Jack and Jill of America Inc. is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2–19 who are dedicated to nurturing and strengthening future African American leaders through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.
Mississippi Gulf Coast JJOA Chapter President Kutina Carter tells us more.
SHARE A BIT ABOUT THE CHAPTER’S BACKGROUND
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Mothers Club, a provisional group of Jack and Jill of America, began its process to become a chapter in December 2012 — when Stephanie Barnes Taylor sparked the idea. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Mothers Club was adopted as the name of the provisional group.
The mothers eventually chose a logo with a nautical theme, representing the Gulf of Mexico and other Mississippi Gulf Coast waterways. After months of preparation, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter was chartered on Sept. 27, 2014, under Barnes Taylor’s leadership. Seventeen phenomenal mothers worked intently with her to found the Coast’s first-ever Jack and Jill of America Inc. chapter.
WHO ARE YOUR MEMBERS?
Our local chapter now has 20 African American mothers representing all walks of life: medicine, government, education, social work and more.
WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING WITH YOUR CHAPTER?
The chapter prides itself on community service and outstanding children’s programming. This includes our previous events, including the annual Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving service at Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. We also participate in Singing River Sunset on Cancer Run annually, as well as blood drives with the American Red Cross during Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
HOW IS YOUR CHAPTER MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT?
Over the past decade, the chapter has produced phenomenal programming like I’ll Fly Away, in which children and parents received an “in-air” flying lesson from the New Orleans Black Pilot Association. Another example is An Equestrian Adventure, which gave insight and instructions on properly managing and caring for horses.
In 2019 and 2025, the chapter hosted the regional AL/MS Children’s Super Cluster, welcoming chapters from all over the Southeast for a day of STE[A]M in collaboration with Chevron Refinery, Bienville Orthopedic Specialists and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
HOW DOES YOUR CHAPTER EMPOWER AND SERVE WOMEN?
JJOA empowers women through increased sisterhood by supporting each other through mentorship and uplifting one another personally, professionally and spiritually.
WHAT HAVE LEARNED OR GAINED PERSONALLY BY BEING INVOLVED WITH THE CHAPTER?
I’ve learned a great deal by watching our children grow as leaders and utilize their true powers. JJOA is deeply committed to nurturing African American children, which has reinforced our importance as mothers raising confident leaders.
Personally, it has strengthened my leadership skills, broadened my network of like-minded women and deepened my commitment to service.
WHAT ARE THE CHAPTER’S HOPES OR GOALS?
JJOA’s goal is simple: to raise our children with the skills, confidence and exposure they will need to become effective leaders in their respective schools, communities and future careers.
WHAT DOES YOUR CHAPTER DO WELL, AND WHAT IS IT SEEKING TO IMPROVE?
One thing we do well is our structured programming, which helps build confidence and teaches our children public speaking and leadership at a young age. Like many organizations, making membership more accessible is one thing we can improve by rethinking barriers that limit participation.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD OUR READERS KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHAPTER AND JJOA?
While centered on uplifting African American youth, JJOA was founded in 1938 by an African American woman who wanted to create a nurturing space for black and brown children to grow up with the same strong leadership, cultural awareness and community values as other children — fostering intentional growth for not only their children, but for all children.