On Sunday, January 22nd, the Suffolk County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated commemorated the organization’s founding with a church service, fellowship and a special honor to the chapter’s past presidents and associate members. The full-day celebration was organized by Vice President Kathryn Simmons, Program Director Juanita McKinney and brought to life by the collaborative work of the chapter’s Membership and Programming Committees.
The day began with mothers attending a church service at First Baptist Church of Bay Shore, church home to several chapter members. During the service, President Khadijah Starling presented the church with a love offering in the amount of $310, raised by the chapter. The celebration continued with a chapter luncheon honoring Suffolk County past presidents and associates. Guests and members enjoyed a delicious and nourishing lunch lovingly prepared and served by our members.
The Mothers then honored the founders and those that came before us with a special reading of Pearl Cleage’s poem, We Speak Your Names. The poem offered gratitude, appreciation and love to Suffolk County’s founding members, past presidents and associates. Following the reading, each honoree present was given special recognition, presented with a pink rose and were asked to offer words of wisdom for the mothers. President Starling closed with heartfelt thanks on behalf of the chapter.
All in attendance were touched and inspired by the love and wisdom shared. Past President Deborah Kimbrough-Lowe, commented “…extraordinary ceremony full of love from an extraordinary group of women;” and Associate Mother, Lenore Battle expressed, “This was such a beautiful tribute to our past presidents and founders! Just perfect and touching from beginning to end!!” Chaplain Pia Alexander-Harris, shared what is undoubtedly felt by all current members, “I feel so honored to raise my children with these awesome moms and to benefit from the legacy left to us by our incredible founders and past presidents!” Suffolk County Jack and Jill of America, Inc. humbly follows the lead of those dynamic and mighty women who have created such a strong and beautiful legacy. Long live Jack and Jill!
