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The Sweet Scoop OFFICIAL SOUTHEASTERN REGION NEWSLETTER
Excellence
SER Programming Chapter Programming Up coming Events!
Kudos to our Regional Program Co-Chair/Regional Cluster Chair, Tammy Means, Regional Oratorical Chair, Adria Welcher, SER Program Committee, and all of our Sweet, Sweet SER moms who are diligently working behind the scenes to ensure the success of our long-standing tradition of offering our children & teens the opportunity to meet each other during Cluster/Super Cluster season. It is extremely important for them to know that there’s more to Jack and Jill outside of their chapter. Thank you to each mother member who registered for Cluster, Super Cluster, and/or the Teen Leadership Summit, THANK YOU! We are delighted that the creator of the Children's Cluster concept, Past National Vice President & Past SE Regional Director Sylvia McGee was able to join us this year. Please continue to share your experiences with us. Please direct your registration issues to RS Sharon, rssharon@jackandjillser.org, and Cluster Programming inquires to RPCC Tammy Means, RPCTammySER@gmail.com Together Toward Tomorrow, Selika S. Sampson, Regional Program Chair
Left-Right: Past National Vice President Sylvia McGee (Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Children's Cluster Creator); Member-at-Large Takeysha Lewis, & Chapter President Tisha Davis.
Congratulations to the South Georgia Cluster Team: Chapter President Tish, Vice President/Cluster Chair Shandra Yarbrough, Program Director Curlanda Lightfoot-Smith, Member-at-Large Takeysha Lewis, Melanie Jones, Terrie Lockhart, & Simonia Blasingame for planning & executing an impactful cluster for our children.
Congratulations to the North Georgia Cluster Team: Chapter President, Cecily McDaniel; Cluster Chair, Kisha Williams; Program Director, Kimberly Fisher; Isis Nelson Graham; Schnell Hart; Lature Hicks, & Mandi Joseph for Igniting the Principles of Black Excellence in our children.
Center Left - Center Right: Regional Secretary Sharon January & Chapter President Cecily McDaniel
Left-Right: National Convention Chair, Tanisha Gary; Regional Director, Darlene Whittington; Florida Super Cluster Chair, Monica McCluney; and Regional Proram Chair, Selika S. Sampson
Congratulations to the Florida Super Cluster Team: Cluster Chair Monica McCluney, Oratorical Chair Andrea Wilson, Chapter President Mia Hosey, and the entire Brevard County Chapter for hosting an out-of-this-world Super Cluster Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Kennedy Space Center! Our children had the opportunity to meet a real-life astronaut that looks like them. Thank you for Kicking off our 2022 Cluster and Super Cluster Season! Tammy Means, Regional Program Co-Chair
Orlando Chapter
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/registe r/WN_FaOjLDw2Sx2B3oP4cmo92w How to select the Best Summer Opportunities for your Middle & High School Student Join the National Webinar: March 29, 2022 8:00 p.m. EST
SER Gavel Club & Stock Market Exchange Challenge will end on May 1, 2022 Gavel Club Resources: https://bit.ly/3KZNUSp Submission Form: https://form.jotform.com/212995427831161 Contact: RPCC Shannon Chambers, Regional Program Co-Chair, RPCShannonSER@gmail.com
SER Book Club ends May 1, 2022 https://bit.ly/3bhhfI8
Contact: RPCC Tammy Means, Regional Program Co-Chair, RPCTammySER@gmail.com
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Excellence Jacks, Jills & Alumni Families and Leaders
Stone Mountain Chapter Georgia State Representative Pop Billy Mitchell Attends White House Black History Month Celebration
Family
Georgia State Representative Billy Mitchell was elected by his peers to lead the 740-member organization of African American state legislators from across the nation. Former members include a third of the current Congressional Black Caucus and the 44th U.S. Overwhelmingly elected in 2002 to the Georgia General Assembly, he serves on some of its most powerful committees and is the author of many legislative acts signed into law. President.
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As President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Stone Mountain Chapter Dad and Georgia State Representative Billy Mitchell, was among the 125 national African American leaders invited to the White House (Feb 28) by the President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden. This was in observance of Black History Month 2022. Other dignitaries present were our esteemed JJOA National President Kornisha McGill Brown of the Columbus, GA Chapter, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Georgia State Representative Calvin Smyre (Columbus), The Reverend Jesse Jackson and the ingenious curator of Club Quarantine, DJ D-Nice. The day prior, Representative Mitchell and the National Black Caucus of State Legislators members met with Vice President Kamala Harris.
