and an optional bourbon sip.
The showcase was hosted by singer-songwriter April Sampe’ and featured a special performance featuring award-winning trombonist and professional talent Wycliffe Gordon! The fundraiser brought together a diverse crowd of art enthusiasts, local professionals, and community leaders for an evening of networking and philanthropy Enjoying new artisan wines, delicious food, and good vibes was a wonderful event.
The East Suburban Atlanta Chapter (ESAC) hosted its bi-annual Beautillion: Gentlemen of Distinction on March 18, 2023. With its first premiere since 2018, the Beautillion came back better than ever; which included a mother/son dance, awards, scholarships, and so much more! There were 10 beaus presented to society. The event was hosted by Alex Whittler (Fox news journalist) and Chris Draft (former NFL football player). This event was memorable, a tearjerker, and most of all fun for the beaus and belles! ESAC’s Beautillion was the epitome of a true Jack and Jill event! #ESACStrong #ESACBeautillion #GentlemenOfDistinction #BlackBoyJoy
OnSaturday,March4,2023,theMontgomeryChapterhostedits22ndBeautillionMilitaire.Thisbiennialevent focusesonaseriesofcharacter-buildingsocialsandculturalandeducationalactivitiesdesignedtohelpyoungmen fromthecommunitymakethecrucialtransitionfromboyhoodtomanhood.Thisyear,theBeautillionMilitaire raised$25,000fortheJackandJillFoundationandforreinvestmentinthecommunitythroughcharitable contributions. Seventeenyoungmenparticipated,and17youngwomenservedasJillsandBelles.
JackEvanBowmanwascrowned“Mr.Beautillion,”ZacharyUnderwoodandCleoWashingtonreceivedthe scholarshipaward,andJackConnorOwensreceivedtheEspritdeCorpsAward.
TheAlbanyChapter’stwoyoungestgradegroups,fromtwo-year-oldstosecond graders,presentedtheThirdAnnualLittleHistoryMakers Eachchildspoke eloquentlyaboutAfricanAmericanhistoricalfigurestotheaudienceofparents, peersandguests
TheoutstandingLittleHistoryMakerswereoratorsRyleeHoward(Marsai Martin),AmoriRobinson(RuthE.Carter),AdynnDuPont(RubyBridges),Madison Craft(SerenaWilliams),OliviaLove(MistyCopeland),ChristopherDixon(Arthur Ashe),AydenWalton(JahkilJackson),RobertHoward(DavidPrice),andRaegan Jones(MikailaUlmer).Localyoungentrepreneurswerealsoonhandtopresent totheaudience,andsharetheirbusinessservices.
Whethervolunteeringtopresentstorytimewithinthecommunity,bondingduringmonthlyactivities,learningaboutculinary artswithacertifieddietitian,attendingcollegevisits,youngoratoricalpresentations,andaroadtriptotheFloridaSuperCluster 2023,theFive-StarAMAZINGAlbanyChapterisonthemove!Thisisonlyabriefsnapshotofmonthlyprogramming.The AlbanyChapterconsistentlyreflectsitscommitmentanddedicationtosupportingthecommunityanddevelopingallchildren
LedbyScholar,Podcaster,andCertifiedLifeCoachDr.TiffanyPogue, Albany’sEbonyExcellenceTeensdiscussedthehistoricalaspectsofthe nineblackGreek-letterorganizations.
Dr CarterG Woodson,distinguishedauthor,editor,publisher,historian, creatorofBlackhistorycelebration(nowknownasBlackHistoryMonth) andMemberofOmegaPsiPhi,stated,"Ifaracehasnohistory,ifithasno worthwhiletradition,itbecomesanegligiblefactorinthethoughtofthe world,anditstandsindangerofbeingexterminated."
