In January of 1938, concert pianist Marion Stubbs Thomas invited 20 of her friends to her home in South Philadelphia to discuss starting a social club. The idea came from her friend Louise Truitt Jackson Dench, who hoped the joy and kinship of Christmas could be felt year-round.

With Dench’s vision in mind, Thomas created the Jack and Jill of America, a service organization of mothers dedicated to empowering Black children and families, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to grow into young leaders. And after decades of advocacy and community work, the mother members and children of the group joined hands Saturday to celebrate 85 years of history.