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by Chapter Editor Kristi R. Fultz-Butts
STONE MOUNTAIN CHAPTER DAD GEORGIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE BILLY MITCHELL ATTENDS WHITE HOUSE BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION BY CHAPTER EDITOR KRISTI R. FULTZ-BUTTS
He also presently serves as Chair of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus. Formerly vicemayor of the City of Stone Mountain, he authored legislation permitting the erection of the “Freedom Bell” commemorating the exhortation to “let freedom ring, even from Stone Mountain of Georgia!” in Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a Dream” speech. A frequent public speaker and writer, Representative Mitchell is a contributor to the best-selling Keeping the Faith by media personality Tavis Smiley. The book was recognized as Best Literary Work at the nationally televised NAACP Image Awards. Representative Mitchell is married to the former Shawn Evans, a longtime Stone Mountain Chapter Mom and a previous "Miss Norfolk State University" and present college professor. They have two children, a daughter, Maya (Stone Mountain Chapter alumna), and son, Sean, and are very active members of the Saint Philip AME Church, a nearly 8,000-member congregation in Decatur, where Representative Mitchell also serves as an officer.
This month the Athens Chapter Jacks and Jills paid tribute to black history and gave back to the community. The Moms even had a MOMent to themselves. Beginning with the Harlem Renaissance Dining & Etiquette Experience, everyone dressed up and discussed the transformative accomplishments of the artists of the Harlem Renaissance. They also practiced their table setting skills and learned about dining etiquette. The Chapter partnered with the Athens Community Council on Aging and delivered 150 handmade Valentine’s Day cards through the Meals on Wheels program. After Chapter Business meeting the moms took a MOMent (Moms Only Moment) to snack on charcuterie plates and sip beverages of choice while conversing about hype playlist selections and true crime podcasts, among other topics. It was nice to end a busy month of activities with a little time to get to know one another better and share some laughs. #givemeaMOMent #HarlemNights #givealittlelove
Atlanta Chapter Families Experienced Virtual Black History Month Celebration The February 12 event began with oratorical presentations: "We Are Black Excellence," the Speak Up, Speak Out orators proclaimed. Cameron Jenkins (5th; Immediate Past Chapter President Mom Nicole) will represent the chapter at SuperCluster. The teen contestant, Isaiah Manning (11th, Chaplain Mom Kimberly), explained what it means to be "Educated, Melanated and Highly Sophisticated" and also will represent the chapter at SuperCluster. Later, the children learned about Black Wealth from several speakers from Atlanta's business community who have experience in wealth building, wealth management, consulting and entrepreneurship. PHOTO CAPTIONS: atlantablackhistorymonth1: The logo for the Atlanta Chapter’s Black History Month event was created by teen Chloe Greene (10th; Mom Wendy Greene) atlantablackhistorymonth2: Speakers, judges and moms ready to participate in virtual oratorical event as part of the Atlanta Chapter’s Black History Month celebration
The Atlanta Chapter Pre-K/Kindergarten grade group made Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day special by inviting the chapter, friends, and family to assist them in Building Black Bookshelves. They collected 90 books. The group met at Brave and Kind Books, where they had story time and an age-appropriate lesson about Dr. King and his legacy. The interactive lesson encouraged them to think about Dr. King as a hero. They made bookmarks and selected figures with multiple skin tones to glue to them. Then they were treated to “diversity” cookies from The Printed Peach GA. The children left with swag bags of the multicultural-skin-tone Crayola markers, diversityand Dr. King-themed coloring pages, and of course, a book to help them build their own Black Bookshelves at home. Book donations went to the Nicholas House as well as The Department of Family and Child Services.
SOUPer Bowl of Caring Tackling Hunger Canned Food Drive The Augusta Chapter combined efforts with the community to Tackle Hunger on Sunday, February 13th. In partnership with Golden Harvest Food Bank and seizing the momentum of Super Bowl festivities, community partners far and wide contributed canned and non-perishable items to support those families most in need. Over 587 individual items were donated at a weight of 555 lbs., as a result of the generosity of donors. Augusta families worked with the staff of Golden Harvest Food Bank and followed COVID-19 safety precautions to unload and sort donations. The Augusta Chapter continues to be “On Mission and On Purpose” to positively impact others through its mission of service.
The Birmingham Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. held its Black History Program Saturday, February 12, 2022, via Zoom. Mom Tracee Gilliam welcomed families by introducing Black Excellence: Super Bowl of African Americans. The four-quarter analogy was described to share the contributions of African Americans to the Super Bowl and National Football League (NFL) history. Families learned how football changes lives through entrepreneurship, design, creativity, halftime performances, coaching, and players on the field. Teen and Preteen members shared the accomplishments of Colin Kaepernick, former NFL quarterback. Virtual presentations by NFL player, Aaron Maybin, former NFL players Jason Murphy, and Jessie Tuggle, provoked motivation and inspiration to the children and teens. Damien Mitchell of Jox 94.5 sports radio station also described his collegiate football and sports media career. Coach Damon Wilson also contributed to our phenomenal Black History Program.