Did you know that less than 5% of blood donors are Black? Did you know that sickle cell disease, the most common blood disease in the US, disproportionately affects African American babies? Giving blood is an important weapon in the fight against sickle cell. This month Community Service Chair Lyquaia Stowers Purcell and her committee organized the Athens Chapter’s first blood drive: Focused on the Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease. With the aid of the chapter families and community partners, The Red Cross, Athens Neighborhood Health Center, Live Forward, the YWCO and the Economic Justice Coalition, the chapter exceeded their goal and collected 20 units of blood from local donors. Each unit can save three lives. The senior teens creating videos and hosted a podcast to promote the event and spent the afternoon volunteering. The chapter was honored to continue to make an impactful difference in
An obstacle course, trash bag fashion wars and a Wakanda-themed painting activity aren’t typical parts of a leadership seminar, but the Atlanta Chapter’s junior teens (seventh and eighth grades) experienced those things and more at this year’s Leadership and Personal Development Summit. As they contemplated leadership broadly and specifically what it means to be a leader in Jack and Jill, the group also chatted with Georgia State Rep. Phil Olaleye (D-District 59).
On March 11, 2023, The Birmingham Teens met at the Social Venture in Birmingham to participate and learn about the Woodlawn Community Revitalization Plan. The Woodlawn revitalization plan was devised by the city of Birmingham to unify, improve public safety, housing, education, social services, employment, and economic development.
The Teens started by taking a guided tour of the rehabilitated district. The first stop included a twenty-minute tour of The Wood followed by Duquette and Woodlawn Marketplace Street Market. Following the tour, the teens met with Ms. Mashonda Taylor, Executive Director at Woodlawn United and Community Strategist & Capacity Builder. Ms. Taylor discussed topics including revitalization versus gentrification, equity and inclusion and an overview of Woodlawn United. The teens engaged in conversation that provoked interaction as well as discussions related to future options to promote a holistic revitalization. Lunch options included Slutty Vegan or Bayley Catering which are Black Owned Businesses. Finally, the teens participated in a community service project that included planting flowers, refinishing, and cleaning murals to enhance the beautification in this well-deserved, revitalized community.
Long Live Jack and Jill
Buckhead Atlanta Senior Teens gathered at College Park’s on-trend place for yoga, fitness, and massage - The Wellness Spot. The staff customized the activity especially for our teens and centered the theme around Trap Music Yoga. Moms and teens down dogged at this amazing venue and shared delicious smoothies.
Buckhead Atlanta Senior Teen
Carrington Manous, represented Buckhead Atlanta Chapter in excellence at The Day at The Capital. Carrington has received recognition as Miss Greater AtlantaOutstandingTeen.
Buckhead
This year’s HBCU tour led COLGA to Savannah State University, the oldest public HBCU in the state of Georgia, having been founded in 1890. Moms, Dads, and children from our Lads and Lassies age group through our Senior Teens enjoyed a day of education, cultural indoctrination and fun as we toured the beautiful campus and learned that if you attend Savannah State, you can go anywhere from there! In addition to learning about the majors offered on campus, students were able to ask questions about college life and enjoy eating brunch in the cafeteria as if they were a college student. The Chapter was so immersed in college life that we all joined in the fun at the SIAC Championship tailgate happening on campus!
A quick stop at the Tybee Island Pier is just what the group needed before heading back to campus to attend the SIAC Championship Basketball game. The Lady Tigers of Tuskegee defeated the Miles College Lady Bears in an exciting match up. The Men’s game proved to be just as electric with dunks and blocks as the kids watched courtside. As we arrived home in the wee hours of the morning, we were grateful for the time of fellowship together. Our hope is that our young people will recognize the beauty, culture, and e f
TheDunwoody-AtlantaChapterLiveOak Teensmetwithapanelofcurrentcollege teensattendingbothHistoricallyBlack CollegesandUniversities(HBCUs)and PredominantlyWhiteInstitutions(PWI)to discusscollegelifetoday. Thestudentpanel includedErinCarpenter(JunioratanHBCUMorganStateUniversity),LaurenHayes (FreshmanatanHBCU-SpelmanCollege), AngelinaTuggle(FreshmanataPWIUniversityofSouthernCalifornia)&Parker Smith(FreshmanataPWI–GeorgiaTech University).Theysharedcreativewaystopay forcollegebeyondtraditionalloans,suchas grantsand/orwork-studyprograms.During thepaneldiscussion,theytalkedabout collegelifeandtheobstaclestheyfacein today’senvironment.Theteenslearned strategiesforsuccesstogrowandprosperas youngadultswhilelivingindependently.
