2
The Sweet Scoop OFFICIAL SOUTHEASTERN REGION NEWSLETTER
Amazing SER
OFFICIAL SOUTHEASTERN REGION NEWSLETTER
SER SWEET SCOOP APRIL ISSUE VII
ALBANY ALBANY CHAPTER PRESENTS
BEAUTILLION MILITAIRE GALA The amazing families of the Albany, Georgia Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. presented nineteen high school male juniors and seniors at the Beautillion Militaire Gala held on Saturday, March 19, 2022. The theme for this year’s Beautillion Class is “Still Standing… The Legacy Continues”; a tribute to the original Beautillion Class of 1982 and the Jack and Jill mothers who planted the seed 40 years ago. For nine months, the Beaux participated in various activities and events to foster leadership, heighten exposure to HBCUs, promote cultural awareness and understanding, develop an insatiable curiosity for learning, teach practical life skills, and forge lifelong relationships and friendships. Each Beau demonstrated upstanding character, strong academic achievement, and leadership qualities of which the Albany community can be proud. The seeds have been planted, the roots have been watered, and the trees are bearing fruit.
ATHENS Moms Kesha, Felisha and Zaheerah hosted the Athens Chapter Trailblazer Teens for our “Hidden Figures” event. The day started with lunch and the teens interviewing each other. They demonstrated strong leadership and courage as they stood before the group and shared the information they learned about each other. They had also been charged with researching little-known African American historical figures who Trailblazer Kendra and CTP Jills - Kelli, Simone, Sasha made a positive contribution/impact on Simone sharing their interviews. and Kendra society. They gave presentations about Nat Love, Dr. Jane Cooke Wright, Phillis Wheatley, Augusta Savage and the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion aka the “Six-Triple-Eight”. The event ended with a few rounds of Black History Month Trivia with the winner having to be determined by a tiebreaker question. It was a great way to practice public speaking, learn more about our history and get closer as friends. CTVP Obayemi sharing his report on Hidden Figure Nat Love. #HiddenFigures #SpeakingUpSpeakingOut
ATLANTA
Moving on...
The Atlanta Chapter’s sixth graders completed a rite of passage on March 13: Their first business meeting with the Junior Teens. As they approach seventh grade and teen status, the mothers of the chapter’s programming team determined that they needed a crash course in the details of running and attending a real business meeting. They also learned about Internet safety and received details about the Junior Teen election. After the lessons, they were able to decompress with a fun, sugar-filled activity: decorating sugar cookies. They left the event with sweets and knowledge about what being a Jack and Jill teen means.
ATLANTA
About 20 Atlanta Chapter moms, dads and children were among the hundreds who attended the Ambassador Andrew Young 90th Birthday Peace Walk from Centennial Olympic Park to Rodney Cook Sr. Peace Park on March 10. Ambassador Young, a former Atlanta Chapter dad, iconic civil rights leader, Atlanta mayor from 1982 to 1990 and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, chose peace and reconciliation as the themes for the event. He and other speakers addressed the crowd to share their commitment to justice in the U.S. and abroad. The event ended after the unveiling of a statue of Ambassador Young.
AUGUSTA The Augusta Chapter traveled to the Morris Museum of Art on Sunday, March 13, 2022, for our annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STE[A]M) trip. The Morris Museum of Art is located on the beautiful Riverwalk in historic Downtown Augusta along the Savannah River. Jack and Jill families listened to music provided by live bands as they engaged in a variety of art themed activities while enjoying a sunny day on the Augusta Riverwalk. Some of the activities included observing art and pottery demonstrations, painting on a large canvas, painting giant flowers on the lawn, coloring art pages, choosing a temporary tattoo, and making and molding seed bombs into an artinspired shape. The Augusta chapter families also had the opportunity to explore the museum’s multifaceted art collection and special art exhibitions. The Augusta Chapter always finds a way to have fun and fellowship, “On Mission and On Purpose”.
Birmingham Chapter Teens Kentucky Derby Party
The Kentucky Derby- HBCU Style themed activity was a successfully planned event spearheaded by the teens of the Birmingham Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. The teens partied with a purpose on March 19th, 2022, at the historic Miles College. The teens were responsible for identifying a party theme, planning, and executing the event. The teens showed up in incredible outfits with an HBCU twist to dance, take photos, socialize with friends, and enjoy the food. To top it off, the teens also donated $2,000.00 to Miles College to make it a purposed-driven activity. Everyone had a good time. Long, Live, Jack and Jill!