An Afro-Dominican Culinary Mix On Saturday, February 5, 2022, Birmingham Preteens had an "Afro-Dominican Culinary Mix" program with Dominican Chef and Foodie Carmen Moffett. The Preteens shopped, budgeted, and prepped food prior to the live culinary class on February 5th. The Preteens watched High on the Hog, listened to Songs of a Resilient People, donated $250 to Lawson State School of Culinary Arts, and completed 1 Financial + 1 Leadership Module. With 66% attendance in attendance, preteens truly had a “but for Jack and Jill” experience!
The Birmingham Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated hosted Beads and Bling on Saturday, February 5, 2022. The Mardi Gras celebration was held at Events at Haven in downtown Birmingham and included a silent auction, dinner, and dancing to the tunes of Yung Vocal and DJ Butch. The Miles College “second line” band, under the direction of Mr. Willie Snipes, got the crowd moving to their rendition of “Do Whatcha’ Wanna” by the Rebirth Brass Band. Through corporate sponsorships and charitable donations, the Birmingham Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated raised over $50,000 to benefit the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center. The beloved Jack and Jill of America Foundation strives to transform families, one child at a time. One Place is a collaboration between the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, City of BirminghamBirmingham Police Department, YWCA Central Alabama, and the Crisis Center, Inc. Long, Live, Jack and Jill
The Teens of the Brevard County Chapter are learning how to support the community by learning CPR, a skill that will last a lifetime and may save one as well. The Crossovers celebrated Black History Month by becoming engaged in the legacy, literacy, and the love of books at the Essence of Knowledge Bookstore; a local black-owned business. The Crusaders had an HBCU Experience, where the children were asked to research a Historical Black College or University of their choice, present it to their group, and they were able to listen to real-life experiences from Moms who attended and graduated from Bethune Cookman University, Bowie State University, Florida A&M University, and Norfolk State University.
Way to go hosts Ariah and Olivia and the 5th and 6th grade group of Buckhead Atlanta Chapter! They cleaned up MLK Blvd and the CT Martin Recreation Center with enthusiasm!!! City of Atlanta’s District 10 Councilmember Andrea Boone is proud of your work and dedication. The children of Buckhead are grateful for Mom L’Erin Barnes Wiggins organizing this event.
The 7th/8th grade Jr. Teens came together in the name of community service both virtually and inperson. Their efforts included making lunch bags and organizing toiletry donations at West End park where we also served by collecting trash in the park. Following the park clean, up our Jr. Teens distributed food and toiletry items to Atlanta Mission, a homeless shelter benefitting LGBT youth and Lost & Found. Teens also delivered lunch items to Atlanta’s homeless citizens located around the downtown courthouse district. Special thanks to Mom Portia Grayson for a wonderful recap and pictures.
Buckhead Chapter is thrilled about the amazing talents of its stellar Jacks and Jills during this year's Black History Program! During the program, they also celebrated the journey of the senior teens and were elated to be joined by an incredible guest speaker. It is rare to hear from a true legend in their own time. The Chapter is in store for many wonderful stories both wellknown and untold.
Super proud of these teens is indeed an understatement! 24 teens prepared 200, that’s right 200, comfy cozy kits with personal hygiene items for the Ronald McDonald House. They watched a video about the Ronald McDonald House. Then they played human bingo where they had an opportunity to learn about each other within 10 minutes and win $50. Special thanks to Mom La Shonda Oglesbee for providing this experience for our Teens!
The Best of Both Worlds The Columbus, GA (COLGA) Chapter held a hybrid HBCU event where families enjoyed the music and enthusiasm of the HBCU Culture Battle of the Bands and learned virtually about the history and greatness of beloved HBCUs. The “Friday through Sunday” experience of attending an HBCU during football season was the highlight of the “Battles” between Fort Valley State University, South Carolina State University, Benedict College, Alabama A&M University, and Alabama State University. Each band gave their liveliest performance of fan favorite songs that moved the crowd to dance a groove, and the Honey Beez of Alabama State STOLE THE SHOW! As it is universally known, academics and graduating are just as important as campus fun. The virtual presentation included admissions requirements, notable alumni, and the many majors offered for each school featured at the Battle. The Chapter has several HBCU alums in its ranks and amongst the leaders in the COLGA community. Participants were even able to view a 1941 tuition receipt from Stillman College. What an incredible legacy Historically Black Colleges and Universities provide. Learning and fun combined to truly provide the children with the best of both worlds.
The Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter participated in the 6th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event in partnership with the City of Dunwoody on February 5, 2022. Their work included planting trees and daffodils at Brook Run Park and beautifying the picnic tables at local restaurants. This 2021 – 2022 season of service was a success because of the hundreds of volunteers across the City of Dunwoody who volunteered during the day of service and donated thousands of pounds of food to Souperbowl of Caring. Mayor Lynn Deutsch and the City of Dunwoody’s leadership team expressed their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Dunwoody Atlanta Chapter and look forward to the continued partnership. 💙💙
The Fayette County Area Chapter (FCAC) Junior Teens visited St. Simon Island and Jekyll Island for an exciting opportunity to dive into history and culture! During this time, they learned, explored and created a visual story based on the Igbo landing. The group enjoyed learning about their rich heritage through this activity. Kudos to the Junior Teens and Junior Teen Host Moms and Grade Group Sponsors on an awesome activity.
The Greater Chattanooga Chapter Black History STEM Event The Greater Chattanooga Chapter (GCC) hosted a combined STEM and Black History activity on Sunday, February 20, 2022, called Germs! Germs! Germs! Brilliance in Color. Participants received a germ collection kit from one of the host moms, Dr. Shayla Toombs-Withers (pictured). Mom Shayla met briefly with all participants on Valentine’s Day to demonstrate how and where to collect their specimens and provided instructions for digital documentation. During the virtual event, participants shared photos of their specimens. It was discovered that there were more germs on iPads than inside most toilets. Host Mom, Vernisha Savoy (pictured), presented “African-American Hidden Figures” such as Dr. William Hinton, bacteriologist, pathologist, and educator; Dr. Bettye Washington Greene, the first black female chemist to work in a professional position at Dow Chemical; and Dr. Gladys West, a mathematician who worked on the development of the satellite geodesy models that were eventually incorporated into the Global Positioning System.
GCC Mom, Dr. Shayla Toombs-Withers, founder of Essence of Health Wellness Clinic in Chattanooga, is a graduate of Tennessee State University.
GCC Mom, Mrs. Vernisha R. Savoy, a Director of Compliance for Federal Programs for a healthcare organization, is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University.
Host Mom, Mrs. Tykisha Sanders, a Commercial Division Clinical Supervisor for the Utilization Management of Behavioral Health, is a graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
In celebration of Black History Month, the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter (GMAC) held an exclusive outing to the BOB MARLEY'S THREE LITTLE BIRDS musical at Synchronicity Theatre. In support of the Program Thrusts Cultural: Celebrating Black Leaders, Authors, and Inventors - Jack and Jill Storytime, and Social: Family Nights Out, the Black History Month Committee held a special GMAC programming activity honoring one of the most prolific Black musicians in history. On Friday, February 25, 2022, twenty-nine GMAC children and 31 Moms and Big Jacks enjoyed a jammin’, family-friendly musical. The evening began with a reception, followed by an hour-long musical, and a post-show “talk back” with the all-Black, mostly Atlanta-native cast, and the Synchronicity Theatre Director of Education. GMAC families sang, laughed, and danced along to the story of Bob Marley’s daughter, Cedella, growing up and learning about the beautiful people and rich history and culture of Jamaica.
GNAC Teens support Home of Hope Children’s Shelter Love Your Crown was the theme of the February Service activity for the Greater North Atlanta Chapter (GNAC) Jr. and Sr. Teens. The teens collected hair care products, packaged them as gifts, and donated them to the Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children's Shelter. Home of Hope is a homeless shelter for women with children. They provide customized “Life Plans” that are designed around the physical, emotional and educational needs of the children, while helping the mothers create a plan of action to get back on their feet. Hair care is a luxury these families can not afford, yet it is something that can really help improve self-esteem and confidence. The teens eagerly took on this project and donated so many hair care products that Home of Hope plans to share with other local shelters!
The Greater Tampa Chapter launched a cultural explosion for the senses with its 2022 Black History program, “Elevating the Vision of Our Ancestors,” a cultural festival. Following the excitement of the 3rd Annual Tutus and Tennis Shoes 5K Walk/Run event at historic Perry Harvey Sr. Park in downtown Tampa, GTC’s Black History program was free for all to attend and offered the smell of saffron and cumin in the air from specialty food trucks. Nearby, participants enjoyed games of Double Dutch and Spades. Families enjoyed cultural face painting and storytelling, Tiktok and line dance lessons, and many other activities to create fun memories to last a lifetime or at least until next year!
