Leadership, community service, scholarship and fellowship were on full display recently in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where members of the Memphis chapter of Jack and Jill of America joined hundreds of teens from the organization’s southeastern region for its 70th annual teen leadership conference.
The four-day regional confab themed “Black to the Future: Powered by Legacy, Driven by Vision” featured workshops and social activities for teen members to learn about purposeful leadership, while strengthening the bonds that connect Jack and Jill chapters across the five-state region.
Jack and Jill, an 88-year-old membership nonprofit, was founded in Philadelphia by 20 Black mothers whose goal was to create educational, cultural and social opportunities to help their children thrive.
“Our region is vibrant, with mothers and children who continue to sharpen leadership skills, uplift one another and impact our communities in meaningful ways,” said Lisa Ivory, regional director, in a statement on the group’s website.
Members of Tennessee’s six chapters were joined by 46 delegations from Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi to attend plenary sessions designed to inspire civic engagement and personal growth, and strategies for community impact. The young leaders also took part in community service projects, reinforcing Jack and Jill’s long-standing commitment to giving back.
Jack and Jill member Matthew Nichols, who will be a freshman at Howard University in the fall, spoke about the impact of the conference as he prepares for his first semester at Howard University in the fall. “It provided me with a unique realization of its role in fostering black excellence across the United States,” Nichols said. “The essence of Teen Conference lies in its ability to connect, inspire and empower individuals who share similar aspirations and strive to excel in various endeavors.”
He and other graduating seniors celebrated their accomplishments and yearslong friendships aboard a yacht for a cruise that included a lively “Soul Train”-inspired retro party.
The Memphis chapter also expressed appreciation for the Jack and Jill chapters in neighboring Mississippi, whose teens joined with Memphis members to share in the conference’s spirit of leadership and service. Together, the Mid-South chapters proved the strength of regional collaboration, while building lasting relationships that will outlive the conference.
The annual conference, which serves as more than a gathering of students, is part of the organization’s broader strategy to invest in the next generation of Black leaders, who are preparing to make meaningful contributions to their schools, communities and future professions.
New teen officers for the region were elected during the conference after teen delegates cheered for candidates who participated in the Ann Owen Gordon Teen Oratorical Competition. And high school seniors preparing for the next chapter of their lives received words of encouragement from Florida State Sen. Shevrin Jones and representatives from companies such as Truist Bank who applauded their achievements and community service efforts.
Conference participants from across the region also enjoyed a variety of activities that balanced competition with camaraderie, including sports and games at a local park, along with a Tesla vehicle experience, Kona Ice trucks and a barbecue cookout. The evening concluded with a western-themed celebration featuring line dancing, laughter and memorable moments.
Macy Mack, who will attend Tuskegee University, said the conferences enabled her to have fun and bond with fellow Jack and Jillers.
“Jack and Jill of America Inc. means a family that is dedicated to raising and providing opportunity for black children across the country,” Mack stated.
As the Memphis delegation returned home, they carried with them new perspectives, stronger leadership skills and a renewed commitment to serving their communities.
If this year’s Jack and Jill regional conference is any indication, the future of civic, corporate and community leadership in the Mid-South is already in capable hands.
— Dylan Graham is a member of Jack and Jill of America. He will be a freshman at Morehouse College in the fall.
