LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Brook-
lyn Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. on April 20, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 60th Anniversary of the Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and Jill of
America, Inc., to be celebrated on Friday, April 20, 2012, at the Dyker
Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The late Marion Stubbs Thomas founded Jack and Jill of Ameri-
ca, Incorporated on January 24, 1938 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Twenty mothers came together to discuss creating an organiza-
tion to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth
between the ages of two and nineteen; and
WHEREAS, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is the oldest and largest
African American family organization in the United States of America; it
is an organization devoted to instilling volunteerism and philanthropy
to children and families; and
WHEREAS, Today, Jack and Jill boasts over 220 chapters nationwide,
representing over 30,000 family members; each chapter plans annual
programming activities guided under a national theme; and
WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., now
in its 60th year, has 78 member-families; and
WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
strives to improve the quality of life for women and children through
its motto, "Empowering Our Youth to Excel Through Leadership and Service
in Our Communities"; and
WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Chapter has led and supported a number of
borough-wide initiatives and service programs as well as supported a
number of nonprofit organizations throughout Brooklyn with volunteers
and grants; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, the Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and Jill of America,
Inc., continues a legacy of local charitable giving to support finan-
cially disadvantaged Brooklyn high school graduates currently attending
a four-year college; and
WHEREAS, Through the Brooklyn Chapter's Scholarship Incentive Program,
there are presently eight universities receiving an annual incentive
award for the benefit of eight Brooklyn scholars who maintain at least a
B average; and
WHEREAS, The funds pay for these Brooklyn scholarship recipients'
books and fees; and
WHEREAS, The universities currently in the pipeline include Binghamton
University, Hofstra University, John Jay College, Manhattan College,
Morehouse College, St. John's University, and Williams College; and
Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. also makes charitable
contributions to Medgar Evers College Scholarship Fund, St. Francis
College, The ICLA DA SILVA Foundation, Mercy First, and Habitat for
Humanity; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and
Jill of America, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.