Programming is at the heart of what Jack and Jill does as an organization. Sixteen of the Chapter’s children will participate in this year’s competition. The Jacksonville Chapter is proud to present its oratorical speakers. Speak Up Speak Out Jordan Middleton Rhianna Rosby Xander Sosa Teens Division I Ryan Brown Zoie Fullwood Garrison Fullwood Cameron Middleton Teens Division II Nicole Gray James Henson Jacob Henson
The theme of Black History Month for the Knoxville Chapter was used to focus on relevant age group programming. The WWPIs are gearing up for our annual “Living Museum” where they will impersonate a famous historical black figure. This is always well received and with direction from the Knoxville Children’s Theatre, they are afforded the privilege to finesse acting and public speaking skills. The TNT group held a cookie decorating class at a Black Owned Bakery where the owner facilitated completion of a financial module “Designing a Dream.” This module focused on saving and budgeting and also slipped in a bit of STEM with mixing and measuring. The Royal Teens had guest speaker Mark E. Dean, African American inventor and computer engineer who helped develop a number of landmark technologies for IBM, including the color PC monitor and the first gigahertz chip. He holds three of the company's original nine patents. The teens were very engaged.
J and J University The Lake Spivey grade group called Fantastic 4’s gathered together to complete two of the financial literacy lessons. The Path to Success engaged the jacks and jills in income-earning research as they explored career opportunities and investigated how education and training increase their earning power. The second lesson provided an overview of income and taxes. They learned how a paycheck works, the government’s role in income and what state and Federal tax money is spent on. The day concluded with a King Cake party and lessons on Carnival Season.
Black History Spotlight - Memphis Celebrate Their Black MD Moms The Memphis Chapter Celebrating National Women Physicians Day in Black History Month. . We are grateful and thankful for the Phenomenal Jack and Jill of America, Inc-Memphis Chapter Black Women Physicians. All whom represent Black History in their own right. Only 1/3 of all physicians are women. Only 2% of physicians are Black women. Even though the pandemic years have been extremely tough, we are forever proud and grateful for each one of them. Memphis also honors Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African-American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States.
Memphis Chapter Tackles Hunger in the SOUPer Bowl of Caring! Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Memphis Chapter partnered with the Souper Bowl of Caring to tackle hunger benefitting the Salvation Army in Memphis. Through a collective effort of all Jack and Jill families, the chapter was able to collect 2,175 diapers/pull-ups, 1,104 wipes, 372 jars of baby food, and 213 cereal items! All the items were delivered to the Salvation Army of Memphis and were well received. The Memphis Chapter is truly grateful and blessed to give and help others in times of need. The Memphis Chapter was honored to join the Souper Bowl of Caring movement that has been inspiring people across the nation to tackle hunger in their local communities.
The Miami Chapter launched Black History Month by gifting its children a poster booklet featuring 33 notable Black Americans. On February 4th, National Wear Red Day, the Mother Members started a “MomTrek” and began walking and using GirlTrek’s BHM Bootcamp for daily meditations/inspirations. On February 12, participants convened at the Cape Florida Lighthouse, part of the “Saltwater Railroad” from 1821 to 1861, providing a way for those who escaped enslavement to board ships for the Bahamas. Members toured the Lighthouse and enjoyed STEAM activities to learn about Black inventor Lewis Howard Latimer, painted lighthouses, and constructed circuits using conductive playdough/circuit sets.
The Mobile Chapter held its Black History Program Sunday, January 16th at Midway Missionary Baptist Church. Jacks, Jills, and Teens performed musical selections by African American musicians and composers. They also dressed up like various famous and influential African Americans and gave the audience a chance to “Guess me if you can.” Chapter members were so proud of their children who put on a phenomenal program.
Congratulations to Mobile Chapter Mom Cynthia Tucker on being named the 2022 Harper Lee Award Winner. Mom Cynthia is a Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist with weekly columns appearing in newspapers around the country, focusing on political and cultural issues, including income inequality, social justice and reform of the public education system. She is currently the journalist-in-residence at the University of South Alabama, teaching in the English and Political Science departments. Cynthia’s first published book, The Southernization of America: A Story of Democracy in the Balance (NewSouth Books, 2/15/2022), co-authored with Frye Gaillard, is a compelling series of linked essays considering the role of the South in shaping America’s current political and cultural landscape. She is a native of Monroeville, AL and a graduate of Auburn University. Tucker was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in the 1988-89 academic year. She currently lives in Mobile with her 13-year-old daughter, Carly.
