On January 24, 1938, Marion Turner Stubbs Thomas – a concert pianist and mother – invited 20  friends to a meeting in her Philadelphia home. According to sources, she envisioned a social club that would connect her children with others from local Black families at a time when cultural opportunities were limited for most young African-Americans during the Great Depression and because of Jim Crow laws.

 

From Marion’s idea and the support of several others, the first chapter of Jack and Jill of America was organized. In 1946, the National Organization was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Today, Jack and Jill boasts more than 252 chapters nationwide, representing more than 40,000 family members.

 

In Jack and Jill, the children are our focal point. Each chapter plans annual programming activities guided under a national theme and centered on the National Program Thrusts - Education, Cultural, Civic, Social/Recreational, and Health. Through these activities, Jack and Jill creates a medium of contact for children to stimulate their growth and development to a beautiful adulthood.

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The Jackson MS Chapter of Jack and Jill is composed of 56 families with children between the ages of 2 – 19 years old. We are dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.