Issue VII SER Regional Trip 2023

The Sweet Sc op

Ahoy mates! Families throughout the Southeastern Region set sail on a Fantastic Voyage to the Bahamas. There were activities for every member of the family. Chair Tiaudra Shaw and her committee cultivated an experience for over 170 Jack and Jill of America Family members. Let's look back.

The youngest crew members were treated to a bedtime story event themed "Sailing into My Dreams. " Each child received a signed book, "Chef Gigi Save the Day," personalized by the author Geleta Parker and a customized sleeping patch and pillow case.

Our families were able to have their own Junkaroo parade and eat authentic Bahamian food. Not only that, but they were able to learn about the history of the Bahamas as it celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Independence. We even learned about their connection to the Underground Railroad.

The annual President's Retreat in Atlanta, Georgia led by our Dynamic Regional Director was a huge success!

Chapter Presidents from across the Southeastern Region came together to “Harness their Leadership Superpowers” and participate in a variety of sessions focused on leadership development. Attendees were treated to sessions on topics such as parliamentary procedures, effective communication, team-building, and strategic planning.

Attendees gained valuable insights into how to run meetings effectively and manage discussions efficiently as well as how to communicate more effectively with their teams, which can lead to better outcomes and stronger relationships.

Team-building and strategic planning were also key areas of focus at the retreat. Attendees were able to connect with their peers and work together to develop strategies for achieving their goals.

The President's dinner at the restaurant Canoe was a wonderful opportunity for attendees to network and socialize in a beautiful setting. The evening began with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres on the restaurant's outdoor patio, overlooking the Chattahoochee River. Attendees mingled, danced and caught up with one another, enjoying the warm Atlanta evening.

Overall, the President's Retreat was a fantastic opportunity for leaders in the Southeastern Region of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. to come together and learn from one another. By harnessing their leadership superpowers, attendees left the retreat feeling more confident and equipped to lead their organizations to success.

"Harnessing their Leadership Superpowers: A Successful President's Retreat for the Southeastern Region of Jack and Jill of America, Inc."

National Updates

Atlanta Chapter

CULTURAL PROGRAM

September 18, 2022

r-wide Programming Event - Jack and Jill Day: 70th Anniversary Family Gala & Carole Robertson Memorial Observance

Golden Isles

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: Financial Literacy Mania

October 22, 2022

Money

Management

Congratulations to our winners and all 27 Southeastern Region chapters that participated in Cycle 1 of the Quarterly National Best of the Best!

Atlanta 1st

Augusta

Daytona Beach Area

Dunwoody-Atlanta

East Suburban Atlanta

Fayette County Area 2nd

Golden Isles 3rd

Greater Fort Lauderdale*

Greater Huntsville

Greater Lake Allatoona

Greater North Atlanta*

Greater Tampa*

Jackson (MS)

Jacksonville

Lake Spivey*

Macon

Memphis

Miami

Mobile

Nashville*

North Suburban Atlanta

Orlando

Palm Beach*

South Miami

Tallahassee

Tuskegee

West Georgia*

=Honorable Mention

Please continue to showcase your programming excellence by participating in Cycle 2 & 3. Cycle 2 submission deadline has been extended until March 17th! Program Directors have the details for submission.

Best of the Best Programming requires each mother member to be ALL IN! We appreciate your leadership and your chapter’s programming commitment to the Power of Being All In!

If you have any questions, please contact RPC Selika S. Sampson, National Program Committee Member at RPCSelikaSER@gmail.com

Recognizing Greatness

“BlackAmerica’sAttorneyGeneral,”BenjaminL.Crumpon thehistoriceventofnamingSt.ThomasUniversity’sLaw Schoolafterhim.

Wednesday,February8,2023,theCollegeofLawatSt.ThomasUniversityin Miami,Florida,willbecometheBenjaminL CrumpCollegeofLaw Thisisthe firstlawschoolinthecountrynamedafterapracticingAfricanAmerican attorney TheonlyotherlawschoolinthecountrynamedforanAfrican AmericanpersonisnamedafterAttorneyCrump’spersonalhero,Supreme CourtJusticeThurgoodMarshall–theThurgoodMarshallSchoolofLawat TexasSouthernUniversity

Affectionatelyknownas“BlackAmerica’sAttorneyGeneral”becausehehas representedthefamiliesofseveralBlackvictimsofpoliceviolenceincluding relativesofMartinLeeAnderson,TrayvonMartin,BreonnaTaylorandGeorge Floyd.HeiscurrentlyrepresentingthefamilyofTyreNichols,whodiedin Memphis,Tennesseefollowingabrutalbeatingbypoliceofficers

“ItisaprivilegetobeapartoftheSt ThomasUniversitylegacythroughthe BenjaminL.CrumpCollegeofLaw.Wehavecomesuchalongwayinthejourney toequality,butwearenotthereyet,”saidAttorneyCrump ‘ThefuturechangemakersandciviljusticeleadersthatwillmatriculatefromSt.Thomaswillsoon bepassedthetorchfromtoday’scivilrightsiconsandIhaveeveryconfidence thattheywillmeetthemoment

TheauspiciousoccasionwaswellattendedincludingDavidA.Armstrong,J.D., PresidentofSt ThomasUniversity,ActorWillSmith,JesseJacksonTallahassee PastorR.B.Holmes,JackandJillDadsAttorneyDarylParks&AttorneySean Pittman,Mr.Crump'smother,hiswife,TallahasseeChapterVicePresident,Dr. GenaeCrump,"Jill"Brooklyn,andMiamiChapterPresident,theHonorableJudge JulieNelson.