On February 11th, 2023, twenty-three Fayette County Area Chapter Tots and Tweens engaged in a comprehensive cooking experience focused on the educational thrust, STEAM, hosted by Moms Tonia Durden, Kimberley Bugg-Allen, Saleemah Jackson, and Selena Owens. Chef DePhon Robinson, having grown up as a Jack and Jill member, and supporter of creating programming that supports the healthy and holistic development of children, led FCAC Tots and Tweens through a series of interactive culinary experiences. FCAC Tots and Tweens discussed the art, math, and science of chopping and roasting broccoli; seasoning and brining chicken and how to effectively measure and blend ingredients to create homemade alfredo sauce. With the tip of their toque and the chop of their cutting utensils, Tots and Tweens delighted in working together to create a tasty dish of chicken alfredo with roasted broccoli for all to enjoy-Yum. Without a doubt this culinary experience was a memorable one for all!
TheGoldenIslesChapterJacksandJillsrockedtheirCROWNSandembracedtheirnaturalhairproudly astheyweretaughtaboutself-confidence.TheMiniMogulsweretaughthowtocomplimentanother person 'sappearance,especiallytheirlocks,curls,strands,ortresses.Aftercompletingaroyalcrown craftproject,tzhechildrencheeredeachotheronwhilewalkingtheredcarpetandshowingofftheir favoritehairstylesinafashionshowstyle.Thechildrenhadstorytimewithbooksthatencouragedselfesteemandservedasatestimonytothebeautyofeverychild'scrown.
TheInfluencerslearnedaboutCROWNActlegislationwhileincreasingtheirconfidenceviaaPaintand-TalkactivityatPaintandPositivityStudioandArtGallery.Thechildrenlearnedaboutcurrent hairdiscriminationasaformofracialinjustice.Toinspireprideintheirlocks,theycompletedpersonal paintings.Theywerealsogifteddollswithnaturalhair.
In conjunction with the Southeastern Regional Sisterly Relations March Madness Challenge, led by the Health Chair Mom Ashley Smith, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Mothers are committed to working out, meditating, and practicing good health. #JJSERMarchMadness2023
Modules: STEAM Area of Focus: STEAM
On March 11, Greater Lake Allatoona Chapter’s 3rd-5th Grade Pioneers had an exciting day at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, GA. The center is a private 127-acre environmental education facility. Our Pioneers started the day exploring the indoor Discovery Center where they learned about various ecosystems, including the Chattahoochee Watershed and animals that call it home. Afterwards, they completed a nature scavenger hunt as they walked the nature trails. The Pioneers painted river rocks inspired by the nature that surrounded them. There was a discussion about the concept of sustainability and how they can all part with simple everyday tasks (i.e off the lights when leaving the room they discussed how science contrib sustainability by introducing Hydr Planting. Pioneers were able to crea own hydroponic planting system recycled 2-liter bottles.
The2nd/3rdGradeLevelActivityEvent hostedFebruary26,2023,from11am to1pm, focusedon“BlacksinSTEAM” incelebrationofblackhistorymonth.
TheGreaterMetropolitanAtlanta ChapterofJackandJillpartneredwith STE(A)MTruck.STE(A)MTruckisa non-profitorganizationledby ExecutiveDir.Dr.MarshaE.Francis, withafleetof mobileinnovationlabs designedtogivekidsandteachersthe opportunitytoengage,createandlearn usingSTEAM-drivencurriculumand realtoolsandtechnologies.
Locatedat178LaredoDrSuiteB, Decatur,GA30030,ourgroupofyou peopleweretheFIRSTgroupEVE allowedtoexperienceSTE(A)MTruc makerspace,whichourchildren thoroughlyenjoyed!
