2013 Fall Newsletter
Welcome From the President
Dear Mothers: As we leave 2013 and move into 2014, I would be remiss if I did not state how proud I am of all the wonderful accomplishments of The Brooklyn Chapter. The program year is just getting started and we have already enjoyed so many great activities and programs. We recognized Carole Robertson Day while enjoying a fun filled day of science at the Liberty Science Center. We also continued our support of the Child Development Support Center (CDSC) by providing both monetary, food and clothing donations. Mothers, your beautiful gift baskets of nonperishable food helped families in need have a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner and your lightly used business attire will aid women seeking to enter or reenter the workforce. Brooklyn you walk your talk. I also want to extend a huge thank you to the mothers who have worked tirelessly for Jack and Jill this holiday season. I know that many of you have many personal commitments during this time period. Our children have also been busy. Our numbered age groups celebrated Kwanzaa at the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Center. The Teen groups wrapped gifts to give to needy children at Mercy First. The Senior Teens hosted their annual Teen Dance and will use the proceeds to give to a charity of their choice. The Junior and Senior Teens also hosted their annual political brunch featuring guest speakers Eric Adams, the first African American Brooklyn Borough President, Letitia
James, the first African American female Public Advocate and Ken Thompson, Brooklyn’s first African American district attorney. Our children are gaining valuable leadership skills while also engaging in community service and philanthropy. This is what Jack and Jill is about. Thank you and your families for continuing to do the work that is required for greatness. Brooklyn Chapter continues to do great things for “our children and all children.” Let’s continue to work, play and live together.
In Service,
Jocelynne Jocelynne Rainey 24th Chapter President
Food for Thought: Honoring Nelson Mandela’s Legacy
On December 5, 2013, Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95. We hope that you will share the incredible lessons of patience, love and tolerance that Nelson Mandela demonstrated to the world throughout his incredible life. When asked how he keeps hatred in check, he stated that “[h]atred clouds the minds. It gets in the way of strategy. Leaders cannot afford to hate.” We can think of no better way show our gratitude for our many blessings than to share Nelson Mandela’s legacy. Below are some memorable quotes for you to reflect on with your children and loved ones.
Rest in Peace Madiba
Jack and Jill Moms Let’s aspire to do the impossible in raising our families, serving our communities and taking care of ourselves in 2014!
Jack and Jill, Brooklyn Chapter January – May Calendar of Events January 22 Executive Committee meeting 23 Executive Board meeting 26 General Meeting February 8 Black Family Dinner March 19 Executive Committee meeting 20 Executive Board meeting 23 General Meeting April 1 Chapter Basket Ball Game/ Fathers' Appreciation May 1-5 14 15 18
Teen Conference in Washington DC Executive Committee meeting Executive Board meeting General Meeting
Jack and Jill of America, Brooklyn Chapter-wide Activities AUGUST
The Brooklyn Chapter was proud to join Jack and Jill families from across the nation at the “National Action to Realize the Dream March” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Our own Jennifer Jones Austin spoke on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. An excerpt of her remarks is below: “And so today, we come together to pick up the burdens laid down by our leaders who have gone on to their reward, and to stand with our leaders of today -- Rev. Sharpton and others - to commit and recommit ourselves to the war against poverty, the war against gun violence, the war against continuing discrimination on the basis of race, sexual orientation, immigration, and gender, the war against disenfranchisement, and the war against injustice that threatens the present and the future of our children. As a nation we have demonstrated that we can do just about anything we put our minds to. Ending poverty, gun violence, discrimination, and injustice should be no different. It is our burden. It is our responsibility. And together, we can. God bless you all.”
SEPTEMBER
Photo by ROGER ARHCER/PHAATS PHOTOS
In mid-September, the chapter participated in a chapter-wide activity with all age groups represented at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ. With carefully planned activities for every age group, our children discovered the joy and excitement of exploring science and technology in an interactive setting. During the outing, our Junior and Senior Teens presided over our annual Carole Robertson ceremony, delivering a wonderful remembrance celebrating the lives of the four little girls who died in a church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. Other highlights included seeing The Polar Express and Titans of the Ice Age on the Center’s 400seat, domed-screen theater. Chapter-wide events allow our children to build important friendships outside of their monthly age group activities. It was a joy to watch some of the older children teach and guide the younger ones as they explored all of the science exhibits. The Chapter’s Book Club also met in September to discuss New York Times bestseller The Five People You Meet in Heaven by author Mitch Albom.