BUCKHEAD ATLANTA
5th and 6th grade Stretched and Danced it out at their fitness get together. Special Thanks to Stretch Dance Studio, their student dancers, and the owner of Everybody Eats Together for leading a wonderful fitness event and discussion on health disparities for African Americans. The group also visited the Bellwood Quarry which is Atlanta’s emergency backup water source. Thanks to Dad Ceasar Mitchell for sharing historical info about the quarry. Our children worked it out!!!
BUCKHEAD ATLANTA
Pre K/K ran the yard for there March activity. It was their first time together in person since Covid. Happy to report that all is well and this event was full of beautiful smiling faces.
COLUMBUS “Flying High with the Red Tails” The Lads and Lassies and Twixt and Tweens grade groups of the Columbus, GA Chapter traveled to Tuskegee, AL for a funfilled day of “Flying High with the Red Tails”. The children learned a brief history of the Tuskegee Airmen and Moton Field, and then transitioned to a scavenger hunt of the museum and national historic site where they learned more of the trials, tribulations, and successes of the Tuskegee Airmen. From there they conducted a Zoom conference with Captain Jalen Watts, United States Air Force Pilot. He shared his recent experiences in providing flight transportation for United States military service men and women to Europe in support of the current conflict in Ukraine.
COLGA Mother Member LTC Tiffany Byrd, MD educated the group on her role as a physician and flight surgeon for activeduty service members and pilots assigned to the military installation at Fort Benning, GA. She reviewed the health requirements for pilots and how disparities in healthcare many times be a major limiting factor towards the pursuit of flight training for minorities, and especially for African Americans. The children closed out the day by making paper airplanes. The impact of the four forces of weight, drag, lift, and thrust on airplane flight were reviewed with the children, providing examples of each type of force based on information discussed with Capt. Lacy during the Zoom conference.
DUNWOODY ATLANTA
The North Suburban Atlanta Chapter hosted an in-person Children's Cluster on Saturday, March 19th with the theme "Igniting the Principles of Black Excellence." Our Jacks and Jill’s, as well as our Moms, enjoyed engaging and inspiring sessions, which included morning yoga, positive affirmations, and afternoon African drumming and dancing. Fun was had by all!
DUNWOODY ATLANTA Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in partnership with Dunwoody, GA Parks & Recreation hosted “Souper Bowl of Caring” from December 2021 - February 2022. This nine-week food drive was part of the Chapter's extended celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. We're pleased to report Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter collected 5,400 pounds of non-perishable goods during these 60 days of service through collections bins stationed around Dunwoody, GA. "We are excited to partner with the City of Dunwoody and other community organizations to help address the issue of food insecurity,” said Tasha McCall, Community Service Chair for the Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. “We added the food drive to our celebration of MLK, Jr. Day last year due to the pandemic and wanted to bring it back as part of our annual outreach.” Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter donated food collected during the drive to two premier non-profit organizations dedicated to addressing food insecurity, Malachi’s Storehouse and the Community Assistance Center.
EAST SUBURBAN ATLANTA The East Suburban Atlanta Chapter (ESAC) celebrated Black History Month via a virtual event. Each family contributed data about their family and pictures displaying the history of each family prior to the event! Combined with everyone in the chapter, a video was put together to showcase the rich history and culture within the chapter. If that could not top it, the chapter also talked in depth with a specialist about the history of genealogy. To conclude the event, everyone participated in jamming to a classic cultural song and dance, the electric slide!!! #ESACELEVATES
FAYETTE COUNTY AREA
The Fayette County Area Chapter’s Tween 2 age group took a trip to Montgomery, Alabama to tour the Legacy Museum and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice. During this time the Tweens learned about the Equal Justice Initiative and also learned more about the injustices that have occurred and continue to occur against people of color. Detailed accounts were shared about activists such as Rosa Parks. Additionally, the group learned about a more recent pioneer of change - Bryan Stevenson from the Equal Justice Initiative who continues to stand for justice and fairness. This experience gave our children and the parents who accompanied them fresh conversation focused on how to change the overarching narrative.
GREATER METROPOLITAN ATLANTA
Little Lessons, BIG IMPACT! Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter’s Pre-K – 1st Grade participated in a Wild Zoo Ambassador Walk to learn about animal habitats. During a "Where in the World?" exploration, children conducted animal research learning that elephants, monkeys and lions come from Africa, and interestingly monkeys do not traditionally eat bananas because they originate in South America. Tigers can be found in India, Russia or China. In a fun and engaging activity, fitness, and nutrition were incorporated with a walking tour and well-balanced meal of all 5 food groups. In a "Who Am I?" lesson, children learned from Zoo educators about STEM careers such as the Animal Care Team and Graphic Designers. Children learned about volunteering at the Zoo and pooled their funds to donate $25.00 to the Zoo Atlanta fund. This was a great educational and socially engaging activity for Pre-K – 1st grade to learn, explore, socialize and impact our local community.
