History
National History
The late Marion Turner Stubbs Thomas founded Jack and Jill in Philadelphia in 1938 with an idea conceived by Louise Truitt Jackson Dench to nurture and develop African American children. Joined by a trailblazing group of several additional Black mothers, they overcame the challenges of racism and The Great Depression by uniting to provide their children with enriching experiences, activities, and friendships. Throughout the past 86 years, Jack and Jill has considerably expanded, currently consisting of 262 chapters organized in seven regions across the United States and a membership of more than 17,000 mothers. Accordingly, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is regarded as the largest and most prominent African American family organization representing over 40,000 family members nationwide including mothers, fathers, and children ages two through 19.
Explore more of our national history
City of Lakes Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc.
In January 2010, the Minneapolis Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. invited more than fifty mothers to an informational meeting about forming a second Chapter in the Twin Cities. These mothers were searching for a way to connect with other like-minded women. Under the leadership of the Minneapolis Chapter, an Interest Group was formed. The City of Lakes Interest Group held the first Planning Retreat on May 21, 2010.
With the help of the dedicated women of the Minneapolis Chapter, we quickly organized, elected officers, and formed Children’s Groups. Sponsor Chapter Liaison, Vanessa Ware, and the Minneapolis’ previous Chapter President, Pamela Alexander assisted us in planning the first event.
In July 2010, we were delighted to receive Provisional Group status from the National Executive Board and in 2012 we were officially chartered. We continue to be blessed with rich leadership and generosity within the Mid-Western Region, including mentorship from past National President Alice Peoples. On Saturday, October 8, 2022, The City of Lakes Chapter celebrated 10 years of Black Family Excellence!
Our 35 City of Lakes Charter Members:
| Trena Allbritton | Latisha Gray | Jillian McAdams | Sharon VanLeer |
| Susan Bass Roberts | Shalonda Glass | Michelle Metcalf | Meleshia Yatassaye |
| Kelly Baker | Tammi Harmon | Marie Michael | Erryn Williams |
| Alicia Belton | Evelena Hillman | Lisa Paylor | LaDawn James Williams |
| Cheryl Bethune | Monica Jones | Conston Perry | Monee Williams |
| Raun Bullard | Nanette Jones | Myriam Pierre-Warren | Sparkle Wimberly |
| Shanya Carter | Aja Joseph | Portia Pierson | Leslie Wright |
| Andrea Cunningham | Katina Kellum | Alice Roberts-Davis | Tene Wright |
| Lynn Farmer | Josephine Martin | Tamiko Thomas |
2024
In 2024 the City of Lakes Chapter graduated seven seniors, the largest class of seniors in the chapter’s 12-year history: Alanna Allen (Tonya Allen), Kevin Armstrong II (Lisa Armstrong), Jay Bowles (Carla Vernon), Sanaa Carter (Shanya Carter), Xavier Cunningham (Andrea Cunningham), Demarco Pinckney (Tamara Pinckney) and Alana Rucker (Nicole Rucker).
We celebrated four graduating mothers in a bridging ceremony led by our associate chapter. Congratulations to Bridging Mothers Tonya Allen, Andrea Cunningham, Nicole Rucker, and Tamara Pinckney!
In May 2024, we welcomed 12 new mothers:
TiAnna Anderson, Shamayne Braman, Ivori Crawford, Tonya Coleman, Lyntrell Dixson, Ebony Eromobor, Jasmine Katundu, Nikki Odom Dibley, Mariah Owens, Illah Raleigh Racine, Starr Sage-Johnson, and Qiana Sorrell!
At Black Family Day we showed our gratitude to the following chapter awardees:
- Outstanding Mother – Cheryl Bethune,
- Inspirational Leader – LaToya Burrell,
- Outstanding Associate – Leslie Wright,
- Outstanding Teen Senior – Kevin Armstrong II,
- Outstanding Father – Jonathan Carter,
- Outstanding Children’s Programming Activity – Courtney Andersen for Hershey Kisses (Pre-K/K) grade group “Black Scientists” hosted at General Mills
The chapter gave a hearty congratulations to our incoming 2024-2025 Teen Officers:
- President – Sydney Bethune
- VP – Jayda McAdams
- Treasurer – Ashton Morrison
- Secretary – Maya Page
- Editor/Historian – Braden Minta
- Parliamentarian – CJ Roberts
We appreciate our outgoing 2023-2024 Teen Officers:
- President – Maya Farmer
- VP – Jayda McAdams
- Treasurer – Alanna Rucker (senior)
- Secretary – Ashton Morrison
- Editor/Historian – Sanaa Carter (senior)
- Parliamentarian – Sydney Bethune
In March Mother Janine Sanders Jones and her son attended the Jack and Jill Youth Trip in New Orleans.
