Photo credit: Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Our History
Our National History
Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated was founded on January 24, 1938, by Marion Turner Stubbs Thomas, a visionary mother who recognized the importance of creating opportunities for Black children to connect, learn, grow, and thrive together during a time of segregation and limited access.
What began with a group of twenty mothers in Philadelphia grew into a national organization rooted in family, leadership, cultural enrichment, education, and service. For generations, Jack and Jill has created meaningful experiences that nurture children, strengthen families, and prepare young people to become confident and engaged leaders.
Today, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated continues that legacy through more than 230 chapters across the United States and Germany, bringing families together around a shared commitment to developing future leaders and making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.
Our Founder
About Marion Stubbs Thomas
Born in Philadelphia, Marion Turner Stubbs Thomas graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1930 and later studied at the Sorbonne in Paris. A gifted musician, community leader, and visionary mother, she understood the importance of creating opportunities for African American children to connect, grow, and see what was possible for their futures.
Her vision extended beyond her own family and helped establish a legacy rooted in education, cultural enrichment, leadership, family, and service—a legacy that continues to shape Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated today.
“As new members were welcomed, and then new chapters formed, the aims and ideals of Jack and Jill were strengthened—always with our children as the focal point. To us as mothers, it has become a means of furthering an inherent and natural desire: to bestow upon our children all the opportunities possible for a normal and graceful approach to a beautiful adulthood.”
— Marion Stubbs Thomas, Founder, Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Image of Marion Stubbs Thomas courtesy of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (archival use)