New York’s Staten Island — Last Saturday morning, the recently established Staten Island Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. held a Founders Day celebration honoring the mothers who will serve as the organization’s leaders and use their commitment to better the neighborhood.
Nearly fifty individuals attended Staten Island’s portion of a nationwide celebration commemorating the 87th anniversary of the organization’s founding, which included 26 moms, 38 children, and a few fathers.
This image, taken by Helen Munro-Singleton, shows the Staten Island Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. celebrating Founders Day.Pictured by Baja Ukweli
Driven by the vision and commitment of mothers, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was established in 1938 with the goal of fostering children’s growth and development through educational opportunities, cultural exposure, civic engagement, recreational activities, health, and social relationships.
The Melanin Moms of Staten Island, an existing Staten Island group that was founded by like-minded mothers of Black and Brown children who desired a place where they could be unabashedly themselves, served as the foundation for the Staten Island Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc.
More than 70,000 family members and 271 chapters make up Jack and Jill of America. Imara Moore, editor of the Staten Island chapter, stated that having that drive behind us instantly boosts the impact we can have on the neighborhood.
An image from the Staten Island Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.’s celebration of Founders Day (photo courtesy of Imara Moore)Pictured by Baja Ukweli
There was a presence in every other borough but Staten Island before discussions to establish a chapter here were initiated in 2022 with the organization’s national administration.
One of the people who played a key role in getting Melanin Moms chartered as a new Staten Island chapter was Tammy Greer Brown, a resident of Staten Island and a former member of the Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She hosted interest groups and fought for the mothers in the borough who would benefit the organization.
On November 10, 2024, the Melanin Moms of Staten Island formally obtained their charter as the Staten Island Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
This image, taken by Helen Munro-Singleton, shows the Staten Island Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. celebrating Founders Day.Pictured by Baja Ukweli
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., they have organized a number of initiatives, such as a Thanksgiving basket drive in partnership with Fellowship Baptist Church, a winter clothing drive for PS 44, and a group effort to donate clothing to Children of Promise.
At the end of the day, I hope we are building future leaders, bolstering our families, and inspiring the community,” said Staten Island chapter president Nadine Abram.
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