Our robust programming year included teens volunteering at one of the nation’s largest MLK Breakfast events with 2500 attendees. The event was hosted by Mothers Courtney Anderson and Tamara Asamoah. The chapter partnered with Agape Oasis for a chapter-wide MLK Day of Service as well as grade group programming throughout the year which incorporated reading, art, organizing, and book drives.
From learning about golf history and practicing skills at tee time, to partnering with The Works Museum for STEM education, our program year was packed and impactful. We were active outdoors with geocaching and s’mores, and actively learning about advocacy at Youth Day at the Capitol.
The Mid-Western Region hosted the National Convention in Minneapolis in late July. Our chapter mothers volunteered and enjoyed participating in the informative plenary sessions, engaging programming, and fun entertainment!
A big congratulations goes to the three City of Lakes Chapter mothers who were appointed nationally to support the associated conference planning: Tamara Pinckney, 2024 National Convention Co-Chair; Shalaun Newton, 2024 National Convention Children and Teens Activities Co-Chair; and Felicia Thames, 2024 National Convention Children and Teens Activities Co-Chair.
We also thank the following mothers for serving in their Regional appointments throughout the 2024-2025 Programming Year:
- Janine Sanders Jones – Midwestern Region Growth Chair / National Growing Strategically Taskforce Member
- LaToya Burrell – Regional Grants Review Committee Member
- Michelyn Kemp – We Are One Champion
- Stephan Schaefbauer – Regional Programming Committee Member
- Marietsa McCreary – Regional Public Relations Committee Member
2023
In 2023, the City of Lakes Chapter graduated Michael Taylor Edgerton (Michele Edgerton), Noah Farmer (Lynn Farmer), and Sydney McDaniel (Tarnika McDaniel). These accomplished seniors were highlighted in a panel at Black Family Day along with:
- Outstanding Mother – Susan Bass Roberts,
- Inspirational Leader – Michele Edgerton,
- Outstanding Associate – Leslie Wright,
- Outstanding Teen Senior – Sydney McDaniel,
- Outstanding Father – Henry Rucker,
- Outstanding Lead Teen Advisor – Tarnika McDaniels, and
- Outstanding Children’s Programming Activity – Stephan Schaefbauer.
In May 2023, the chapter also welcomed five new moms: Tamara Asamoah, Michelyn Kemp, Raeisha Williams, Tanya King, and Courtney Andersen.
Four mothers attended the Mid-Western Regional Conference in Puerto Rico in July: Mothers LaToya Burrell, Stephan Schaefbauer, Janine Sanders Jones, and Tamara Pinckney.
The City of Lakes Chapter was honored to be recognized as the Top Fundraising Chapter in the Mid-Western Region for raising $170,000 for our community partner, Agape Oasis, whose programs include 24-Hour Early Child Development, Parent & Youth Empowerment, and Community Engagement.
The 2024 National Conference will be held in Minnesota and three City of Lakes Chapter mothers were appointed nationally to support the associated conference planning:
- Tamara Pinckney, 2024 National Convention Co-Chair;
- Shalaun Newton, 2024 National Convention Children and Teens Activities Committee Chair; and
- Felicia Thames, 2024 National Convention Children and Teens Activities Committee Co-Chair.
Additionally, the following Mother Members have Regional leadership roles for the 2023-2024 year:
- LaToya Burrell – Midwestern Regional Grants Review Committee Member
- Janine Sanders Jones – Midwestern Region Growth Chair / National Growing Strategically Taskforce Member
The Chapter was very proud to hold our Inaugural Planning Retreat on June 10, 2023 at Mystic Lake Casino. We were grateful that Past National President Peoples joined us to share words of inspiration. We had inspiring, on task, and engaging speakers and sessions as we looked at the coming program year.
