Nurturing Future African-American Leaders Since 1938

Our Mission

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.

• 252+ Chapters Nationwide
• 40,000 Family Members
• 72 Chapter Members

The Founding Vision of Marion Stubbs Thomas

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.
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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.

The Southwest Suburban Dallas Chapter History

The Southwest Suburban Dallas Chapter started its journey toward installation on October 5, 2000 with a small group of mothers.
Teresa Bright and Gena Bradford were the organizers who had the vision of starting a chapter in the Southwest region of Dallas.
Betty Alexander and Mattie Gilliam of the Arlington Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated were there at the first
meeting; a starting block to ensure the correct direction for our journey.

2000 - 2002 From Faith to Fruition. With a hand full of moms, all with one goal, “For the children we must serve”, Southwest
Suburban Dallas was formed. Starting out was difficult. Our sponsoring chapter, the Arlington Chapter of Jack and Jill of America,
Incorporated along with Associate Member O. Elaine Archer helped us organize meetings and assisted with the election of officers.
Teresa Bright was elected as President. This turned out to be an excellent selection. The membership drive was in full force. Through
meetings, and explaining the history of Jack and Jill, the membership eventually totaled 43 excited moms. Teresa started to attend
meetings to gain knowledge, instructions and protocol for obtaining chapter status in Jack and Jill. Teresa traveled from San Antonio,
New Orleans, Houston, often at her own expense; to ensure that we would make it to the National Convention in Los Angeles.
The executive board attended a special meeting in Dallas on Labor Day 2001 that included the National President, National Program
Director, National Corresponding Secretary and the President from one of the South Africa Chapters of Jack and Jill. This meeting
was highly motivating, inspiring and a reconfirmation of our goal, “For the children we must serve”. We participated in Area
Workday workshops as a group moving to the next level. After leaving workshops with Regional Director Susan Johnson, we really
felt that we were “wanted” by Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. The year following was filled with activities that allowed the children and moms to get to know one another. 

SWSD Charter Members
Gay Atai
Gena Bradford
Teresa Bright
Kattina Bryan
Denise Cue
Chandra Giggins
Deborah Glenn
Mattye Jones
Lisa Henderson
Temika Hopkins
Rhonda Lemons
Alisa Matthew
Amanda McCarthy
Pamela McCurley
Patricia Miller
Amy Moore
Patricia Royal
Nancy Sampson
Precious Simon
Sharon Temple
Marietha Underwood