Dayslater,onFebruary26,2023,Mr.CrumpreceivedtheNAACPSocialJustice ImpactAwardandvowed,"nevertostopfightingracismanddiscrimination."

The Tallahassee Chapter Celebrates a Living Legend

America's Attorney General, Benjamin Crump, Esquire

ofAmerica, wnDad,alsoknownas

Carrington Manous

Miss Greater Atlanta's Outstanding Teen 2023

BUCKHEAD ATLANTA TEEN CARRINGTON MANOUS WAS RECENTLY CROWNED MISS GREATER ATLANTA'S OUTSTANDING TEEN 2023. CARRINGTON WILL COMPETE IN JUNE FOR MISS GEORGIA'S OUTSTANDING TEEN FOR A CHANCE TO ADVANCE AND COMPETE FOR THE TITLE OF MISS AMERICA TEEN IN AUGUST.

SHE IS EXCITED TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT HER PLATFORM - CARRINGTON CARES #DECODEDYSLEXIA WHERE SHE IS COMMITTED TO DISPELLING THE MYTHS ASSOCIATED WITH DYSLEXIA.

CARRINGTON HAS PARTNERED WITH THE INTERNATIONAL DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION, AND THEY ARE NOW OFFERING FREE DYSLEXIA TESTING. THIS TEST IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND HAVING STUDENTS PROPERLY TESTED AND LATER DIAGNOSED IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. CARRINGTON WOULD LOVE TO SPREAD THIS MESSAGE TO THOSE WHO MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE TEST AND OFFER RESOURCES TO ENSURE ALL STUDENTS CAN THRIVE.

SHE’S ALSO COMMITTED TO CHANGING THE NARRATIVE AROUND THOSE BORN WITH THE GIFT OF DYSLEXIA.

Stone Mountain Legacy Named Glamour Magazine 2022 College Women of the Year

Mallory Butts, a 19-year-old chemical engineering student at Spelman College and legacy of the Stone Mountain chapter, has been named the 2022 Glamour Magazine College Woman of the Year.

This prestigious honor recognizes her outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, and community service, and celebrates her as an exceptional example of the values that the magazine holds dear.

Mallory

She has always been interested in making her own beauty products. She has now set her sights on turning this passion into a career. When she was just 10 years old, Butts knew that she wanted to attend Spelman College During a visit to the campus with her mother, an alumna of the college, she was inspired by a speech given by two twin sisters on the ways in which Spelman had influenced their post-grad lives and helped them succeed in their careers. Butts was struck by the camaraderie and connection between Black women at the historically Black college, which solidified her desire to attend Spelman.

As the 2022 Glamour Magazine College Woman of the Year, Mallory is now part of a prestigious group of women who have been recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to society. This award is a testament to Mallory's hard work, dedication, and leadership, and it serves as an inspiration to young women everywhere.

YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT MALLORY AND HER ACHIEVEMENTS HERE.

The Fayette County Area Chapter Goes Red for Heart Disease Awareness

The Fayette County Area Chapter dedicated its February Chapter Meeting to bring awareness of heart disease in the African American Community.

The FCAC Health Committee, chaired by Mom Donna Edmond-King and Mom Tomia Harmon presented chapter moms with heart themed bags, to include a pedometer to track daily step counts, a heart message bracelet encouraging moms to “Get Pumped About Heart Health,” an informational card listing 6 ways to a heart healthy life, and a heart healthy life pen.

During the chapter’s social hour, FCAC Mom Michelle Hill shared ways to practice self-care and alleviate stress, as it has a driving impact on heart health. To conclude, the FCAC Health Committee encouraged chapter moms to walk at least 10,000 steps per day to improve blood pressure and promote weight loss.

FCAC Chapter Health Committee Chair Mom Donna Edmond-King with Heart Health Awareness Bags

Fayette County Area

Florida's First Chapter Goes Red for Heart Disease Awareness: The Tallahassee Chapter partners with Black Girls Run

Florida's First Chapter participated in JJ Goes Red throughout the month of February. Led by mother members who are physicians by day and track stars by evening, Dr. Monique Butler & Dr. Terri Gamble and extraordinary educator, Chapter Vice President Genae Crump, encouraged mothers to "Never Miss a Monday! Every Monday mothers joined the Tallahassee Chapter of Black Girls Run for an evening of running, jogging, or walking at "your pace." Tallahassee moms committed to the American Heart Association's "Be the Beat" campaign by prioritizing at least one healthy habit (increase sleep or physical activity, decrease stress, and/or improve nutrition) to reclaim a healthy rhythm. Tallahassee Moms are ready to go ALL IN with the SER March Mania Fitness Challenge.

Tallahassee Chapter

The Atlanta chapter celebrated Black History Month with a trip to Sapelo Island. While there, the chapter learned about the Hog Hammock community and engaged in a community service project. Chapter teens then returned to Savannah and had an ice cream social with Savannah Chapter teens. The weekend ended with a trolley tour of Savannah's African American history.