The chapter was well represented at the area workday cluster in Illinois in October 2023. Attendees included Lead Teen Advisor Lynn Farmer, Mother Tamara Pinckney, Teen President Maya Farmer, President LaToya Burrell, Vice President Porsche Page, and Past President Janine Sanders Jones.
2022
The year 2022 was an exciting year for the City of Lakes Chapter! As we continued to pivot, persevere, and practice safety protocol while keeping our children as the focal point. In March, we hosted the Illinois Area North Children’s Cluster, themed “Change Makers Among Us: Building a World of Innovators” with the Minneapolis Chapter. In May, six of our “Smarties”/ Teen group members celebrated college acceptance day and graduation, continuing to carry the torch of Black Excellence. We welcomed seven outstanding New Mother Members to our City of Lakes Chapter: Mothers Brandi Rainey, Monica Green, Marietsa McCreary, Porsha Reed-Weidner, Olivia Jefferson, Simone Hardeman-Jones, and Margareth Pierre-Louis. Certainly, not least, we diligently planned and executed our City of Lakes TEN YEAR celebration! Our 10-year Gala and Fundraiser took place on October 8, 2022. We had a phenomenal event raising money for the Jack and Jill Foundation and our community partner Agape Oasis. For awards, the chapter received the 2022 Blue Ribbon Bylaw Certification.
Our Inspiration leader was awarded to Cydni Bickerstaff and Outstanding Mother was awarded to Nekeidra Forbes-Morrison.
On December 1st, 2022, The City of Lakes chartered the 31st Mid-Western Associates Group. The chartering associates include Chair Leslie Wright, Secretary/Ass. Chair Portia Munson Pope, Chaplain Tamiko Thomas, and Associate Jewels Pamela Layton, Connie Perry, and Sheree Schattenmann. We were blessed to have National President Kornisha McGill Brown, National Program Director Marvis Donalson, and Regional Director Tanya Watson serve as our presiding officers for the charter ceremony.
Historical Highlights
2010
In July 2010, chapter receives Provisional Chapter Status.
2012
As a provisional chapter, our youngest grade groups (3 and under) hosted a trike-a-thon, raising over
$2,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
2013
In 2013, the first slate of officers were elected to the new formed chapter. The Chapter partnered with the Jeremiah Program, assisting single mothers with life lessons including, mock interview training, job skills and career counseling. The Father’s Auxiliary was formed.
2014
In May 2014, the City of Lakes Chapter welcomed 13 new mothers and graduated our first senior. Several mothers attended the National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
2015
The City of Lakes Chapter expanded its presence to the regional stage. The Teen Leadership Conference was hosted by the Minneapolis Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. Our City of Lakes teens participated and placed in multiple competitions including art and MLK Community Service award. Vice President Leslie Wright was nominated and elected to the Regional Nominating Committee.
The Chapter hosted our first Fundraiser “Wine & Wishes” benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
The event was designed to highlight black businesses with live and silent auction offerings. We raised over $6,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation.
2016
The City of Lakes Chapter welcomed 14 new and transfer mothers, adding children to each grade group from 8 to 17.
Mother Katina Kellum was honored with the City of Lakes Chapter Outstanding Chapter Mother award. Two of our teens, Naomi and Daya Perry, received National community service awards from Nationals, and were signed by President Barack Obama. Many of our children successfully completed the Jaqueline Moore Bowles financial and/or leadership modules. David Edgerton III won the Midwestern Regional Workday Area Cluster oratorical contest. Our Vice President and Program Director attended the National Convention in Palm Dessert, CA.
Our second “Wine and Wishes” raised over $8,000 in proceeds allowing the chapter to donate over
$5,000 plus $1,000 worth in children’s books to our local charitable partner Parents in Community Action (PICA). In addition, our teen group hosted a roller-skating fundraiser which raised several hundred dollars to support the national organization and PICA.
