ABOUT US
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 – 19, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. The late Marion Stubbs Thomas founded Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, on January 24, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Twenty mothers came together to discuss creating an organization to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of 2 and 19. In 1946, 10 chapters were involved in the national restructuring process. The constitution and bylaws were drawn up, and the organization was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware.
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Today, Jack and Jill boasts more than 230 chapters nationwide, representing more than 40,000 family members. Each chapter plans annual programming activities guided under a national theme. Through service projects, Jack and Jill of America creates a medium of contact for children to stimulate their growth and development.
Kornisha M. Brown
National President
Tarcia N. Flemming
Mid-Atlantic Regional Director
CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
Michelle Lester
Greensboro Chapter President
Welcome to our website. Jack and Jill of America is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.
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Our chapter consists of 51 dynamic Moms and their families who reside in Guilford County. Our chapter is committed to providing constructive educational, cultural, civic, social and recreational programs for children; and we are committed to making a positive difference in our community through volunteerism.
Greensboro Chapter Executive Board
Left to right
Historian/Custodian-of-Records: Leta Hyche
Foundation Liaison: Shawnee Robinson
Corresponding Secretary: Hope Jackson
Program Director: Tia Williamson
Vice President: Angela Draper
President: Michelle Lester
Treasurer: Hona Moore
Recording Secretary: Monica Carter
Financial Secretary: Nicole Pemberton
Parliamentarian Liaison: Erin Hart
Chaplain/ Protocol Chair: Travella Langford
CHAPTER HISTORY
In the Fall of 1953, a small group of mothers who happened to be friends and business associates came together to organize a chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated in Greensboro, North Carolina. They had been inspired by the exemplary projects of the Raleigh Chapter, who through their innovation, had strengthened the bond of parenthood and child hood on a community level. The mother’s ultimate objective was to inaugurate programs and development of the youth in the Greensboro community through the immediate efforts with their own children.
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That day in 1953 was one for “remembering.” A day that impressed upon them more strongly than ever that one did not build a lasting or useful edifice alone; nor did one rear a fine human being without the advice and assistance of other agencies and influences. The Raleigh Chapter was indeed their co-architects in the building of the Greensboro organization. The Raleigh Chapter offered every conceivable bit of advice and tool that they possessed to the group of Greensboro mothers. It was during the following spring that the blueprint was laid in order to obtain a Charter for the Greensboro Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
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It was at the June 1954 national convention held in Durham, North Carolina, that the Greensboro Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was accepted into national membership. This Chapter was sixtieth entry in the national organization. It was the beginning of better understanding of self, of friends, of community and of world neighbors. This was the culmination of a dream and the Greensboro group of mothers was filled with a sense of fulfillment.
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Margaret Falkener was the “guiding hand” for the Greensboro Chapter. Her friendship with Virginia Newell and other mothers in Raleigh opened many doors and helped the Chapter avoid many rough spots. As a result, the new Greensboro Chapter had developed respect and a sincere gratitude for the mothers of the Raleigh Chapter. The National President, Mrs. Nellie Rouhlac, installed the Greensboro Chapter. Her friendship with Virginia Newell and other mothers in Raleigh opened many doors and helped the Chapter avoid many rough spots. As a result, the new Greensboro Chapter had developed respect and a sincere gratitude for the mothers of the Raleigh Chapter.
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The National President, Mrs. Nellie Rouhlac, installed the Greensboro Chapter in the home of Margaret Falkener on October 8, 1954. The following were charter members of the group: Elreta Alexander, Sallie Corbett, Elizabeth Dowdy, Edna Fisher, Margaret Falkener, Blance Grant, Anne Graves, Mae Sue Henry, Eva Miller, Winnie Robinson, Sue Taylor, and Ivy Williamson. Officers elected after receiving the Chapter’s Charter were Margaret Falkener, President; Anne Graves, Vice President; Winnie Robinson, Secretary; Edna Fisher, Treasurer; and Sallie Corbett, Journalist. The first group of mothers installed after the Chapter was established were Nettie Banks, Marietta Carington, Pauline Foster, Anita Rivers, Juanita Spaulding and Rosalie Wooden in December, 1954.
JJOA FOUNDATION
Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc., is the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Since its inception in 1968, the Foundation has distributed millions of dollars to communities all across America. The Foundation’s mission is to address issues affecting African American children and families, by investing in programs and services that create a strong foundation for children to thrive long-term.
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To learn more about our foundation, please visit www.jackandjillfoundation.org