Dunwoody - Atlanta

Our Magnolias visited the Legacy Center, where they learned about the history of the building and black entreprenuers past and present. The bulding was funded by The Tulsa Real Estate Fund (TREF), the first 100 percent black-owned Tier 2 Real Estate Crowd Fund in Atlanta.

The building was the first acquisition of TREF with a mission to enhance the individual lives and circle commerce in our community by providing affordable access to capital, real estate curriculum, financial literacy programs/coaching, career resources, premium co-working facilities, art and studio space, back-office essentials, business incubator and more.

The Legacy Center Campus is the only building in the qualified opportunity zone of East Point, Georgia, that is community owned by 14,240 individuals. Additionally, we utilized resources created by the National Curriculum Committee to teach our children about Tulsa, OK's Greenwood District (aka Black Wall Street). They will learned about the footprint of the business district, what black businesses operated there, and the biographies of some of the more notable entrepreneurs.

recognizes the contributions of prominent African-Americans through the centuries. But what about those right here in our backyard? Local and regional contributions to enriching the lives of those of African descent are all around us. We hope to highlight these community contributions to preserving and recognizing our culture. This interactive program creates a space for members of our community to share their culture, passion, history, and gifts with our young people who are the future of our black community.

The Black History Month Committee planned an interactive program that included artists, dancers, storytellers, and chefs. Each grade group collectively participated in the planned activities. Curated learning stations allowed each child to participate at the appropriate developmental level. A whole group session included circle singing with the children, parents, and artisans playing various instruments. The stations included crocheting, basket weaving, mural artistry, cake artistry, yarn spinning, black inventors, dance team, black authors, storytelling, jewelry making, rock painting, and the Gullah Geechee tradition.

Greater Metropolitan Atlanta

Black History Month Celebration

On Saturday, February 11th, GMAC members and families visited the Atlanta History Center in honor of Black History Month. During the tour curated by La’Neice Littleton, PhD, we learned that Buckhead was originally home to thousands of African Americans who were displaced to the areas where many of us live in southwest Atlanta. We also toured exhibits dedicated to the significance of the Atlanta University Center, Atlanta’s first black Mayor, Maynard Jackson, whose daughter in law Wendy Eley Jackson is a GMAC Charter Member, and an exhibit with stylish fashions designed by our favorite Second Wind Dreams elder, Ms. Annie Moore! The tour ended with a visit to the Smith Farm where the children were able to pet the chickens and sheep.

Greater North Atlanta

Greater North Atlanta Visits Nashville for Black History Month

On the weekend of February 25th of this year, the Greater North Atlanta chapter (GNAC) embarked on a cultural trip to Nashville, TN, in observance of Black History Month. About 50 families attended, with kids ranging in age from 4 to 19.

On Saturday, the 25th, the families had a private tour of the Museum of African American Music. The tour showcased the significant contributions of African Americans to the music

Afterward, the group had lunch at the famous black-owned restaurant, Swett’s Soul

Then the group participated in a scavenger hunt on the campus of Fisk University which was facilitated , who gave sive civil of African ally black black ngful way. wer of to

Black History Month Celebration

In February, the Chapter was a Florida Black Expo partner. Several Moms enjoyed the Taste of Black Jacksonville which is the Black Expo’s fierce competition of the best local chefs, caterers, and restaurants featuring their most prized and desired dishes followed by a concert with Grammy Award winning Kenny Lattimore.

Jacksonville

Shannon Smith McCants Memorial Scholarship and

The evening began with appetizers at the only black owned restaurant on the square, Browns Kitchen. The teens then visited The Georgian Gallery to view authentic game worn sports memorabilia from the Jock Michael Smith Collection.

Jock Smith was a prominent African American attorney and civil rights activist. He amassed over 10,000 items, and has the largest privately owned collection of African American sports memorabilia in the United States. More than 40 items from his collection are housed at the National Museum of African American History in Washington, D.C.

TheFebruarythemefortheMarvelousMaconChapterwas“BlackHistory: FortheCulture!LovingtheSkinthatI’mIn”!TheBusyBees(Pre-K-2nd)and CuriousHares(3rd-5th)celebratedourthemewithavisittotheTubman AfricanAmericanMuseumwhichwasaneducationalandculturalactivity thatexposedouryouthtotheAfricanAmericanCulture

Theyhadaledtourbyacuratorofthemuseumwhichgrantedthembehind thescenesaccess.Ourkidswerealsoabletoexperiencethebrand-newTyler PerryExhibit!Inaddition,tothemuseumtheyalsocompletedthe“Teaching KidstoCelebrateDiversity”activityusingtheDoveSelf-EsteemProject Resources.OurteenscontinuedwithourthemebyattendingDating101… HealthyRelationshipsattheMacon-BibbHealthDept.Theydiscussed healthylifeskills,healthyrelationshipsandeffectivecommunicationwith AssociateMomMeganMcIntosh

Photo 1 Busy Bees and Curios Hares pose at an exhibit at the Tubman Museum

Photo 2 Mom Turkessa Walker-Godfrey, Mom Jennifer Stackhouse and Mom Melanie Shorter-Jones (left to right at the Tubman Museum

Photo 3 Mom Quin Abrams, Mom Tonya Woolfolk, Mom Kelly Finley and Mom Emma Williams (left to right) at the Tubman Museum

Photo 4 Macon Teens all smiles at Dating 101 Healthy Relationships

In the month of February, the Nashville Chapter mothers hosted exciting grade group activities focused on history, culture, service and civics.

