•  

Chapter History

This chapter’s illustrious history began the summer of 1968. Celonia Walden, Roberta Briscoe and Grace Dixon, members of the Baltimore Chapter of Jack and Jill, expressed the need for an organization of African American mothers, who desired to work cooperatively in guiding the educational, cultural and social growth and development of their children in the new city of Columbia, Maryland. The three ex-Baltimoreans envisioned a Columbia or Howard County Chapter of Jack and Jill. After connecting with other like-minded moms, on November 12, 1968, thirty interested mothers met at Celonia Walden’s home and founded the “Columbia Mothers’ Club.” At this meeting, Celonia, Roberta and Grace, explained the purpose, aims and objectives of Jack and Jill of America. The group decided to ask the Baltimore Chapter to sponsor them into Jack and Jill of America by 1970.

The course of the Mothers’ Club was charted the first year under the able leadership of Celonia Walden as President, Roberta Briscoe as Vice President, and Grace Dixon as Secretary. Since most of the members of the club were new to the Columbia area and also were new to each other, many of the activities focused on the development of a friendship and bond among the parents and children. During the second year, most effort and time was spent organizing and restructuring the Mothers’ Club in accordance with the national program guidelines of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

On December 4, 1970, two years after its inception, the Columbia Mothers’ Club became the Columbia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated with seventeen Charter Members. The Charter Officers were: Celonia Walden, President; Roberta Briscoe, First Vice President; Joanne Tyson, Second Vice President; Willie Cardwell, Recording Secretary; Irene Dandridge, Corresponding Secretary; Alberlena McGruder, Financial Secretary; Pinnie Ross, Treasurer; Grace Dixon, Parliamentarian, and Elaine Harris, Journalist. Other Charter Members were: Rutenna Blake, Helen Fitzpatrick, Brenda Gladden, Connie Hayes, Nampeo McKenney, Ruby Polley, Mattie Simmons, and Vera Wilson. The Chapter has grown significantly since it was established, and has been thriving for almost 54 years. With the efforts and talents of 99 mothers, 166 children and teens, 91 fathers, and 99 Associate members, the quality of the chapter’s programming and commitment to community service remains exemplary and grows each year with new moms and fresh ideas.

The chapter has a vibrant group of members who are skilled and committed to make a positive difference in the lives of their children and their communities. Members have served in both Regional and National leadership roles within the Eastern Region. The Chapter’s rich history includes Regional Officers: Marion Christian, Regional Secretary-Treasurer (1979-1981); Donna Rice - Regional Secretary Treasurer (1994-1997); Rustin Brown - Regional Teen Vice-President (2000-2001); Jacqueline M. Palmer - Regional Secretary. Treasurer (2001-2005); Cassandra Palmer – Regional Teen President (2003 – 2004); Erica Lee - Regional Teen Parliamentarian (2004 – 2005); Kevin McAliley – Regional Fathers’ Auxiliary Chairperson (2005- 2007); Jessie McAliley – Regional Secretary-Treasurer (2007-2009); and Regina Clay – Regional Chaplain, 2015-2019.

In 1980, Regina Clay, a legacy member who also grew up in the Columbia chapter, became the first Regional Teen Officer upon her election as Regional Teen Treasurer. Regina Clay, now a current mother member, has also served as Regional Nominating Committee Member (2017-2019) and Regional Gavel Club Coordinator and Chapter Chaplain. This 2023- 2024 program year, Mother Regina was elected to serve on the Eastern Region Alumni Relations Committee. Antonio Clay Hardy, Mother Regina Clay’s son, served on the regional teen board as chaplain (2022-2023). He currently serves as regional treasurer.

Four other Columbia, Maryland Chapter Moms will serve on regional committees this year. President Valerie Mattison Brown is serving on the Strategic Planning Committee. Chair Jeannette Robertson is currently serving on the We are One Committee, Immediate Past President Cynthia Bell serves on the Regional Strategic Partnership Taskforce, and Mother Stephanie Brown serves on the Regional Small Chapter Task Force. The chapter also celebrated Mother Shavon Arline-Brady this past winter, as she became the first President and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women in January 2023. Mother Shavon was a panelist at the 2023-2024 Jack and Jill of America Inc. Regional Area Work Day on October 28, 2023.

Columbia Maryland Chapter moms have also served in National leadership positions. Gail Johnson, served as National Vice President, (2006-2008), and is now an Associate member of the Chapter. Another current mother member Pier Blake serves as Executive Director of the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Foundation. Mother Pier Blake was also officially sworn in on July 12, 2023 to the Maryland Commission for Women. She was honorably appointed by Maryland’s Governor, Wes Moore, and approved by the Senate. Mother Pier, along with Mother Monica Johnson, found downtime to further unite and promote bonding with the chapter by starting a book club over the summer of 2023. The club has read 2 books together so far, Summer on Sag Harbor by Sunny Hostin and 272 by Rachel L. Swarns (Features family history of Mother Leslie Alexander’s husband, Jeremy).

 

 

 

Get to Know More About Jack and Jill- Columbia, MD Chapter

 

Visit More