Twelvechildrenwereinattendanc (andapproximately10moms),in additionto4-5programstaff,ando hostJeffreyBrown,Director.
The event openedwithaddressing globalAwarenessmoduleforGrade (ChildLabortheme)throughan icebreaker.Momswereprovidedwi tworelatedvideostoshowtheir childreninadvance,andthechildr wereawardedprizesfor responses reflectingunderstandingoftheissueof childlaborandpotentialwaysthey couldhelptoendit.
HostMomsKirstynMartinandHeather FatzingerworkedwiththeSteamTruckstaff todesignanexperiencethatwouldallowthe childrentoexperimentwithcoding,aswell aslow-andhigh-techengineering.
Thechildrenstartedwithatourofthe makerspace,andthendividedinto3groups, rotatingbetweenstations,whichincluded: CanvasLED:Artcreation(incorporatingart andelectricalcircuitry).
ATourofLow-Techtools(e.g.,hammers, drills,saws;applicationstoconstructionand architecture).
TheSpiro-maze(incorporatingbabyblock coding,wheretheycouldprogram3-4 commands).
Everyonethenenjoyedanamazinglunch fromTacoMac(contributedbyBigJack HaroldMartin).
Thestaffthenwrappeduptheeventby providedamazinginformationoncareersin STEAM,andhowscienceandengineering factorintooureverydaylives,fromsneaker designtovideogames,infrastructure, transportation,andmore!
EachchildwasgivenabookonAfrican AmericansinSTEAM,apersonalizedkey chain/nametagproducedbythefacility’s lasercuttingmachine,aswellasothercool STE(A)MTruckswag.
Mercedes-BenzStadium(MBS),hometotheAtlantaFalconsandAtlantaUnitedFC,isthefirstprofessionalsports stadiumintheworldtoachieveLEEDPlatinumcertification.TheLeadershipinEnergyandEnvironmentalDesign (LEED)certificationisagloballyrecognizedratingsystemthatmeasuresabuilding'senvironmentalperformanceand sustainability.
Thestadiumincorporatesseveralinnovativesustainabilityfeatures,includingauniquerainwatercaptureandreuse system,LEDlighting,anda680-kilowattsolarpanelarray.Thesefeatureshaveresultedinsignificantreductionsin energyandwaterusage,aswellasreducedcarbonemissions.
OnMarch11th,2023,theGreaterNorthAtlantaJr.TeenstouredMBSandhadtheopportunitytolearnaboutSTE(A)M careersandleadershippositionsinthesportsindustry. Thegoalofthetourwastodemonstratethenumerous,varied opportunitiestoworkinthesportsindustrywithoutplayingasport. Theywereabletoseethebehind-the-scenes operationsofthestadiumandlearnabouttherolesofvariousprofessionals,includingarchitects,engineers,and designers,whoworkedtogethertocreatethisstate-of-the-artfacility.
Inadditiontothetour,theJr.TeensheardfromRyanHolmes,ManagerofGuest&TeamMemberServices. Mr.Holmes explainedhowhisdegreeinInternationalRelationsfromMorehouseUniversitypreparedhimforhispositionwiththe Falcons/UnitedFCorganization.
Overall,theMBStourwasavaluablelearningexperiencefortheteens,providingthemwithinsightsintotheworldof STE(A)Mcareersinsports-andtheimportanceofleadershipandsustainabilityinthesportsindustry.
TheGreaterTampaChapterCotillion2024DebutantesandBeaushaveputinwork,participatinginamonth-longprogram,meeting eachSaturdaytomastercreativewritingbasics.
TheYoungMastersWritingProgram(YMWP)isTheLinks,Inc.’snationalliteraryartsprogram.Theprogramisdesignedtonurture, develop,andrewardwritingtalentamongtheyouthoftheAfricanDiaspora.Masteryofwritingwillhelpthemdobetteroncollege entranceessays,writingpapersincollegiatestudy,aswellasexcellinginstandardizedtests.Theparticipantslearnedthebasicsof writingusingfigurativelanguageandsymbolism.Theyfocusedontenvisualpromptstomasterekphrasticpoetry,learneddefined poetry,thepoeticelementsofthecraft,andtherudimentsofslampoetry.Theyweretaughttheproperprotocolforsharingtheir work,standing,focus,andvoice.