The Dreamers grade group, composed of preschoolers and Kindergartners, learned all about #BlackExcellence in their own backyard. Each Dreamer chose a Black History landmark in Nashville, took a picture by the landmark and took the stage to present to the group some fun facts about the Black History landmark It was l i i i i li l J k d Jill d h

The Achievers grade group, composed of 4th and 5th graders, learned about Black History by learning their own family history. Supplied with family pictures, diagrams and craft supplies, the Achievers made stunning boards describing in both visual and written form their ancestral lineage How powerful it is to remember the history in one ’ s own family!

Black History Month is a time to remember the greatness of our ancestors both far and near and in our own family. Kudos to the Nashville Chapter moms for hosting such impactful and engaging activities for our amazing Jacks and Jills!

Black History Month Celebration

The Nature Coast chapter's Black History Month program activity took our children on a "Train to the Harlem Renaissance." This allgrade group activity had something for everyone, as they embraced the culture and experienced the era's music, art, fashion, and cuisine. Our feature artist was Mrs. Sabreena Ahmed, an art educator with more than 25 years of experience introducing young people to the wonder and beauty of visual art She teaches young people the art of world cultures and believes that through art, we can learn so much about the spirit of the people and creatures we share this planet with.

The children were introduced to African American artist, author, and songwriter Romare Bearden famous for his work in "collage " During the activity, children learned of his background and engaged in a hands-on art project creating their own collage leveraging family photos, fabrics/textiles, and other mixed media telling the story of their family and what they value most (reminiscent of Bearden's art style)

Our youngest Jacks and Jills were exposed to his piece titled the "Patchwork Quilt," observing quilts by the Greenwood Sewing Guild. In addition, Mrs. Ahmed gifted the chapter a replica of the United States Postal Service Black Heritage Stamps Collection, recognizing over 70 plus African Americans, with the first stamp issued in 1940 for Booker T. Washington, where our children learned of less familiar African Americans and their contributions to society.

Overall, all had fun celebrating and learning about the rich history and culture of the Harlem Renaissance.

NSAC Black History Month

The primary focus of The North Suburban Atlanta Chapter’s Black History Month program is to educate our children on The Power of Black Art. One of our NSAC dads, Dameon Fisher, will discuss the importance of art collecting, tips on starting a collection, and the intrinsic value of art collecting. Our children will also submit artwork to be showcased to emulate a "Sotheby’s" Art Auction in which we will have our families bidding on grade group art pieces to encourage art inspiration and creativity.

To cap off the Black History Month program, the entire chapter will participate in making an art collage under the direction of master quilter Marquetta Johnson.

The funds from the art auction will be donated to the Jack and Jill Foundation This program will teach our children about the power and legacy of Black art resistance as a non-violent protest. Our children will be exposed to the beauty and range of the diversity of Black art, Black artists, and art collecting.

Lastly our Jacks and Jills will learn about how art collecting can build generational wealth. The program will inspire our children to be creatives that proudly give voice to our black stories and experiences.

History Month Celebration

Acceptance into the Supreme Court of the United States Bar is an extremely meaningful accomplishment for an attorney.

The achievement is all the more sweeter when an esteemed group of "sisters-in-the-law" including Jack and Jill of America, Inc sister-moms share the experience together

Four Palm Beach Chapter mother members made HERstory on February 21, 2023 as part of a small group of black female attorneys inducted into the highest court of the land.

Mom Sia Baker Barnes, Esq., current member of the SCOTUS Bar, who also serves as the Palm Beach Chapter's Legislative Committee Chair, cosponsored a group of seven attorneys and five judges for membership into the Supreme Court of the United States.

Included in the group of trailblazing women were Palm Beach Chapter Moms Sandra Powery Moses, Esq., Destinie Baker Sutton, Esq. and Lisa G. Quarrie, Esq.

Together, these four mother members also co-founded the first black women lawyers association in Palm Beach County, the Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association.

In addition to a plethora of personal and professional accolades: Mom Lisa is a Charter Member of the Palm Beach Chapter serving in various capacities on the executive board during her ten-year tenure with the organization Mom Lisa's husband, Roger, legacy daughter, Jadyn, and grade group 3 and 4 daughters Delaney and Peyton are certainly proud.

Mom Sandra serves as the co- Chair of the Palm Beach Chapter's Membership Committee. Sharing Mom Sandra's joy are her husband Kahlil, adult daughter Shanese and grade group 3 son, Kason.

Mom Destinie Baker Sutton's team of supporters include her husband, Morris, grade group 2 son, Grant and baby daughter Morgan. Serving as the Community Service Chair, Mom Destinie has multiplied the chapter's impact in the Palm Beach County community.

Destinie Baker Sutton, Esq (center)

Lisa G. Quarrie, Esq.

Sandra Powery Moses, Esq

Sia Baker Barnes, Esq.

Celebrating Our History

Unityanda5K

The Magnificent Moms of Savannah celebrated the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr with a Unity Run on Martin Luther King, Jr Day. We were so excited to not only have a unique way to celebrate this special day, but we were able to do something good for our health! We also contributed to the "Blessings in a Bag" program to help feed children in our community.

