House Resolution 28

A RESOLUTION HONORING THE MISSISSIPPI CHAPTERS OF JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC., FOR ITS EXCEPTIONAL COMMITMENT TO CULTIVATE THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW AND COMMENDING THIS DISTINGUISHED ORGANIZATION OF FAMILIES ON THE OCCASION OF JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC.'S LEGISLATIVE DAY AT THE CAPITOL ON FEBRUARY 19, 2024.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi chapters of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., have journeyed to the Mississippi State Capitol building on February 19, 2024, to "Be the Change" for its organization in order to galvanize their children, mothers and fathers to become more aware of the legislative process; and

WHEREAS, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is a nationally beloved and distinguished organization of African-American mothers, fathers and children, comprised of 262 chapters, across seven geographical regions; and

WHEREAS, founded by the late Marion Stubbs Thomas in 1938, an acclaimed pianist and civic organizer, who along with 20 mothers gathered to create an organization of African-American mothers with children from the ages of two to 19, who provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth; andWHEREAS, since its inception, this unrivaled organization of mothers has championed many legislative initiatives that improve the quality of life for children and families, including access to healthy food, free mammograms, blood pressure and cardiovascular checks, swim lessons, financial literacy workshops, mental health initiatives, voter registration, scholarships and assistance in lower income communities; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi's three vibrant chapters: the Jackson, Mississippi Gulf Coast and the North Mississippi chapters, along with Regional Legislative Chair Dee Dawkins-Haigler are excited to educate Mississippi families and advocate for children during their legislative day; and

WHEREAS, the chapters in Mississippi are proudly represented by impressive leaders, such as President Lori Hill Marshall and Vice President Remonica McBride of the Jackson Chapter, which was the first chapter chartered in this state, President Michelle Ellerby and Vice President Teka McKnight of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter, and President Tara Bullard Jones and Vice President Lillian Hilson of the North Mississippi Chapter; and

WHEREAS, the legislative initiatives of the Mississippi chapters have included access to healthy food, free mammograms, blood pressure and cardiovascular checks, swim lessons, financial literacy workshops, mental health initiatives, voter registration, scholarships and assistance in low income communities; and

WHEREAS, it is our policy to celebrate exceptional organizations, especially those such as Jack and Jill of America, Inc., whose extraordinary community service brings honor to the State of Mississippi and improves the lives of future generations of Mississippians:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That  we do hereby commend the Mississippi chapters of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., for its exceptional commitment to the educational and cultural development of youth, the cultivation of future leaders, and its celebration of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.'s Legislative Day at the Capitol on February 19, 2024.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Lori Hill Marshall, Remonica McBride, Michelle Ellerby, Teka McKnight, Tara Bullard Jones, Lillian Hilson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.