Montgomery presents “Black is Queen” Heritage Ball The Magnificent Montgomery Chapter hosted a “Black is Queen” Heritage Ball in honor of Black History Month. Chaired by Chapter Mom, Judge Samarria Munnerlyn Dunson, the evening began with a warm welcome from Lagos, Nigeria by former chapter members, Drs. Adedoyin and Sesi Ogunbi. After greetings from the Chapter President, Dr. Nichole Thompson, audience members were presented with video vignettes that introduced chapter moms and chapter children. After dinner concluded, chapter couples serenaded guests with a formal dance to the song, “Brown Skin Girl.” It was beautifully choreographed by Mom Gina Ishman. Thereafter, guests participated in The Battle. Participants were given ribbon wands in event colors to represent their African tribe in an African Country Roll Call. Participants were encouraged to enjoy a Cigar Bar, 365 video photobooth and dancing. Regional Treasurer Florence Holland was proud to represent the Regional Executive Board fo the occasion. The event was enjoyed by all.
Nashville Mothers enjoyed a chapter-wide prayer call, and chapter children had a fun month of hybrid programming. From tiny tots cooking in the kitchen, to primary grades learning about the importance of voting, and more! Nashville Teens enjoyed in-person fellowship with go-carting and an overnight lock-in, themed “Black History Our Way” complete with games rooted in black history. The Achievers, children in grades four and five, participated in a virtual tour of Black Nashville, led by “Soul of America” local tour group. The Contenders, which is comprised of middle schoolers, took a virtual tour of notable moments of African-Americans in the neighboring city of Memphis. Nashville is indeed looking forward to taking a physical field trip to see all of the sites and Civil Rights Museum soon!
The North Suburban Atlanta Chapter of Jack Jill of America, Inc. was extremely proud to celebrate Black History Month! NSAC hosted a virtual program in honor of Bob Johnson Co-founder of Black Entertainment Television. NSAC paid homage by creating a virtual program themed "Black Excellence Television." The purpose and format included teaching children PreK - 12 graders of past, present, and future leaders who have made an impact on Black Culture, Leadership, STEAM, Civil Rights, and Politics. The program was divided into segments for grade groups to present historical moments, pop culture, influential African Americans, and Jack and Jill Alumni who have contributed to American History. In addition, the chapter featured local NSAC Black Owned Business as sponsors for impacting economic growth, health, and community involvement. The Black History Program included three rounds of Jeopardy answering Black trivia questions with one team remaining as the winner! The winning team received a Black vendor gift basket with items purchased by local Metro Atlanta Area Black Businesses.
“Bridging Technology – The Past through the Future” The Orlando Chapter showcased its children and teen orators for the “Speak Up-Speak Out” and “Anne Owen Gordon” competition this month. It is tradition for the chapter to interweave the annual Black History program into the event. This year, children from all age groups celebrated the contributions of black inventors from the past through the present. The 2-5 age group used crafts to express their artistic adaptation of African-American legendary inventors. The 6-8 age group had the opportunity to learn about patents from chapter dad Antoine Bell on his journey through the patent process. The 9-11 age group collaborated on a literature-based project that resulted in a beautiful display of poetic expression. Finally, the teens connected avenues of cultural entertainment through Afro-Futurism and black wealth building through technology. A lively trivia contest on esteemed black orators along with videos of their famous speeches was interspersed throughout the hybrid program.
The Savannah Chapter's black history month program was all about HBCUs! Before the event, children practiced their oratorical skills by recording video clips to create an intro video for the program. The youth were very excited to see themselves on screen. The video was followed by an Ice breaker, “Barack Says…”, led by Teen Gabrielle Curtis. They hopped up and down, did jumping jacks, and maybe a cartwheel or two to get hearts pumping and add some physical activity into this virtual meeting. Next, the children learned a brief history of the Black National Anthem, followed by a performance of the song. Then, the speaker Daniel Gunnells, a student at Savannah State University, shared his experience attending an HBCU. Finally, it was “Game Time!” Participants played HBCU Bingo, where the children not only had fun and won some cool black history prizes, but learned great facts about each HBCU. Thrusts Covered: Educational, Cultural, Health & Fitness, Leadership
The South Miami Chapter’s children in the Pinwheels and Riptides groups had an amazing activity where they learned about history through art in celebration of Black History Month. Each Jack and Jill painted a pre-sketched "Be the Dream" or "My Black is Beautiful" canvas. The children then learned about the achievements of African Americans in U.S. history. Finally, the children participated in an “African American Achiever Trivia” game where they guessed and then discussed each African American pioneer and important historical moments in African American history.