GREATER NORTH ATLANTA The GNAC Adventurous Leaders (second and third grades) participated in a group activity titled "See Something/Do Something" on March 6, 2022. The program covered several thrusts and included social/recreational, educational, leadership development, and health. The event took place at Cumming Martial Arts, a Blackowned karate studio in Cumming, GA. The goal of the activity was to help our jacks and jills build confidence, learn mindfulness techniques, enforce the importance of tolerance, introduce self-defense options, and highlight the importance of anti-bullying. The activity provided lessons on how to handle difficult emotions.
Our Adventurous Leaders listened to presentations about the dangers of bullying and its devastating impact. The kids also participated in role-play scenarios related to diffusing tense situations and using their voices to protect themselves & others. Selfdefense experts provided de-escalating techniques that helped them learn how to manage high-stress situations. The children learned a few self-defense techniques, making them more confident in their ability to control their emotions. Additionally, they learned how to protect themselves and their loved ones, and they practiced the appropriate times, places, and ways to exhibit their newfound skills.
GREATER TAMPA
Led by Chair Monica Narain and Co-Chair Cheriese Edwards, Greater Tampa Chapter (GTC) spent a sunny Saturday morning in service to Miracles Outreach. The charity is a local nonprofit that counsels and houses teen girls who are fostered and homeless. In this extraordinary day of community service, GTC dads, moms and children spent the day organizing their shared facilities including the kitchen, clothes closet and food pantry with giving hearts. Fathers helped by doing grounds keeping and fixing minor repairs. In addition, GTC families donated canned goods to help support the needs of the organization. Greater Tampa Chapter has pledged to continue our 3-year relationship of charitable support with Miracle Outreach and look forward to finding ways to continue supporting our local community.
JACKSONVILLE
It has been another month of making Women’s and Family History for our phenomenal chapter. The Jacksonville Chapter is off to a roaring start on the SER’s March Madness challenge. The Chapter members have participated in a variety of activities ranging from walking to hiking to riding on the Peloton. Healthy living is an important element of the Chapter’s focus. As a part of its healthy living initiatives, the Social Committee organized a moms night out event at a local black owned business, Jones & Rose. The moms learned the benefits of various essential oils and learned how to make sugar scrubs.
JACKSONVILLE
The Jacksonville Chapter Teens have also been busy making money moves by raising funds to benefit charities. They participated in the Double Good popcorn fundraiser raising over $5000. Additionally, the Chapter is in the midst of a second fundraiser selling swag to members containing its Chapter logo.
KNOXVILLE
JNJ Knoxville TN State Capital Building
NIa
Nia Presenting
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.
KNOXVILLE
Royal Teen Craig Myles pictured with Dr. Robert Bullard, Father of Environmental Justice, at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in New Orleans.
Knoxville Chapter Royal Teen Craig Myles was one of the youngest registered attendees at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting in New Orleans on December 12-17, 2021. AGU is an international scientific society whose mission is to promote discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. The Fall Meeting is AGU’s primary conference with over 10,000 US-based and international scientists and students sharing research and new data both in-person and virtually. Craig was engaged in a week of presentations and discussions about atmospheric science, geology, space physics, and many other topics. He also met Dr. Robert Bullard, a Distinguished Professor at Texas Southern University and the Father of Environmental Justice, who delivered the Presidential Forum lecture on connections between environmental and climate change and racial justice, particularly in African-American communities (see photo). Craig is an honor student at Karns Middle School in Knoxville, TN and serves as the Royal Teens Editor. He is the son of Gerald and Dr. LaToya Myles and brother of Knoxville Chapter Twixt ‘N Tween Chelsea.
LAKE SPIVEY
Montgomery Alabama Tour“A Merciful Time to Explore a Museum” was a tour that told the story of black people from enslavement to mass incarceration. Our JNJ chapter teens had an impactful visit to the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. They had a discussion with Equal Justice Initiative Lawyer Ashley Adams who works with Atty. Bryan Stevenson (Just Mercy). They were able to meet Mr. Anthony Hinton who was incarcerated for 30 years for a crime he didn’t commit and was freed by EJI. The teens shared their reflections from their visit to the museum after viewing a video made for this tour. This activity was conducted as joint activity with the Montgomery chapter teens.
MEMPHIS
Memphis Kid Power Takes Flight in Aerodynamics The Memphis Chapter Kid Power (1st-3rd graders) had their first “in-person” age group activity in over 2 years at Luke Weathers Flight Academy! The children learned about an exciting career in Aerodynamics from African American Men and Women Pilots. They were truly able to take flight in a flight simulation, explore a cockpit and tour an airplane hangar! An exciting time in flight for all!
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST This month our Starfish had a blast with their virtual “Paint and Sip” program. They loved reading “Ada Twist, Scientist” and painting these amazing characters with their own little twist of creativity. They learned some painting concepts like making new colors using their primary colors. The children really enjoyed their time painting with a local African American artist/business owner and we’re able to experience the joys of business ownership.
MOBILE
The Mobile Chapter Golden Nuggets had the opportunity to show off their golf skills at the Azalea City Golf Course. They were instructed on golf fundamentals, etiquette, learned the correct form, and the scoring process. They were taught golf terminology and were able to socialize with one another all while trying to tackle the ultimate hole in one.
MONTGOMERY
Montgomery Chapter Celebrates Arts and Advocacy Capermates of the Magnificent Montgomery Chapter participated in the Arts and Advocacy program during the fall. The teens created art, put advocacy into action, and visited murals by local AfricanAmerican artist, Michelle Browder, around the city of Montgomery. Highlights included a “Black Lives Matter” mural built around the Court Square Fountain, once the central location for Montgomery’s slave trade. The Capermates also visited the “Mothers of Gynecology” memorial that honors three enslaved women that were experimented on by Gynecologist, Dr. James Marion Sims. The Montgomery Chapter received a Southeastern Region Best of the Best Award for the program.
NORTH SUBURBAN ATLANTA
NSAC March of Dimes Champions North Suburban Atlanta Chapter did a social media campaign to raise awareness on premature birth rates (#NSAC goes Purple)!
NORTH SUBURBAN ATLANTA
NSAC Black Wall Street During the month of March, the NSAC PreK – 1st Grade Group participated in the NSAC Black Wall Street activity. This activity was held at Atlantic Station during the Afro Street Market Fest. Prior to the activity each child received $20 and was responsible for purchasing three items: a donation item, a snack for our picnic on the green, and a fun item. Steel Mill Express donated their train service to our children which served as transportation to Black Wall Street. Mom Shontae Davis, a Tulsa native, read a children’s book about the historic Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The children learned about the thriving African American Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They learned that the people in this community had homes, businesses, schools, etc., that were self-sufficient and prosperous prior to its destruction. The Afro Street Market Fest was the perfect opportunity to allow our children to see black vendors selling merchandise and services. The kids were able to purchase from these black owned businesses which fit well with the theme of Black Wall Street and the circulation of the black dollar within our own communities. This activity taught the children the value of a dollar, how to make financially responsible choices and the importance of how community and circulating money go hand and hand.
ORLANDO
“Car Care & U!” The Senior Teens of the Orlando Chapter participated in an important, informative and interactive program. During this outdoor event, the teens engaged in hands-on activities related to “being on the road alone”. The event was facilitated by a licensed FLHSMV and CDL instructor from Orange Technical College. Many of the teens learned the use of tire pressure gauges, tire tread gauges, oil level dip sticks and jumper cables for the first time. Teen driving topics covered included: knowing your vehicle, using your senses, safe driving habits, texting while driving and alcohol and driving. Although there is AAA and Car Road Side Assistance, it is imperative that our teens be equipped with the ‘basic skills’ that come with driving. Conversations related to being pulled over by law enforcement, protocols for fender benders and simple first aid were shared among the group. The teens took a FLHSMV practice test and received a starter driver’s aid kit.
SOUTH MIAMI
The South Miami Chapter’s Inaugural Biennial Beautillion was held on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at the Dadeland Marriott. It marked the initiation of a brotherhood between eight remarkable young men. Each beau and belle was presented to society by his or her parents. They are as follows: Charlie Bell, Warner Davis, Emanuel Gist, Jr., Aden Haston, Ahmad Haston, Ian Johnson, and Wesley Wray. There were several different performances by the beaux and belles which included a beau and belle stroll, the traditional waltz, and a mock step show. Beau Wesley Wray was crowned Mr. Beau, Beau Warner Davis won the Star Award, and Beau Ian Johnson won the Merit Award. In addition, all community beaux (non-JJOA members) received a book scholarship. The Elite Eight also contributed a portion of their fundraising to the SoMi Teen Foundation in which will be providing the funds to support the SER Teen Leadership Conference community service project, “Dreams in Pink & Blue”. The Beaux were introduced as the “Elite Eight of Establishment” and will forever be known as the trendsetters of South Florida who inspired little black boys to achieve excellence.