A Day of Service, Love & Learning

The Lads & Lassies along with The Princes and Princesses spent a day learning about global contributions, leadership and service in our community. The Teens along with generous donations from the Lads & Lassies, Prince and Princesses and Guys & Dolls collected over 200 toiletry bags to donate to Park Place Outreach.

Pic 1 - CP Tara at MLK Jr Day 5K • Pic 2 - Lads & Lassies, Prince & Princesses • Pic 3 - Teens Park Place Outreach

Black History Month Celebration

Families from the Tuscaloosa Chapter enjoyed a variety of activities to commemorate Black History Month.

The chapter’s teens focused on identifying and supporting local Black-owned businesses, including longstanding enterprises and more recent establishments.

A programming highlight was a trip to 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL, where mothers and children from the Jetsetters grade group reflected on the life of Carole Robertson and learned more about the historical significance of the church. Afterward, the group toured the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and had a serendipitous encounter with families from the Tuskegee Chapter who were also visiting that day.

Back in Tuscaloosa, Mom Kenyatta Browne provided a living history lesson through her powerful portrayal of activist and community organizer, Ann Atwater, in a local theatrical production of “Best of Enemies.” Attendees from the chapter and community were reminded of the importance of learning from our history and continuing to stand up for what is right and beneficial for all children.

For Black History Month, the Tuskegee chapter took a road trip to Birmingham, AL. We visited the grave of Carole Robertson, toured the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and ended our history filled outing with fajitas and a little bit of friendly competition at Top Golf.

Ann Owen Gordon ORATORICAL Speak Up Speak Out •

In the spirit of our ancestors who used their voices to speak out in pursuit of freedom and justice, two of our Trailblazer Teens participated in our chapter Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical Contest.

Graduating seniors Freddrell Green III and Obayemi Black spoke on the topic “Black Excellence: Aspire to Build an Empire ” The event was held at the Youth Force Innovation Hub, managed by local poet and activist Lemuel “Life” LaRoche

Local judges Monica Miller, Stan Tucker & Michelle Carter had a tough choice as the teens both delivered inspiring and thoughtprovoking speeches. A running theme through both speeches was the need to build upon the foundation previous generations left behind and to leave something for future generations to continue.

Co-chairs PD Chery and Mom Kena hosted a fabulous event that left the younger Jacks and Jills in attendance eager to participate next year

Congratulations to our chapter winner Obayemi Blake.

On February 5th, the Greater Huntsville Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. held its annual Speak Up Speak Out (SUSO) and Ann Owen Gordon (AOG) Oratorical.

AnnOwenGordon ORATORICAL

Speak Up Speak Out •

SUSO participants, ages 10-12, spoke on the Theme: “You laid the BLUEPRINT, We’ll Build the Empire ” AOG participants, ages 13-15 spoke on the Theme: Black Excellence, Aspire to Build an Empire.” The chapter was also delighted to have “InBetween Speakers,” ages 2-9 and 16-19, who gave speeches between our SUSO and AOG participants. They spoke on the 2023 National Black History Theme: “Black Resistance.” This year's Oratorical was enjoyed by all chapter members and the Greater Huntsville Community.

Greater Huntsville

Ann Owen Gordon ORATORICAL

Speak Up Speak Out •

The Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical Contest was held on January 29, 2023 at the Tennessee Supreme Court Building. The theme for our competing group was Black Excellence:Aspire to Build an Empire. All of the speakers did a phenomenal job this year. Jack Ramon Dahmer won first place and will be representing the Memphis Chapter at the Tennessee Super Cluster in Jackson, Tennessee.

Mississippi Gulf Coast

This month, the children of the MS Gulf Coast chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc participated in the annual oratorical event. It was amazing to see so many talented young speakers take the stage and deliver powerful messages with confidence and poise.

Through participating in this event, the children learned to organize their thoughts and ideas, articulate them clearly and persuasively, and engage with their audience. This year, our very own Mitchell Ellerby won 1st place and will represent our chapter at the AL/MS SuperCluster in Tougaloo College.

AnnOwenGordon ORATORICAL

North Suburban Atlanta

AnnOwenGordon ORATORICAL

lks

GradeGroupputontheir alkabout‘SpeakUp&Speak

Out matchedwith ShowUp&ShowOut’…There were21participants…yes,youreadthatnumberright.

Theseyoungleaderscourageouslywalkeduponstage infrontofover80familyandfriendsintheaudience,to presentontopicsalignedwiththeJackandJillof Americathrusts.Eachparticipantselectedtheirown topics,wrotetheirownspeeches,andpracticedfor weeksinpreparationfortheevent.

OurJacksandJillscamewithpresentations,handouts, props,andevenmemorizedspeeches Watchout becausethedevelopmentoffutureleadersisinthe works!

Buckhead Atlanta

The Buckhead Atlanta Chapter’s Black History Program, Oratorical and Senior celebration embodied our village concept and our Power in Excellence when we came together under the theme - Unbreakable.

highlightedtheircommunityandacademicachievementsastheydanced theMinuetandtheOfficialCotillionWaltz. InadditiontothecurrentJills, severalJackandJillAlumniwereparticipantsaseitherdebutantesor squires. SeveralofouryoungerJacksservedasPagesunderthe leadershipofCharterMotherJuanitaBooker.

