Jack and Jill of America facts for kids
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| Formation | January 1938 |
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| Founder | Marion Turner Stubbs |
| Founded at | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
| Type | Non-profit corporation |
| Headquarters | 1930 17th Street NW Washington, D.C. |
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Membership
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40,000+ |
Jack and Jill of America is a special group for African American mothers and their children. It helps them become leaders and make a positive difference. This organization started in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1938. Its main goal is to improve life for children, especially African American children.
Today, Jack and Jill has over 230 local groups, called chapters. These chapters are in 35 states across the United States. More than 10,000 mothers are members, and over 40,000 parents and children are involved. The main office for the organization is in Washington, D.C..
Contents
History of Jack and Jill
In January 1938, a woman named Marion Turner Stubbs brought together 12 mothers in Philadelphia. They wanted to create a social and cultural group for their children. At that time, many activities excluded African American children because of segregation. This new group was named Jack and Jill.
The group quickly grew into a leadership organization for mothers and their children. Its goal was to improve the lives of children, especially African American children. Some of the first members were Black Catholics, a large religious group in Philadelphia.
How Jack and Jill Grew
The second Jack and Jill chapter opened in New York City in 1939. The third chapter started in Washington, D.C. in 1940. Soon, the local groups began to connect and expand. More chapters formed in cities like Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Boston between 1944 and 1946.
On June 1, 1946, eight of the ten chapters met. They voted to become a national organization. Jack and Jill of America officially became a national group in New York on August 28, 1947.
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In its early years, Jack and Jill was a respected club. It helped African American children feel more included in society. The first Jack and Jill Teen Conference was held in Philadelphia on June 16, 1951. This was a special event for the teenagers in the organization.
Changes Over Time
During the 1960s, the number of members in Jack and Jill went down. But from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s, the group became popular again. This happened as more middle-class Black families moved to the suburbs.
The organization's focus also changed. Instead of just helping children fit in, it began to teach them about their own heritage. Chapters started offering programs that celebrated African American culture. These included special events for teenagers going to college. The club also hosted Kwanzaa celebrations. In May 1987, it held its first National Black Family Day. This day celebrated African American culture and talked about the needs of children.
As of 2022, Jack and Jill has over 230 chapters in 35 states. It has more than 10,000 mother members and 40,000 parents and children. Its main office is at 1930 17th Street NW in Washington, D.C.
Symbols of the Organization
The organization was named after the famous nursery rhyme, Jack and Jill. The Jack and Jill badge has two interlocking letter J's. Alberta B. Turner, the 4th National President, designed it in 1954.
The motto of Jack and Jill is "Let's Work, Let's Play, Let's Live Together." The organization also has a publication called Up the Hill. It was first printed in May 1948. This publication is like a yearbook for the members.
Membership in Jack and Jill
Becoming a member of Jack and Jill is by invitation only. Each local chapter has a limited number of members, usually around 45. New members are only invited when a current member's child finishes high school.
Historically, many members were well-educated professional women. These included doctors, lawyers, or professors. They were also often the wives of successful professionals. Children can be members until they graduate from high school. They can rejoin the organization later when they get married and have their own children.
Helping Others: Philanthropy
In 1968, Jack and Jill of America created its charity branch. This is called the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. This foundation helps create and fund many educational and charity projects. These projects benefit children and families across the United States.
The foundation has given millions of dollars to organizations that focus on Black communities. Some of these include Africare, the American Red Cross, and the United Negro College Fund. They have also supported the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Chapters Across the Nation
As of 2022, there are more than 230 Jack and Jill chapters. These chapters are located in 35 states throughout the United States.
Notable Members
Many inspiring people have been part of Jack and Jill of America. Here are some of them:
- Olufolasade Adamolekun, a professional soccer player
- Sadie T. M. Alexander, a lawyer, civil rights activist, and economist
- Julian Bond, who served in the Georgia State Senate and Georgia House of Representatives
- Ron Brown, a United States Secretary of Commerce
- Helen Octavia Dickens, a physician and the first African American woman admitted to the American College of Surgeons
- Suzzanne Douglas, an actress
- Thasunda Duckett, president and CEO of TIAA
- Ron Dullums, a Mayor of Oakland
- Ted Ellis, an artist
- Patricia Fleming, director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy
- Nina Foxx, an author and filmmaker
- Frederick D. Gregory, an astronaut
- William H. Grey III, who served in the United States House of Representatives
- Josie R. Johnson, a Civil rights activist
- Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest of the Little Rock Nine
- Josephine Harreld Love, a musicologist and concert pianist
- Tyler Mitchell, a photographer
- Codie Elaine Oliver, a film producer
- Prentice Penny, a Film director and producer
- Phylicia Rashad, an actress
- Jackie Robinson, a professional baseball player and the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era
- Betty Shabazz, an educator and civil rights activist
- Juliana Stratton, the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois
- Marion Turner Stubbs, the founder of Jack and Jill of America
- Lynn Whitfield, an actress
- Andrew Young, a Mayor of Atlanta and United States Ambassador to the United Nations