Themultifacetedprogramprovidesanopportunityfortheperformanceandpublicationofparticipants'workinananthology.With thesubmissionof3originalpoems,theycanwinupto$1000.00inprizemoney.
TheDebsandBeausoftheGreaterTampaChapter“SaidWhatTheySaid”loud,proud,andwithexcellence!Theparticipantswere showcasedatthehistoricFalkTheaterinTampa,FloridaonMarch5,2023.
TheGreaterTampaChapterCotillion2024DebutantesandBeaushaveputinwork,participatingina month-longprogram,meetingeachSaturdaytomastercreativewritingbasics.
Greater Tampa
Macon’sExploringEaglesandTeens’Marchactivitywasaserviceprojectwithan educationalandleadershipcomponent. Theyheldapreemiediaperdrivethru donationeventon11MarchatRuthHartleyMoseleyCenter! PastNationalVice PresidentSylviaMcGee,MaconMoms,Dads,Associates,familiesandfriendsallcame todropoffdiapers! ThediapersweredonatedtoAtriumHealthNavicentBeverly KnightOlsenChildren'sHospital&MarchofDimes. Thechaptercollected647 individualpreemiediapersduringthisevent. Inadditiontocollectingitemsforthe drivetheyalsocompletedModule11onServiceandSacrifice.
Macon
MomSakeenaMathisledtheTwixteens,TeensandJet Setsinasailingadventurefulloffivestareducational andculturalcomponents. Welearnedtheart,science andmathematicalconceptsofnauticalwinds,waves andsails. Wealsolearnedabouttheearly contributionsofAfricanAmericanSailorsand Seamen. Itwasamasterful5starprogramall around. ThankyouMomSakeenaandyourteamfor puttingthis…“butforJackandJill”majestic experience.
TheBelieversgradegroup(grades 1through3)hadanespecially excitingtimelearningthehistory ofBlackcowboysandtheir contributiontothesettlementof theAmericanWest. TheBelievers evengottodressupincowboyinspiredattireandpainttheirown western-themedpaintings. The Dreamers(preschoolthroughK) hadablastconnectingtotheir Africanheritageandlearningthe exquisiteartofAfricandrumsand dancing. TheGuineanand SenegaleseperformersfromAfrica NashvilletaughttheNashville Chapter’syoungestJacksandJills abouttraditionalAfrican instrumentsandbeatsandeven gotthemomsupdancingwiththe Dreamerswhenteachinga traditionalWestAfricandance.
KudostotheNashvilleChapter anditsmothersforanother exceptionalmonthof programming!
DuringthemonthofFebruarywecelebratethe loveofourhistory,butalsoourloveforthe community.Thismonth,theTrailblazerslovedon thecommunitywiththeirSharingisCaring project.TheSharingisCaringprojectrecognizes thelackofaccesstonutritiousfoodoutletsandthe difficultiespeopleareexperiencingtofeedtheir families.
TheTrailblazersidentifiedafoodpantryknownas the“BlessingsBox,”atSt.JohnMissionaryBaptist ChurchinDadeCity.Ourteensorganizedafood drivebyconnectingwithfriends,local neighborhoods,andourgradegroups.On February25th,theTrailblazersgatheredall collecteddonations,sorted,andthenfilledthe BlessingsBox!
ThePastorandFirstLadyofSJMBCweregrateful, andexplainedthatthiswasthefirsttimetheyhad everseenthepantryfull.