TheColumbusChapterJillsfeaturedare:

LAYLAALBRIGHT

LaylaAlbrightisthedaughterofClydeandDanyaAlbright.Sheisajuniorat ColumbusHighSchoolintheAPCapstoneDiplomaprogram.SheistheSenior TeenRecordingSecretary,andVarsityCaptainfortheCrossCountryandTrack andFieldteams. HerSquirewasJackWilliamTaylor.

SKYLARLEWIS

SkylarLewisisthedaughterofWasselandJarnethaLewisSheisa HomeschoolerandGeorgiaMilitaryCollegestudentwhoplanstomajorin FashionDesignatSCADCollege. SheisayoungentrepreneurwithMinorin B siness,Inc. HerSquirewasherbrotherandJackandJillAlum,Wassell ndrew"Lewis,III.

HARITYMCWILLIAMS

arityNoelleMcWilliamsisthedaughterofDr.Woodrow&Venus cWilliams.ShecurrentlyservesastheColumbus,GeorgiaChapter’sTeen undationChair TheBrookstoneSchoolseniorplanstomajorinAgricultural sinessatTennesseeStateUniversity HerSquirewasJackOtisLofton,III

Incelebrationofthe85thAnniversaryofJackandJillofAmerica,Inc.,theGreater FortLauderdaleChaptercelebratedFounders’DayonSunday,January29,2023.

TheGreaterFortLauderdale,Miami,andPalmBeachChaptershostedaTri-County JazzBrunchattheDiplomatBeachResortinHollywood,Floridathemed‘Honoring ourPast,CelebratingourPresent,EmbracingourFuture’ PastRegionalDirector, GailAshDotsondeliveredawarmkeynoteaddress Eachchaptercoordinatedin colorandadornedwithfascinators,ourMothersandAssociateJewelscelebratedthe legacyandimpactofJackandJillofAmerica

OnSaturday,February4,2023,theGreaterFortLauderdaleChapterhosteda W.H.O.A(Words,Harmony,Originality,andAuthenticity)OratoricalWorkshopat FloridaAtlanticUniversity-DavieCampus LeadbyourOratoricalChairs,Moms BelindaDaiseandKarynJeannopoulosalongwiththeCommittee,theskillsofpublic speakingwereintroducedtoalargegroupofbrilliantyoungminds Participantsof ages10-19hadanopportunitytoenhancetheirexpressionthroughmusic,poetry,and spokenwordaswellaslearnedtheskillsneededtocreateaspeechthatwillenhance theirvoice

FebruaryisHeartHealthMonth! Inhonoroftheeffortstobringawarenesstoheart health,theGreaterFortLauderdaleChaptermomsgatheredforaneveningofexercise atPureBarrelocatedinPembrokePines,Floridaforafullbodyworkout

TheGreaterFortLauderdaleChapterroundedoutthemonthbysettingsailtothe BahamasontheSoutheasternRegionalTrip!

Greater Fort Lauderdale

GLACPathfinders(TeenChapter) onGeorgiaTechCampus

OnFebruary12,GLACPathfindersvisitedGeorgiaInstituteof TechnologyinAtlanta.JeffreyMalcolm–classof2026 ComputerScienceMajorandJOAalumnusfromSERAlpharetta Chapter–hostedourteensandmomsonacampustour.

HandingofftoAntonia–CampusRecreationCenter(CRC)site supervisorandgraduatingBiomedicalEngineeringmajor–we commencedatMcAuleyAquaticCenter,watchingathletes prepareforswimanddivingcompetitions,continuedthrough otherCRCrecreationalexerciseamenitiesincludingafulltrack, basketball,racquetballandvolleyballcourtsandfullfitness center

Antoniarelayedherexperience,describingtimemanagementand schedulingmajorversusgeneraleducationcoursesacrossfour years.MovingontoPriceGilbertMemorialLibraryandJohn LewisStudentCenter,Jeffreysharedhisstudentlifeexperience, includingfoodbudgetingbeyondthemealplan,managingtime forclasses,studying,andhangingout.OurPathfindersintimated theirownaspirationstostudyBiomedicalChemistry,Mechanical Engineering,ComputerScience,andArchitecture.

Jeffreynotedtheschool’svariouspartnershipsandinternships providedbycorporationslikeFacebook(Meta),Amazon,NCR andGoogle,whichsurroundthecampus.Jeffreyconcludedthe tourwithavirtualmasterclass,sharinghowhebondedwith futureclassmatesatTech’sChallengesummerresidential programforincomingfirst-yearstudents,insandoutsof transferringAP(AdvancedPlacement)versusdual-enrollment classesascollegecredits,writingapplicationessays,and SAT/ACTscores

Citingcurrentcostsfortuition,room&board,andmeals,he toutedthebenefitsofpursuingin-stateeducationtobufferthese costs,plusHOPEorZellMillergrantsandotherscholarshipand fundingresourcesforGeorgiastateschools

Greater Lake Altoona

Greater Metropolitan Atlanta

GMAC Partners with US

Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. held the 1st Tennis apprentice lessons in the Sweet Sweet Southeast Region! We had a wonderful kickoff day with 15 youth and 10 adults participating in their first beginning tennis session through USTA Atlanta’s Junior and Adult Tennis Apprentice programs. The coaches, Shadisha Robinson and Erik Graves, provided great introductory instructions to the groups. What a wonderful partnership between JJOA and USTA!