2017
In 2017, City of Lakes Chapter welcomed two new and three transfer mothers to round out the chapter membership at 54 mothers and 82 children. The Chapter sent 14 children to the Teen Leadership Conference, where David Edgerton lll was awarded 1st runner up in the Oratorical Competition, The Chapter graduated Mikayla Hayes who is now attending the University of Miami on a basketball scholarship. The Chapter hosted our third “Wine and Wishes” fundraiser at the Loring on November 4, 2017.
2018
In 2018, we welcomed 6 new mothers to the Chapter. Also, the City of Lakes Chapter donated proceeds from the third “Wine and Wishes” fundraiser to the Sanneh Foundation and the Jack & Jill of America Foundation. The third “Wine and Wishes” fundraiser’s theme was “I love the 90’s”, a celebration of the of hip-hop and R&B culture and mainstream emergence of African-American wealth through entrepreneurship in the 1990s. The event was held in partnership with the MN Black Chamber of Commerce and Fearless Commerce magazine.
Mother Lynn Farmer was honored as the City of Lakes Mother of the Year. Program Director Tamara Pinckney was awarded as Leader of the Year. We graduated four seniors: David Edgerton III, Jalyn Hamilton, Xavier Roberts and Naomi Perry.
2019
This year, President Tamara Pinckney and Vice President Tamiko Thomas attended the Midwestern Region Mothers Leadership Summit. Our City of Lakes was recognized with following: Immediate Past Program Director Tamara Pinckney received recognition at the Programming Luncheon, Teen Julian Wright was recognized during MAL Ingram- Coleman’s report for the Vikings donation to J & J and there was a special shout out to Editor/Historian Shanya Carter who also serves on the Regional Technology Committee.
Veronica Roberts was awarded as Mother of the Year in 2019. Immediate Past President Leslie Wright was awarded Chapter Leader of the Year. We conducted our first Associate bridging ceremony for Mothers Leslie Wright, Portia Pierson, Josie Kuykindall, Dayna Joubert- Hayes and Josephine Martin. We also had five seniors’ graduate: Julian Wright, Jada Martin, Sydney Kuykindall, Michaela Thomas and Jadyn Hayes.
2020
We were elated to welcome four New Mother Members to our City of Lakes Chapter: Mothers Nekeidra Forbes Morrison, Dionne Gumbs, Rachel Hardeman and Mellisa Williams.
44th National Convention Attendees
This year Mother Melanie Brown, President Tamara Pinckney, New Mother Nekeidra Forbes Morrison, Mother Sheree Schattenmann, Mother Jillian McAdams, and Treasurer Michelle Edgerton attended the 44th Jack and Jill of America, Inc. National Convention virtually through a custom online platform from August 20-23, 2020.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Mother Connie Perry was awarded Chapter Mother of the Year, President Tamara Pinckney Chapter Leader of the Year, Bobby Cunningham Chapter Father of the Year and Snickers Overnight won Children’s Activity of the Year. Mothers Connie Perry and Veronica Roberts graduated out of COL and became Associates. We also had three seniors graduate: Shaniya Newton, Lucas Schattenmann and Alana Thomas.
2021
As we continued to practice safety protocol, our chapter displayed stamina by receiving awards, highlights and accomplishments: Women in Business honorees: Mother Stephanie Pierce. National Association of Women Business Owners-Minnesota Chapter named Emerging Woman Business Owner of the Year-Mother Dionne Gumbs. Book publication: Title “Be Bold: How to Prepare Your Heart and Mind for Racial Reconciliation” by Mother LaToya Burrell. Twin Cities Business Notable BIPOC Executive: Mother Cydni Bickerstaff, Bush Foundation Fellowship: Mother Rachel Hardeman, Howard University 2021 Truman Scholar: David Edgerton III (Mother Michelle Edgerton), Diversity Woman Media Elite 100 Black Women Leaders 2021: Mother Kelly Baker, TLC Area Workday Cluster Talent Competition Finalist: Xavier Cunningham (Mother Andrea Cunningham)
City of Lakes Presidents
| TERM | PRESIDENT |
| 2010-2013 | Susan Bass Roberts |
| 2013-2015 | Lynn Farmer |
| 2015- 2017 | Shalonda Glass |
| 2017- 2019 | Leslie Wright |
| 2019-2021 | Tamara Pinckney |
| 2021-2023 | Janine Sanders Jones |
| 2023-2025 | LaToya Burrell |