TheNatureCoastTrailblazerswillventuretothe BlessingsBoxeachmonthtocontinuecombating
ThisNSACLegacyCollaborationbetweentheSenior TeensandPre-Kisnowabelovedtraditiondating backto2004.Thismeaningfulandmemorable excellenceinprogrammingincludedamorningof fun,games,fellowship,andenduringmemoriesfor all.Theteensmentoredtheir“bitty”JacksandJills inlearningtonotfearnewthings.Theteenshelped the“bitty”JacksandJillsprepareafarmtotable madefromscratchgreeneggsandhambrunch. TheyalsoinspiredemergingreaderswithDr. Suess’award-winningGreenEggsandHam. Everyoneparticipatedintheinteractiveand engagingSTEMmathematicalgame,OneFish,Two FishCountingandcrafts.EachJackandJilldonated anewDr.Suessbookwithacustombookplatefrom ourNSACfamiliestoourservicepartnersserving childrenages2-7.
TheDoctorsAreIn!
Grey’sAnatomy…Let’sTalkaboutReddick’sAnatomy!!TheloweragegroupsoftheJackandJill SavannahChapterhadanamazingMarchMedicalactivity!ThechildrenlearnedaboutAfrican-American leadersinmedicineandhealthcare.Theyhadtheopportunitytounderstandhowastethoscopeworks andwhycheckingbloodpressureisimportant.Theylearnedabouttheimportanceofhealthylifestyles, includingmeals,exercise,andregulardoctorvisits.
Thechildrenwereabletopracticesuturingonstuffedanimals.Theyalsohadachancetodissect anduseinstrumentswithpracticekits.
FromreceivingtheirownDoctor’swhitecoatsduringtheirveryownWhiteCoatCeremony,tobeingableto takehomepersonalizedbagswithcoolmedicalswag,ourchildrennotonlyhadsomegreatlearningfun,but werealsogreatlyinspiredbyourveryownDr.Reddick!
OurSouthMiami(SoMi)Children,pre-teensandteensfocusedon education,healthandculturalawarenessduringthemonthof March.
OnSaturday,March4th,ourSoMiTeensparticipatedinaMental HealthMindfulnessActivitywithKalynJames,founderofLit PilatesandCheriseWatsonofLMHCCornerstoneCenterfor Counselingasourguestfacilitators.Kaylynledtheteens(andSoMi moms)throughanexerciseactivityandprovidedthemwithrich culturalinformationassociatedwithPilates.Cherisediscussedthe importanceofmentalhealthandsuicideprevention.Theevent endedwithadiscussionfromalicensedmentalhealthcounselor thatencouragedthemtoarticulateandcommunicatetoatrusted adultwhattheyareexperiencingandgavethemasafespaceto expresstheiremotions.
OurWindjammers(thirdthroughfifthgrade)heldacommunity birthdaycelebrationonSaturday,March4th.Eachchildhada budgetandwentshoppingtoassemble12birthdaybagsforachild inneed.Aftershopping,thesebagsweregiventochildrenatBridge toHopeFoodBankinCutlerRidge.TheWindjammerslearned abouttheimpacttheymadeontheirlocalcommunitythrough giving.
OnSaturday,March4thourRiptideshadanagegroupactivity aboutcreativewriting.Specialguest,authorSheilaJackson,taught ourfirstandsecondgradeJill’saboutwritingtechniquesandhow tobecomeanauthor.Theypracticedtheirwritingskillsandshared theirstorieswiththegroup.Ms.Jacksonsignedherbook“Being Free”foreachoftheRiptides.
OurSeniorTeensbusiedthemselvesearlySundaymorningonMarch18,2023,fightingfoodinsecurity intheAtlantametroareawithavisittothenewlyexpandedAtlantaCommunityFoodBank.Teens sortedvariousnutritiousitemstobedistributedtopantriesacrossthe29countyservicearea.The StoMoteenssorted3,679poundsoffoodequaling3,114mealsforourneighborsinneed.Unbelievable! GreatjobtoTeenServiceCommitteeChairTylerRainesandhostMomsTonyaRaines,ChandraSmith Collier,AshaDickerson,ChantaleBransonandSyllenHill.Theteenshelpednearly1in8Georgians livingwithfoodinsecurity,including1in6children.Itwasbeautifultoseeourchapterteensworking togethertosolvethiscommunityproblemasfightinghungerimpactsusall.Theireffortstoeradicate nutritioninsecurityarevitallyimportantandtimelyasmillionsofunder-resourcedAmericanfamilies arereceivingreducedfederallyfundedSupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram(SNAP)benefits. Congressrecentlyrepealedincreasedbenefitsapprovedduringthepandemic.Foodpantriesacrossthe metroarearelyontheACFBtoprocurenutrient-densefoodsforthesefamilies’needs.
