Up the Hill, the first official publication was published in May 1948. The purpose and aims were set forth, committees established, and new officers were elected and installed.Īt the Second National Convention in Columbus, Ohio in 1947, five new Chapters were granted membership. On June 1, 1946, representatives of eight of the ten groups met in Philadelphia to consider organizing into a national organization. Thus, Jack and Jill became an inter-city association. As we grow in numbers and achievements, may we always keep before us the lofty principles upon which Jack and Jill of America was founded.'Īfter that rainy Friday night meeting in Philadelphia on January 24, 1938, the idea of those 20 mothers to bring together children in a social and cultural relationship spread first to New York City then to Washington, D.C. It is intensely satisfying to predict a nationwide group of mothers and children bound together by similar interests and ideals. To us as mothers, it has become a means of furthering an inherent and natural desire – the desire to bestow upon our children all the opportunities possible for a normal and graceful approach to beautiful adulthood.

As new members were welcomed, and then new chapters formed, the aims and ideals of Jack and Jill were strengthened, always with our children as the focal point. Little did we dream at the time that this idea, which was so important and inspiring, would grow to such proportions. When I contacted the mothers and suggested a meeting to discuss plans for (the) new club, they were all enthusiastic and responded in a manner, which was heartwarming. '…When the first little group of us organized in January 1938, in Philadelphia, we were seeking to stimulate a social and cultural relationship between our children. In the first issue of Up the Hill, National Founder Marion Stubbs Thomas reflected on Jack and Jill’s first ten years. The organization continues on, dedicating its resources to improving the quality of life, particularly African-American children. Jack & Jill celebrated its 50th Golden Anniversary in January 1988. The organization was a nonprofit family organization by mothers of children between the ages of 2 and 19 holding membership. In 1964, as more groups became active, bylaws were drawn up and incorporated under the laws of Delaware. was founded Januin Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from a meeting of 20 mothers by the leadership of Marion Stubbs Thomas with the idea of bringing together children in a social and cultural environment.

Jack and jill black family day