The Suncoast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. hosted a virtual Black History Month Program to support the annual oratorical program on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. Parents supported the children while local community leaders served as judges to support this year's 2022 Oratorical Program in concert with the chapter’s Black History Month celebration. The program was designed to inspire and encourage children and teens to embrace and value the art of public speaking. Parents were all excited and proud to hear the Chapter's children and teens’ presentations with oratoricals aimed to support the theme for Speak Up-Speak Out (ages 10-12), “We are Black Excellence: Lifting Each Other Higher”, and the theme for the Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical Contest Division II (ages 1619), “Educated, Melanated and Highly Sophisticated”. Suncoast is so proud of its participants, Sabrina Moss, Tabitha Moss, and Lilliana Ward as the Speak Up and Speak Out representatives and Mykenzi Davis and Cameron Temple as the Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical presenters. Prior to the program, each child/teen participated in a series of workshops to create their speeches and prepare for the program. The chapter families came together and showed their support for each child/teen participating.
Suncoast Supercluster
The Tallahassee Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc.'s annual Ann Owen Gordon Teen Oratorical Competition and Speak Up, Speak Out! Presentations took place on Sunday, February 28th. The Tallahassee Associate Chapter of Jack and Jill organized and presented the virtual oratorical program. Teen Symone Thompson placed first in the competition, and Teen Brantley Gibson was the runner-up. There were five Speak Up, Speak Out participants: Sydney Blake, Autumn Daniels, Christian Menchion, Taryn Samuel, and Gracie Smallwood. Symone Thompson and Christian Menchion represented the Tallahassee Chapter at the North Florida Super Cluster's Oratorical competition on Saturday, March 5, 2022 where Symone won 1st place in the state and will now represent Florida in the Regional Competition in Birmingham! The Lollipop grade group offered a phenomenal spoken word presentation. Our Lollipops are: Eli James Certain, Davis Allen Gillum, Angel Hopkins, and A'Zyiah O'Banner. The video was produced by J&J Father Kalon Hopkins. Congratulations to all courageous speakers for a job well done. Continue speaking up and speaking out on issues that truly matter! https://www.dropbox.com/s/bez65cuq8k8uvm9/2022_JANDJ_LOLLIPOP_KIDS.mov?dl=0
The Tallahassee Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is exuberantly proud to call Alumni Ashley Williams one of its very own! • ASHLEY WILLIAMS is the First Black woman appointed as Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations. The Tallahassee Chapter shares this prideful moment with Attorneys Thornton & Associate Life Member Harriet Williams. • Biden Team Announces New Staff Picks, Highlighting Effort To ‘Build An Administration That Looks Like America’ • https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/biden-teamannounces-new-staff-picks-highlighting-effort-to-buildan-administration-that-looks-like-america • https://buildbackbetter.gov/press-releases/presidentelect-joe-biden-and-vice-president-elect-kamala-harrisannounce-additional-members-of-white-house-staff/ • • • #JJOA 💕💙 #JJTLH #TallyProud #BidenHarris
The Tuscaloosa Chapter’s teens and their families showed love to the community this month by contributing over 400 canned goods to a local non-profit organization as part of the Souper Bowl of Caring initiative. Black excellence was also on display this Black History Month as chapter children and teens completed Gavel Club speeches, delivered Speak Up, Speak Out presentations, and participated in the chapter-level Ann Owen Gordon (AOG) Oratorical Competition. Tuscaloosa is proud of all the participants! Zoe Richardson was the Speak Up, Speak Out winner and will represent the Chapter at the upcoming Super Cluster. Adia Lowther earned first place in the AOG competition, but will be unable to present during the cluster meeting. The Chapter is certain it's alternate, Evan Lowther, will represent the Chapter well.
Tuscaloosa Chapter
Educated, Melanated and Highly Sophisticated The Tuskegee Chapter held its annual Speak Up, Speak Out (SUSO) Presentations and Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical Competition on Sunday, February 20, 2022. The format was virtual. Major Holland and Alfonso Grace Jr. participated in the SUSO presentations. Division I (Ages 13-15) winners of the Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical Competition were as follows: Antoine Smith II – first place; Miles Holland – second place; Jade Thompson– third place. Division II (Ages 16-19) winners were as follows: Ryan Lowery – first place; Michael Holland Jr. – second place; John Boykin Jr. – third place; Due to space limitations, only SUSO participants and division first place winners are pictured. Ryan Lowery will represent the chapter at the SuperCluster competition.
