Jack and Jill of America - Albany, GA Chapter

05/30/2026

💙🩷We are excited to grow our sisterhood with these dynamic women as we continue to empower our children through leadership, service, cultural enrichment, and family engagement. Again, welcome to the Albany Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc.; we are so glad you're here!✨

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to our tenured mother members whose continued commitment, leadership, and dedication have helped shape and strengthen our chapter. Thank you for your years of service and for paving the way for future generations of Jack and Jill families.✨

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Sweet Southeastern Region

05/30/2026

The Amazing Albany Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is thrilled to welcome nine outstanding mothers and their families into our chapter!

As we continue our mission of nurturing future African American leaders through leadership development, cultural awareness, community service, and family engagement, we are excited to add the talents, perspectives, and passion of these remarkable women to our sisterhood.

Welcome to the Jack and Jill family! We are so glad you're here!
💙🩷💙🩷

Mom Lesley Broadnex
Mom Dominie Godfrey
Mom Hillery Griffin
Mom Abrea Harrell
Mom Teresa Heard
Mom Dominique Hines
Mom Sallay Jusu
Mom Tiffany Smith
Mom Willtresca Heppard-Streeter

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Sweet Southeastern Region Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated

05/21/2026

The Amazing Albany Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. proudly celebrated Black Family Day 2026 with an evening full of joy, culture, celebration, and community! ✨🖤💖💚

This year’s theme, “Creating Moments That Shine & Memories That Sparkle,” perfectly captured the spirit of the evening as families gathered to honor legacy, celebrate our graduates, and strengthen the bonds that make our Chapter so special. From laughter and fellowship to unforgettable moments under the sparkling lights, Black Family Day was a beautiful reminder of the power of family, tradition, and togetherness.

Each of our grade-level groups — Chocolate Cherubs, Pecan Prodigies, Magnificent Mahogany, Onyx Originals, and Ebony Excellence — shared their achievements and celebrations and were showered with end-of-the-year gifts. Each of our nine graduating seniors also had a special table display filled with memorabilia celebrating their journeys and accomplishments. In addition to the Chapter gifts, our Associate members presented each graduating senior with special gifts.

Last, but certainly not least, Moms who graduated from various programs and earned advanced degrees paraded before the audience in celebration of their accomplishments. Special guest Mr. Courtney Proctor served as master of ceremonies for the occasion.

Congratulations again to all of our graduates — your future is bright, and the Albany Chapter is proud of you! 💫🎓

05/19/2026

🎓✨ FIVE WOMEN. FIVE DEGREES. ONE LEGACY. ✨🎓

The Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Albany Chapter proudly celebrates our phenomenal mothers who have demonstrated that excellence, perseverance, and purpose have no limits. 💙💖

From bachelor’s degrees to doctorates, these inspiring women balanced family, leadership, careers, and countless responsibilities while pursuing higher education and walking boldly in their purpose. Their achievements are not only personal milestones, but powerful examples for our children, our chapter, and our community.

Please join us in congratulating:
✨ Tonita McKnight
✨ Monique Rountree
✨ Charlice Noble
✨ Merlong Taylor
✨ Crystal Kathleen Merrell-Calhoun

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Sweet Southeastern Region

05/19/2026

Congratulations to our Amazing Programs Director, Mom Jazmine Gilbert! Her work reminds us of the impact one passionate individual can make, both in our organization and beyond!

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Sweet Southeastern Region

🚀 Innovation in action! | Meet Jazmine Gilbert ✨

We are thrilled to shine our Alumni Spotlight on the incredible Jazmine Gilbert, a standout from our Fall 2025 Cohort!

As the founder of The Essentials Drop Box, Jazmine is a powerful example of what happens when passion meets innovation. Watching our alumni take the tools, strategies, and community support from The Launch Room and turn them into real-world impact is exactly why we do what we do.

Jazmine’s work is centered around providing essential resources and creating meaningful solutions that serve her community. She’s not just building a business — she’s making a difference and inspiring others along the way.

Join us in celebrating Jazmine’s journey and the continued growth of The Essentials Drop Box! 👏✨

🌐 Visit TheLaunchRoom.org to learn more about our community and upcoming cohorts.

05/02/2026

✨ Extend the Legacy. Amplify the Impact. ✨

The celebration doesn’t end with the 23rd Beautillion Militaire Gala - it continues with our inaugural online auction, and you’re invited to be a part of it!

From exclusive experiences to unique items, every bid helps us carry forward the mission. Your participation directly supports the programs, initiatives, and youth development efforts of the Albany Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

💻 Start bidding today and make a meaningful difference:
https://givebutter.com/c/Albany-JnJ-Legacy

Together, we can extend the impact, uplift our community, and invest in the future.

By Albany Chapter of Jack and Jill

05/02/2026

The Amazing Albany Chapter proudly celebrate College Decision Day 2026. The hard work of our Jacks and Jills has opened doors to incredible opportunities, and we could not be more excited to see where their journeys will lead.