MARDIGRAS 2023

Children’sMasqueradeGala

AlongtheGulfCoast,manytimelesstraditionsareengrained intheSouthernrootsofmanywhocalltheareahome,and MardiGrasissuretobeoneofthemostcelebrated!

Duringatimeofyearwhenweeklycelebrationsare commonplaceleadinguptoFatTuesday,thePensacola Chapterworkeddiligentlytohostwhatwouldbecomethe

Children’sMasqueradeGala!Thesignatureeventwasahuge successthankstothesupportoftheMotherMembersandthe localcommunity.Thesoldeventcreatedanopportunityfor childrentodressupandenjoyanightofage-appropriate MardiGrasrevelry,completewithalimbocontest,dancing, andofcourse,a360photobooth.Proceedsfromtheevent benefittedtheJackandJillofAmerica,Inc.Foundation.

CHILDREN'SMASQUERADEGALA

South Miami

FebruaryhasbeenabigmonthofcelebratingBlackHistoryMonthfortheSouthMiami(SoMi) ChapterofJackandJillofAmerica,Incorporated.

ChapterTeensandPre-TeensparticipatedintheAnnOwenGordonOratoricalContestandSpeakUp,SpeakOutonSaturday,February4th atMiamiDadeCollegeHomesteadCampus.Topicsofdiscussionincluded“BlackExcellence:AspiretoBuildanEmpire”and“Youlaidthe Blueprint:We’llBuildtheEmpire” Manyofourteensandpre-teenstiedtheirSpeakingEngagementtoBlackHistoryMonth.Our Windjammers(gradesthreetofive)attendedHeritageFestattheAdrienneArshtCenteronSaturday,February4th.Theyparticipatedinan AfricandrumclasswithSouthFloridaCenterforthePercussiveArts,createdartwithPaintWithFaithandlistenedtobooksreadbyAfrican Americanauthors

OnSunday,February19th,ourchapterheldanAssociate AppreciationDaywithbreakfastfollowedbyfellowshipat GreaterSt.PaulAMEChurchinCoconutGrove,Florida.

OurRiptides(gradesfirstandsecond)learnedabout CulturalHeritagethroughafrobeat,folkloreandhiphop dancelessonsandlistenedtoapresentationaboutblack achievementsonSaturday,February25th

Greater Tampa

PictureCaptions:

1-CPTammiePickettMcFarlandgreetingourAssociateJewels

2-TableThreeTablescape(L-R)AssociateJewelsKaySmith,Miray Holmes,AnikaConey,KarenKeith,IPCPDiannaAllen-Quin,Charter

MemberQuidaHilton

4-AssociateAppreciationProgram

6-AssociateAppreciationCommitteeMembers(L-R)Co-LeadTeen SponsorSunnyRoyal-Boyd,IPVPLeilaJeromeClay,CEKatrinaOliver, ChairSonjaArmstrong,Co-ChairEkeciaGraysonTaylor,ChaplainMelissa Love,NationalProtocolChairJoselynneForde

ylor,hostedanafternoonofloveandadmirationfor24 beautifulWatersetClubhouseinApolloBeach,Florida. t,priortotheeventGTCAssociateJewelsteamed-up atedtodesigntheirowntablescapes Eachgroupwas 0"roundtableandwereinstructedtobringtheirown oinclude,tablecloth,chargers,floralarrangements, ,etc.Thetheme,color,andextravagancelevelofeach rwascompletelyuptothegroup,andtheydidnotcome toplaywiththeircreativityandelegance!

TheprogramconcludedavideopresentationhighlightingourJewels throughtheyearsandafungameofJewel/GreaterTampaChapter Trivia.EachAssociateJewelwasgiftedapersonalizedwineglass andpinkroses WeLOVEourAssociateJewelsandhopetheyfeltthe warmthandgratitudeforallthey’vedonetosupportourChapter’s

Our Jet Sets and Twixteens are on a roll with its Five Star Financial Program Modules. Module 1 reviews starter lingo and concepts for our Future Finance Gurus. We are excited to share what our upcoming modules hold Be great, Jacks and Jills!

Montgomery Chapter Partners with Hands on Region for its MLK Day of Service

The Montgomery Chapter of Jack and Jill celebrated its Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service by partnering with Hands on River Region. Hands on River Region is a Montgomery service organization that grows capacity of area nonprofits by providing coordinated, managed volunteer activities to the community Montgomery Chapter moms and children performed grounds and building cleanup and painted outdoor at That’s My Child, a local mentoring organization. The fami giving back to the community and helping those in need.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1. Montgomery Chapter partners with Hands on River Regio MLK Day of Service.

Photo 2. Students transported boxes to different facilities with Han Region

Photo 3 Students painted outdoor facilities with Hands on River R

Photo 4. Students collected trash at That’s My Child mentoring center.

Photo 5. Montgomery Chapter members help clean with Hands on River Region.

beautiful vision

of the mothers of our south Florida chapters of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, to collaborate on mission and on purpose to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the founding of our beloved organization. The celebration was a labor of love poured into by the Greater Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Palm Beach Chapters.