The West Georgia Chapter Explores Black History Through Art The 6th-8th graders experienced an evening of historical learning, exploring Black history and heritage through the arts. Hosted by West Georgia Chapter Mothers Aisha, Monica, and Rae-Anne, the pre-teens participated in an interactive quilting demonstration about the quilt codes used to help enslaved people navigate the Underground Railroad. They also learned more about the life of Harriett Tubman. Every year the Douglasville Cultural Arts Center honors the work of local African American artists as part of their Black History Month programming. Following the quilting demonstration, they toured the Douglasville Cultural Arts Center’s “Notes of Inclusion” exhibit presented by four astounding artists - James Killings Jr., V. Kottavei Williams, Courtney Brooks, and Lawrence Sullivan.
Congratulations to Buckhead Atlanta Chapter Jack Holden Staes for committing to attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall! After receiving 31 Full D1 Scholarship Offers, Staes decided to take his talents to South Bend. Holden is a senior at Westminster School in Atlanta and the son of attorneys Steven and Michelle Staes. In addition to dominating the football field, Holden is an Admissions Ambassador at Westminster. Holden was selected as an Adidas All American and played in the Polynesian Bowl in Honolulu on January 22, 2022. With a beaming future ahead of him, Holden aspires to play in the NFL and then have a career in sports broadcasting.
Jack and Jill alumnae and past SER Regional Teen President, Jordyn Allen, graduate of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter and Chairwoman of the Howard University Student Association Senate, appeared on MSNBCs The ReidOut speaking about the recent bomb threats at HBCUs
Mom Sandra Powell was appointed Broward Health Medical Center's Regional Lab Manager to the Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
On February 10, 2022, Sen. Reverend Warnock of Georgia chaired a hearing of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection focused on the role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs). Robert James II, President & CEO of Savannah’s Carver State Bank and Chairman of the National Bankers Association, was one of three witnesses to provide testimony on the local economic importance of serving consumers and businesses who are underserved by traditional banks and financial service providers. Robert, a graduate of Howard University and Harvard Law School, is the son of Past National President/Associate Shirley B. James and a proud alumnus of the Savannah Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. CITATIONS: https://www.savannahbusinessjournal.com/news/ba nking_finance/feb-10---sen-warnock-highlightshow-community-banking-institutions-supportsmall-businesses-move/article_6e87e9f8-8ab811ec-b65a-ffab372122ea.html https://www.nationalbankers.org/robert-james
The Magnificent Montgomery Chapter is proud to be home to Mayor Steven L. Reed, the 57th Mayor of the City of Montgomery a historic destination known globally as The Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. Mayor Reed was sworn into office in November 2019 and is the first African American to hold the position. He is married to Attorney Tamika Henry Reed, Alabama’s first female Investment Banker. They have three children—Kyla (Miss Howard University 20192020), Klein, and Karsten.
Nia Vaughn is a sixth-grade honor roll student at Karns Middle School in Knoxville, TN. Miss Vaughn participates on the Karns Middle School Cheerleader team, is a competitive baton twirler for Spectra Twirlers, a soprano in the school's encore choir, and is a sprinter on the Knoxville Area Youth Track Team. As an active member of the Knoxville Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Miss Vaughn, at five, became a published author in "The Super Chronicles: Stories of the Power to Make a Difference" anthology. Saved at seven years old, She worships at Overcoming Believers Church, pastored by Daryl Arnold. In 2021, Nia Vaughn drafted and submitted an amendment to Tennessee Law HB 2604, Basic Education Program. This amendment requested a $100 increase to K-12 teachers in all of Tennessee. Her amendment is up for vote and is expected to pass in Spring of 2022. Miss Vaughn is the eldest daughter of Clarence and Syreeta Vaughn and has two younger sisters, Jada and Zya.
THANK YOU SER !
GO RED
Sweet, Sweet Southeastern Region Presenters Clearinghouse
Sweet, Sweet Southeastern Region Presenters Clearinghouse The Sweet, Sweet Southeastern Region has mothers with diverse talents, skills, and areas of expertise. Desired presenters for chapters' membership engagement activities and events likely are right here in our region and only a Zoom or short drive away. To help chapters easily tap into our internal resources and connect with mothers who have an interest in serving as guest presenters, the Regional Membership Committee is excited to introduce the Sweet, Sweet Southeastern Region Presenters Clearinghouse. Of course, Digital Cheetah already allows us to share information regarding our skills and experiences, and we hope you have updated your profile in that platform. If you have a specific interest in sharing your talents, skills, and areas of expertise with other chapters as a presenter, we encourage you to complete the Google Form for the Sweet, Sweet Southeastern Region Presenters Clearinghouse. The information collected will be shared with all chapters and will be updated on an ongoing basis. We look forward to this additional means of connecting mothers in our Sweet, Sweet Southeastern Region.