Whether near or far, at large universities or intimate campuses, they carry with the values, strength, and excellence cultivated within this chapter.

To our seniors: move forward with confidence, embrace new opportunities, and never lose sight of the greatness within you.

The future is waiting...and it is brighter because of you. 🎓🩷💙

Devin Sheppard - Mercer University
Ivan Kelley - Alabama A&M University
SanDora Barney - Florida A&M University
Jalen Holmes - Chattahoochee Valley Community College
Gregory Williams, III- Georgia Southern University
Taylor Thomas - Albany State University

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Sweet Southeastern Region

04/19/2026

The Amazing Albany Chapter is proud to celebrate a major win—our Teen Vice President, Ivan Kelley, brought home the GOLD! 🥇✨

Ivan earned 1st place in the 2026 Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical Competition during the Georgia Children’s Super Cluster in Hampton, GA. His powerful, poetic message on legacy truly set him apart at the state level, and we couldn’t be more proud of his achievement! ✨

We also extend heartfelt congratulations to Albany Chapter’s own Marshall Kasongo-Robinson, who represented us with excellence in the SER Speak Up! Speak Out! Oratorical Program. His message uplifted and inspired, reflecting both purpose and poise. 💫

Ivan will advance to the next level at the 2026 Southeastern Region Teen Leadership Conference—we’re excited to cheer him on as he continues this incredible journey!

✨Congratulations, Ivan and Marshall—you are shining examples of the excellence, leadership, and promise within our Amazing Albany Chapter! 💖💙✨

04/17/2026

We are incredibly honored and grateful to share that this evening, the Amazing Albany Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was recognized as the 2025–2026 Harry and Jane Willson Partner of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany, GA. 💙

This distinction is especially meaningful as our chapter is the 11th recipient of this most prestigious award presented by our local Boys & Girls Clubs.

Our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany has been both intentional and impactful. Through the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc., the Boys & Girls Clubs have been a grant recipient, and our chapter has been proud to support their work through both volunteer service and financial contributions. This recognition reflects a shared commitment to serving and uplifting the youth in our community.

Accepting the award on behalf of our chapter were our Chapter President, Alfreda Sheppard, and Assistant Program Director, Brandi Craft. Thank you for your leadership and continued dedication.

To our members, families, and community partners—this honor belongs to all of us. Together, we remain committed to service, leadership, and creating lasting impact.



Jack and Jill of America - Albany, GA Chapter
Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Sweet Southeastern Region
Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Proctor & Gamble

02/24/2026

To our phenomenal young Orators—thank you for stepping forward with courage, confidence, and commitment at the Amazing Albany Chapter’s 2026 Oratorical Program. Effective oral presentation takes bravery, discipline, and consistent practice. Your voices mattered, your messages were powerful, and your participation made this year’s program truly special.

Congratulations to our 2026 Anne Owen Gordon (AOG) and Speak Up–Speak Out! (SUSO) Oratorical Winners and Participants:

🎖️ AOG 1st Place: Ivan Kelley
🎖️ AOG 2nd Place: Jacqueline Williams
🎖️ AOG 3rd Place: Christopher Fussell

2026 AOG Orators:
* Aeiden Charles
* Alexander Charles
* Aubree Charles
* Christopher Fussell
* Ivan Kelley
* Caleb Madison
* JayQuan Prince
* Jacqueline Williams

Ivan will advance to represent the Albany Chapter at the next level of Oratorical Competition.

2026 SUSO Orators:
* Isaiah Fussell
* Cortlyn Gilbert
* Donald Gilbert, III
* RJ Howard
* Marshall Kasongo-Robinson
* Brooklyn McKnight

A heartfelt thank you, Moms and Dads for encouraging, supporting, and helping to prepare your child(ren) to participate. Your investment in their growth, confidence, and leadership skills does not go unnoticed.

We want to uplift Dad Ernest Jones for serving as our Moderator! We greatly appreciate the Father’s Auxiliary.

We are also deeply grateful to our Associate Jewels Kenya Hamilton, Marion Ryant, and Terrie Williams and Legacy Anealia Ryant, for serving and supporting this program with excellence.

An extra special thank you to the panel of impartial, distinguished Judges and Evaluation Listeners:
Ms. Bristeria Clark, Ms. Clara Hall, Dr. Jamaul Kennedy, Dr. Tywannda Kiegler, Ms. Cassandra “Coach Cass” Kinsler, Kabreel McEachin, Dr. Elizabeth Sheffield-Hayes, Mr. Devin Williams, and Mr. Akeem Williams.

With 14 Orators this year, the Amazing Albany Chapter is committed to continue strengthening our youth’s communication and presentation skills for any room that they may enter.

We are incredibly proud of our Orators, and excited for what lies ahead!

For All Children!💕💙

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Sweet Southeastern Region
Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated