Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated Celebrates 85th Founders’ Day on January 24, 2023 with Commemorative Events January 27-29

WASHINGTON, January 11, 2023— Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated will celebrate 85 years of the organization's founding on January 24 with commemorative events held in Washington, D.C. January 27 through January 29 with the theme, “Tell Them We Are Still Rising.”

Marion Turner Stubbs Thomas founded Jack and Jill in Philadelphia in 1938 with an idea conceived by Louise Truitt Jackson Dench to nurture and develop African American children. Joined by a trailblazing group of several additional Black mothers, they overcame the challenges of racism and The Great Depression by uniting to provide their children with enriching experiences, activities, and friendships. Since then, the organization has expanded over the past 85 years. Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated has a current membership of more than 17,000 mothers and is regarded as the largest and most prominent African American family organization representing over 40,000 family members nationwide including mothers, fathers, and children. In 2022, Jack and Jill of America chartered ten new chapters in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Illinois, increasing the organization’s total number of chapters nationally to 262.

The 85th Founders’ Day commemorative event schedule in Washington, D.C. for Jack and Jill of America families is comprised of an open house at the organization’s headquarters, 1938 reception revisiting the year of establishment, celebration brunch, visits to several sites of significance in the African American community, and a praise and worship service at the historic Metropolitan A.M.E. Church. In addition to meaningful contributions from members, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is pleased to receive the support of 85th Founders’ Day sponsors AARP, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Prudential.

“For 85 years, Jack and Jill of America has remained committed to the core mission of developing children and nurturing future African American leaders.” said Kornisha McGill Brown, National President of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. “I am grateful for our founding mothers’ vision and fortitude to persist amidst enormous challenges. Their sacrifices and the sacrifices of countless others have allowed African American children and families to thrive for generations, as well as the generations to come.”

Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated has partnered with various organizations throughout the years to enhance the mission of developing and nurturing children. National partner organizations include, but are not limited to, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, UNICEF, March of Dimes, American Red Cross, Spelman College, and Morehouse College. To further enhance the impact in the communities where mothers reside, in 1968, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated established a philanthropic entity called Jack and Jill of America Foundation; this entity was charged to address social issues and problems affecting African American communities, families and children. Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated families (mother members, fathers, children, teens, and associates) play a significant role in charitable giving and fundraising for the foundation and beyond. Last program year, Jack and Jill of America Incorporated raised and donated over $2.8 million to organizations across the United States where chapters perform community service and engagement activities.

“We are so very thankful for national partners which support our work for children,” said Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated National President Kornisha McGill Brown. “We are also delighted with the progress of Jack and Jill of America Foundation over the past 55 years. Even with the immense challenges of the pandemic, our members made an incredible impact and difference in the lives of African Americans at a time when it really mattered most. We appreciate all of their efforts and look forward to the continued philanthropic work that Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America Foundation, and our national partners will do together in the future.”

To learn more about Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, please visit jackandjillinc.org .

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ABOUT JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC.

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was founded in 1938 to nurture future African American leaders by stimulating the growth and development of children through educational, cultural, civic, recreational, health and social programs inspired by mothers. Through its 262 chapters organized in seven regions across the United States, Jack and Jill is considered the largest African American family organization in the nation representing 40,000 family members which includes, mother members, fathers, and children ages two through 19. For more information about Jack and Jill of America, Inc. please visit jackandjillinc.org or @jackandjillinc on Facebook , Instagram , ?Twitter , Tik Tok , or LinkedIn: Jack and Jill of America, Inc .

Candace Moore, Communications Manager, Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

[email protected] │ (202) 920-5508

Elizabeth Chisolm, Executive Director, Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

[email protected] │ (202) 667-7010