OCTOBER
Photo by ROGER ARHCER/PHAATS PHOTOS
For the 5th consecutive year, the chapter participated in the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk." Our team walked for four hours in Prospect Park and contributed over $2,500 to the American Cancer Society. The day was an emotional one as Chapter mothers who are breast cancer survivors received support from mothers and offered support to mothers going through their own medical journeys. Mothers used the walk as an opportunity to discuss with their children the importance of uniting as a community, supporting others and raising awareness about causes that matter.
In late-October, the Brooklyn, NY and Metropolitan Chapters of Jack and Jill of America sponsored a screening of "American Promise" a Sundance Award winning film at the IFC Theater in New York City. “American Promise” spans 13 years as Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, middle-class African-American parents from Brooklyn, NY, turn their cameras on their son, Idris, and his best friend, Seun, who make their way through one of the most prestigious private schools in the country. Chronicling the boys’ divergent paths from kindergarten through high school graduation at Manhattan’s Dalton School, this provocative, intimate documentary presents complicated truths about America’s struggle to come of age on issues of race, class and opportunity.
NOVEMBER
Our mothers donated 29 baskets filled with non-perishable goods to supplement Thanksgiving dinner provided to CDSC families. We are proud of our continued support of CDSC and its clients. The chapter also hosted a "Hip Hop" ZUMBA event to support the Child Development Support Corporation at the Berkeley Carol School in Brooklyn NY. Our Zumba instructors Elsa Jones and Tanya Penman-Sterling led Jack and Jill members and associates in an invigorating, upbeat, feel-good workout that undoubtedly inspired attendees to choose Zumba as a source of exercise. All proceeds were donated to the CDSC The Chapter’s Book Club met in November to discuss the New York Times bestselling book The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.
DECEMBER
The chapter hosted a Kwanzaa program titled “Celebrating and Living Kwanzaa: Sowing and Harvesting Seeds of Good� where we honored African culture and affirmed the importance of family, community and culture. Our mothers put on a beautiful program for the numbered age groups who in addition to learning about the seven principles of Kwanzaa from a few of our children assisted by Melinda Alexis Hayes also enjoyed an interactive story time session led by Monica Covington, arts and crafts organized by Peta-Gayle White, a wonderful tribute to our ancestors led by Lesleigh Irish Underwood and lessons on community led by Crystal BobbSemple. A huge thank you goes to Eleanor Rollins for coordinating the program, Simone Pratt for welcoming attendees to the celebration, Carolyn Byrd for leading our guests in prayer, our children who participated, Saydona Victoria Boyd for assisting with arts and crafts and Lisa Betts for her wonderful contributions to the program.
Age Group Activities 2-4 AGE GROUP
In October, the children of the 2-4 and 5-7 age groups went apple picking at Lawrence Farms Orchards in Newburgh, NY. On an unseasonably warm day, the children picked apples high and low until their hearts were content and ate them until their bellies were full. In November, percussionist Shawn Banks taught the 2-4 children West African drumming rhythm patterns. It was wonderful to see the 2-4 children explore their creativity through rhythm and music. They were engaged, inspired and burned a lot of energy during their one hour lesson.
5-7 AGE GROUP
In November, the 5-7 “big kids” bonded like never before with an overnight experience that they will be sure to remember! In addition to polishing each other’s nails, baking brownies and eating pizza, the girls were reminded that they “ROCK” as they watched HBO’s Happy to be Nappy, a film that encourages individuality and the importance of respecting and accepting all people. The boys gathered to re-create Halloween wearing their best costumes and huddling up in sleeping bags and blankets like only boys can. The following morning, the mothers were treated with breakfast, Mimosas, and their own special moment of bonding prior to bidding farewell to our wonderful hosts, Chelsea, Calle, William and Xavier. And, a special thanks to Lou Anne and Ahtis for opening their homes to the children.
8-10, 11-12 AGE GROUPS
From outstanding opening statements to impassioned closing statements and thoughtful jury deliberations, November’s 8-10 and 11-12 mock trial activity was a great success. Children in both age groups took on roles of witnesses, prosecutors, jurors and defense attorneys while exercising writing, oratory, and analytical skills. The Hon. Robin Sheares and Hon. Desmond Green offered guidance and words of wisdom during the trial, which took place in the Brooklyn Public Library Macon branch on Lewis Avenue. Ultimately, participants and parents who observed learned a lot about the legal process and about the strength and determination of our children.
Junior and Senior Teens AGE GROUPS
In November, the Junior Teens enjoyed go-cart racing at Pole Position, an indoor track in Jersey City, NJ. There were a few crashes but everyone finished their race(s). Junior Teen Carlos almost won the second race but was ultimately outraced by unknown competitors who were racing with us. He came in first among Jack & Jill racers. The Junior Teens had pizza and enjoyed each other’s company for the afternoon.—Lauren Banks, event cohost. The Senior Teens went ice skating at the Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn, NY.
