Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated
Jackson MS Chapter
The Power to Make a Difference for All Children.
On Mission. On Purpose.
National Days of Recognition
Jack & Jill Day
Throughout September, all Jack and Jill chapters celebrate Jack and Jill Day. Jack and Jill Day began in 1948 under the direction of Dorothy Wright – our first National President – to focus on the family.
Chapters are required to have a family Jack and Jill Day activity in September that brings all of the membership together after the summer break. Jack and Jill Day focuses on the programmatic thrusts of social and recreational. However, many chapters have incorporated cultural heritage as part of the event. The intent is to begin the program year with an activity that promotes the organization’s family focus.
Carole Robertson Day
At our National Convention in San Francisco, it was decided by resolution that all chapters would honor Carole Robertson in September with an activity that highlights the goals of human rights, civil rights and racial harmony that Carole did not live to enjoy.
Carole was a member of her local Jack and Jill teen group in Birmingham, Alabama. She was killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing on September 15, 1963. Carole was 14 years old when she died, and she was at the church preparing to march for civil rights with other youth that day. Her mother was the regional director for the Southeastern region.
During Jack and Jill Day, the Jackson MS Chapter teens, led by the teen president, lead a beautiful ceremony in recognition of Carole.
Founders Day
The Jackson MS Chapter celebrates Founders Day with a luncheon to honor our Founders, Charter Members and Associate Members.
National Black Family Day
All Jack and Jill chapters nationwide celebrate National Black Family Day the first Sunday in May. National Black Family Day came about in May of 1987 when the Honorable William Gray III, Congressman from Pennsylvania entered a tribute to Jack and Jill of America into the Congressional Record on May 5, 1987, as the organization embarked upon a Black Family Day of Celebration.
Black Family Day is intended to focus on family and cultural heritage. Thus, chapters typically host events such as picnics, recognition celebrations and community service projects to honor Black Family Day each May.