STONE MOUNTAIN
The Stone Mountain Senior Teens Partner with Free99 Fridge to Eradicate Food Insecurity Amidst freezing temperatures during the morning of March 12th, Stone Mountain Chapter Senior Teens (9th-12th grades) donated nutritious foods and restocked two Free99 Fridge locations. Free99Fridge is an Atlanta-based grassroots organization impassioned around food justice for all people by addressing the needs of community members through mutual aid. Free high-quality produce and non-perishable foods are accessible to anyone through the community fridge network. Dedicated volunteers, growers, and local businesses replinish and maintain the community refrigerators, and each site memorializes someone senselessly murdered by police brutality. Twelfth (12th) and eleventh (11th) graders tidied and restocked the “Korryn Shandawn Gaines (08/24/93 – 08/01/16)” site, while tenth (10th) and ninth (9th) graders restocked the “Sandra Annette Bland (02/07/87 – 07/13/15)” location. In addition to nutritious foods, Stone Mountain Chapter families donated money to leverage the amazing and continuing efforts of Free99 Fridge, our community partner.
STONE MOUNTAIN The Stone Mountain Chapter: Equipping Future Leaders through Civic Leadership Panel Junior Teens (6th-8th grades) explored judicial system topics with DeKalb County Chief Mirtha Ramos, DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox, and The Honorable Regina Matthews, Gwinnett County Magistrate Court Judge and chapter mom, meanwhile gaining advice to avoid criminality through perceived innocent acts, like sharing prescription medication. Teens were advised to read Ignorance Is No Defense: A Teenager’s Guide to Georgia Law by J. Tom Morgan, former DeKalb County District Attorney. After panelists shared their career pathways, teens displayed vision boards depicting their future plans, while wearing Children’s Defense Fund t-shirts purchased to support comprehensive youth wellbeing. A second set of panelists—chapter Mom Dr. Michelle Cook, University of Georgia Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Strategic University Initiatives, Senior Teen President Miles Norwood, and chapter alumna Mallory Butts, a Spelman College honors student and Dean's Scholar—discussed Jack and Jill and community leadership, college preparation, and resume development.
SUNCOAST The Suncoast Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. hosted a chapter wide activity for all children and teens to celebrate Black History Month on Saturday, February 26th, 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum. The event took place outdoors and followed all Jack and Jill National COVID guidelines. The activity was a fun and engaging activity focused on the origins of black history month, where all attendees created a black history month themed piece of art and participated in trivia. The chapter-wide activity allowed all children to complete the 'This is Me', Southeastern Region initiative by introducing themselves and sharing in their own words and using their own voices to speak about their own personal view of Black History Month. Completion checklists for each child participating was submitted to the Region for recognition during the National Convention in Orlando.
TUSCALOOSA
Stillman Pantry Donation
Packaging Diapers for Giveaway
The Tuscaloosa Chapter continued its focus on service during programming this month. Chapter Moms supported students at a local HBCU through donations to the food pantry at Stillman College. Students who remained on campus for spring break were able to create or supplement meals during a week without cafeteria access. Mothers and families also gathered to support the youngest members of the community by participating in a diaper giveaway sponsored by a local non-profit organization. Mothers and families packaged over 3,000 diapers for donation to moms in need of supplies for their infants and toddlers. The Tuscaloosa March for Babies is still a few weeks away at the time of this writing; however, the Chapter is gearing up and raising funds to continue supporting mothers and children in the local community and beyond.
Diaper Giveaway
TUSKEGEE
An Enchanted Evening of Pink and Blue Talent Showcase The Tuskegee Chapter recently held its talent showcase in conjunction with its biennial cotillion, themed, An Enchanted Evening in Pink and Blue. Seven debutantes demonstrated talents in singing, dancing, piano, painting and recitation. Ryan Lowery, Teen President, is shown performing a piece at the piano. Alexys Frazier, Teen Vice President, is shown performing a creative dance. All participants are pictured responding to a fishbowl question. Regional Treasurer and Tuskegee Chapter Member, Dr. Florence Holland, was the hostess for the evening.
View the showcase at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v0lAgga7rs.