About Mobile Chapter Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
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.
Winds of change were sweeping across Alabama in the 1950’s. Now there was a young black middle class that had not been there before. This group demanded more in the way of opportunities and services than had been available for previous generations. As families bonded to enjoy these new opportunities, they became aware of the national program of Jack and Jill. Jack and Jill provided a philosophical framework and a network of mends with the same values and purposes. Jack and Jill served as a model for the black middle class. Groups in Tuskegee, Montgomery, and Birmingham had already been accepted into the national body. Mobile was soon to follow their example.
One Sunday afternoon in January 1955, a meeting was held at the home of Alma Foster for the purpose of organizing a chapter of Jack and Jill. Mothers attending the meeting were Alean Brown, Evelyn Lowery, Addie Gilliard, Virginia Carson, Claudia Russell, Roberta Goode, Lillian Lovett, Alma Foster, Mary Dewitt, Evelyn Hazeur, Gwendolyn Hall, Donnie Gumbs, and Yvonne King.
The Mobile Chapter received its charter in June of 1956 at the National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Application was made to the national office and we received immediate approval. The Pensacola Chapter was happy to serve as our sponsor. Installing the officers and officiating at the ceremonies was Mrs. LuSybil Taylor, National Editor of Jack & Jill of America Inc. It was at the home of Mrs. Alma Foster where the mothers first met.