In November, the Junior and Senior Teens, along with Coach Watkins, proudly represented the Brooklyn Chapter at the 15th Annual Metropolitan Chapter’s Basketball Challenge.
Both groups enjoyed the 2013 Political Brunch, held on December 27th at Brooklyn Borough Hall featuring remarks from newly elected officials— Brooklyn Borough President Elect Eric Adams, Public Advocate Elect Letitia James and Brooklyn District Attorney Elect Ken Thompson—who encouraged teens to achieve their dreams and give back to the community.
Graduating Teens: Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
Malachi Bobo, the son of Demetrius & Angela Bobo is a senior at Pocono Mountain West High School, in Pocono Summit, PA. He has been a member of Brooklyn’s chapter for 12 years and has served as Chaplain, Corresponding Secretary and Sergeant at Arms. He is a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church’s Usher Board, Male Dance Ministry and Sunday School. Malachi represented People to People Ambassadors, is on the honor roll and played basketball for his school. He worked as a life guard and still had time for community service. Malachi plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, where he will major in accounting. Darrick A. Copeland is a senior at Frederick Douglas Academy VII H.S. in Brooklyn, NY and is the nephew of Rose Johnson and son of Laquita Copeland. He has been a member of the Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and Jill for 9 years. He is currently the Senior Teen Vice President. His hobbies include basketball, playing pool, swimming and listening to music as well as spending quality time with family. Darrick has decided to join the United States Marine Corps in the fall.
Bryon Lewis-Cummings is President of the Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and Jill Senior Teens. He is a senior at the Evangel Christian School, where he was president of the Student Council and is currently a class representative. He is Vice President of the YMCA leadership organization. He has been a proud member of the Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and Jill since 2001. He is the son of the exquisite Gaynell Cummings, nephew of the endearing Jack and Jill Associate Hilda Davis and cousin to an insightful alumnus of Jack and Jill Jamal Davis. He plans to attend college in the fall, studying Communication and Spanish. Jourdan Espeut is a senior at Eleanor Roosevelt high school in New York, NY and is the daughter of Rona and Laurence Espeut. She has been a member of the Jack and Jill Brooklyn Chapter for over 10 years. She's a long time contributor of the breast cancer walk. She's thinking about attending NYU and will be majoring in English and plans to get a Master’s degree. Giovanna Franklin is a senior at the Berkeley Carroll School in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Allyson Jackson-Franklin and Keith Franklin are her proud parents. During her high school career Giovanna has been a 4-year honor roll student; Captain of the BCS Volleyball Team; Captain of the BCS Dance Team; Treasurer on Student Council; and a mentor to “Mikey” a developmentally delayed young adult. She participated in a Spanish Exchange Program in Grenada, Spain, and the Student Diversity Leadership Convention in San Diego, CA. Giovanna is the former Jack and Jill Junior Teen President, Legislative Chair, and is currently serving as the Parliamentarian. Giovanna plans to attend Vassar College where she will major in neuroscience or medical research on her road toward pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine. Charles Francis Jacob is a senior at Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, VA, and is the son of Stephanie Cyrus and Frank Jacob. He has been a member of the Brooklyn Chapter for 13 years. He spends his time manning the concession area during the many events, peer counselor mentoring younger students and reading to the elderly at the local senior center. He is the Captain of the varsity football team, earned four varsity letters and two State Championship rings. Charles plans to attend the University of South Carolina, where he will major in law.
Alana Canty-Samuel, daughter of Laura Canty-Samuel and Craig Samuel, has been in the Brooklyn Chapter for 13 years. She attends St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH, and is an alumna of School Year Abroad, Italy '13, where she spent her junior year. She speaks Italian, Ancient Greek, and Latin, and volunteers as an English tutor for foreign language speakers. She is poetry editor for Boardspacemag.com, a Chapel Warden, head of the dance group “Funkdefied,” and cultural group “Hairitage.” She plans to major in neuroscience at Duke University with the ultimate goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. Jason Wright is a senior at Kiski Prep in Saltsburg, PA, and is the son of Legacy Mom Janel Gross and Kenneth Wright, Sr. He has been a member of the Brooklyn Chapter for 10 years. Jason is a varsity football player and President of Culture Pot, a diversity group on his campus. Jason hopes to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania or Kutztown University in the fall, where he will major in Athletic Training with a minor in business management, as well play on the school football team.