Coupled with the energetic enthusiasm of our Palm Beach Mom and news anchor, Hollani Davis as the Mistress of Ceremonies and the support of our dedicated mothers and associates, the vision became a reality on the morning of Sunday, January 29, 2023 at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. The jazz brunch honored our past, celebrated our present and embraced our future. Our National President, Kornisha McGill Brown, and our Regional Director, Darlene McGhee Whittington, sent written greetings memorialized in the souvenir booklet

Past Regional Director Gail Ash Dotson served as the esteemed keynote speaker. The Palm Beach Chapter Moms and Associate Jewels united in all white with matching chapter scarves and accents of pink and blue to support their Chapter President, Jennifer-Mazyck-Brown, who highlighted the chapter’s accomplishments. With vendors, photo ops, music for every generation and a wide array of brunch options, the inaugural tri-county celebration was certainly the first of more to come

It started as a spark…an idea…a

Souper Bowl of Caring, Art After Dark, Heart

Hustle Health & Wellness Fest, and the SWFL Black History Tour

The Southwest Florida Chapter encourages members to lead healthy lifestyles and focuses on the entire family in order to make a difference. They started the month of February with a “Souper Bowl of Caring- Tackling Hunger Canned Food Drive” during Superbowl weekend.

On February 24, 2023, eleven of our Teens, also known as the Trailblazers traveled to West Palm Beach for the Art After Dark event hosted by the Palm Beach Chapter. Teens from neighboring South Florida chapters also traveled from their respective cities. The attire was semi-formal with sneakers. All Teens represented well in their own unique style. Registration kicked off the evening, and each Teen had the chance to personalize a book that would be donated. Next came the tour of the Norton Museum of Art. There was a racial injustice piece the Teens took individual pictures in front of.

Each teen was required to stand up during dinner and respond to three preselected questions from the teen members of the host chapter. The icebreaker game generated laughter and conversation. Following dinner, the Teens posed for a black-and-white caricature and enjoyed the rest of the evening with a silent disco. It was fascinating to see how well the Teens interacted with each other. The hot topic was Teen Leadership Conference. After this program, our teens expressed excitement for any other possible future collaborations as well as the Teen Leadership Conference.

To raise awareness about heart health, moms wore red to their February chapter meeting. Families participated in the Heart Hustle Health & Wellness Fest and 5K walk/run presented by Increase the Peach Fitness Studio and Sozo Wellness Center on Saturday, February 25th. On Mission and On Purpose, this event promotes healthy living through a day of "edutainment". Before the 5K, Jacks and Jills enjoyed a very informative interactive tour of The Williams Academy Black History Museum led by their board Chairman Mr. Charles E Barnes Jr. a Fort Myers native, retired military, and retired Captain from the Lee County Sheriff's Office

Throughout the day, children were able to speak to multiple African American entrepreneurs in the health industry. Jill Lydia-Joi (grade 6) conducted a brief presentation on the special meaning behind colors in African Culture and distributed African necklace-making kits and African-print socks to participants. Children were fascinated as they discovered many interesting facts about the significant role of African Americans in the Southwest Florida area.

Treasure Coast

On January 21, 2023, The Treasure Coast Chapter Teens and Master of the Universe group hosted and Automotive Worship in collaboration with Fort Pierce Central High School. The programing thrust for this activity is education and social The group learned about the cost and maintenance of owning an automobile

Mr. Hoyas, the Auto Shop Instructor presented information on the difference between a hybrid, electric, and fuel dependent vehicle. When asked what type of vehicle they wanted to have, many of the participants responded they wanted luxury vehicles but did not know and understand the cost of owning or maintaining the vehicle

After learning information about the cost and the upkeep of owning the vehicle of their choice, many of them stated they plan to get a good education and work hard to get good paying jobs to afford their vehicles

The participants were able to receive instruction by way of lecture and didactic, which included performing a system diagnostic check, oil change, check tire pressure, change the tire, check and change brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant fluid

Additionally, they learned how to locate general information about the vehicle including size of the tire, amount of pressure the tire needs, year the vehicle was made, and about the different types of gasoline and oil that the vehicle will need The participants learned valuable life skills while engaging in social interaction with an automotive specialist

Tallahassee

Chapter

Florida's First Chapter Salutes Notable Chapter Members

The Tallahassee Chapter Celebrates Women's History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Tallahassee Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is delighted to share the contributions of our very own mother members. Today, we highlight the contributions for a national, regional, and local trailblazer who paved the way for many!

The Tallahassee Chapter is proud to salute our very own, Dr. Eva C. Wanton. Our departed mother and beloved past chapter president, and past Southeastern Regional Director served as the 13th National President. The Tallahassee Chapter, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Southeastern Region, and the National organization have been forever made better because of Dr. Wanton’s effective and influential leadership and guidance, counsel and advice.

Tallahassee Chapter

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Tallahassee Chapter of Jack and Jill of America is delighted to share the contributions of our very own mother members. Today, we highlight the contributions for a national, regional, and local trailblazer who paved the way for many!

The Tallahassee Chapter is proud to salute our very own, Mrs. Annette Thorpe. Associate Jewel Annette Thorpe is a former President of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated Tallahassee Chapter She represented Florida’s First Chapter with grace and innovative leadership. Mrs. Thorpe also served as the third Southeastern Regional Director of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated from 1965-1968.