CongratulationstoMomPanayotta"Penny"Augustin-Birchonherrecentappointmenttothe federalbench.TexasSouthernUniversityThurgoodMarshallSchoolofLaw2000graduate Augustin-BirchmadehistorybybeingthefirstHaitian-AmericantoserveasaUnitedStates MagistrateJudgeintheSouthernDistrictofFlorida.
OnSeptember30,2022,afteraninformalswearinginceremony,theUnitedStatesDistrict Court,SouthernDistrictofFloridaannouncedthatPanayotta“Penny”DianeAugustin-Birchhas beenselectedbytheCourt’sDistrictJudgestobeappointedUnitedStatesMagistrateJudge.
TheannouncementofUnitedStatesMagistrateJudgeAugustin-Birch’sselectionculminatesa broadsearchprocessthatbeganinFebruary2022.TheCourtappointedaselectionpanel, comprisedofleadersinthelegalcommunityaswellasnon-lawyersinthecommunity,toassist withtheselectionprocess.Fifty-twowell-qualifiedindividualsapplied.Theselectionpanel reviewedall52submissionsandelectedtointerview15candidatesinperson.Followingthese interviews,theselectionpanelrecommendedeightfinaliststotheCourt.TheDistrictJudges interviewedtheeightfinalistsinMay2022.TheCourtselectedhertofillthevacantmagistrate judgeship. HerselectionwasnotpreviouslyannouncedpendingcompletionofFBIandIRS backgroundinvestigationreports.
UnitedStatesMagistrateJudgeAugustin-BirchassumedherdutiesattheUnitedStatesFederal BuildingandCourthouseinFortLauderdale,Florida.Aformalinvestitureceremonyisscheduled forMarch2023.
MomPennyisamemberoftheTreasureCoastChapterofJackandJillofAmericaIncorporated. ShehasservedastheBylawscommitteechairandtheLegislativecommitteechair.Sheis currentlyservingastheChapterFinancialSecretary.
TheTreasureCoastMomssalutesMomPanayotta!OnJanuary28th,theTreasureCoastChapterinpartnershipwithLawnwoodTennis Centerhostedatennisworkshopforourchildren. Thechildrenhadtheopportunity toworkdirectlywithanexperiencedtenniscoachwhotaughtthebasic fundamentalsoftennisinspiringtheirinterestinthesport. Historicalundertones andkeyAfricanAmericanTrailblazerswhoplayedthesport,suchasAltheaGibson andArthurRobertAshewerediscussed.
Attheendofthesession,thechildrenunderstoodpropertennisforminholdinga racket,agilityexercised,sparringtechniquesandhowtopreventinjuriesonthe court. Theeventaddressedthesocialandeducationalprogrammaticthrusts.
Tuscaloosa
A programming highlight for the Tuscaloosa Chapter this month was participation in the Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma, AL. Teens gathered at the home of LTS Brometer Kimbrough to view the movie “Selma” and learn about pivotal events in civil rights history.
Several teens then visited Selma to participate in the Jubilee festivities, including the Bridge Crossing ceremony, to commemorate Bloody Sunday. The group also visited Marion, AL to tour various historical sites, including the Main Street Marion Museum, the location where Jimmy Lee Jackson was shot, the Courthouse Square, and the former home and business of Corretta Scott King's family. The group enjoyed a delicious meal at a family owned restaurant, Lottie’s, and reflected on the power of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
This month, the Tuskegee Chapter grade groups attended an equestrian match where they also heard a message from Halle Rush, Auburn University’s first black equestrian. The fun filled day included a guided horse ride, painting the pony, and a bounce house.
