Jack and Jill of America, Inc. 43rd National Convention
 
Entertainment

Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, July 27
11-time Grammy Award winner, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds multi-faceted pop/urban career includes the consecutive multi-platinum landmark albums Tender Lover, For the Cool in You, and The Day. As co-founder with L.A. Reid pf LaFace Records, Babyface nurtured the careers of such megastars as TLC, OutKast, Usher, and Toni Braxton. Paralleling those achievements are Babyface's extensive sonwriting and production credits from the 1990's forward.  The prolific music man counts more than 200 top 10 R&B and over 50 top 10 pop hits (including 16 No. 1's).  Those stats have generated cumulative single and album sales of more than 600 million units worldwide.  Presented by AARP


D.L. Hughley, July 27

He still reigns as one of the original Kings of Comedy.  Whether his show is on the road, radio, film, or television, D.L. Hughley has established himself as a veteran entertainer, producer, and commentator.  D.L. has been seen on major networks like Showtime, Comedy Central, and CNN, heard on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, as well has dominating the afternoon radio drive airways with his daily themed show named aptly after him. 



Speakers & Events

Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated 80th Anniversary Museum, July 24 - July 28
The Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated "Love, Leadership, and Legacy" exhibit celebrates our proud history.  This is a "Hallmark" moment in our organization's history.  For the past 80 years, we have been dedicated to the mission of our Founders.  This exhibit celebrates the countless Mothers ans servant-leaders who have participated in that journey, as well as those who will carry it forward.  Presented by Hallmark  


Marion Stubbs Thomas Leadership Academy, "Inspire, Engage, Advocate," July 24 (By Invitation Only)

The Leadership Academy is a unique learning experience that will provide information and insight needed to help attendees gain a deeper understanding of our mission, purpose, and value proposition of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.  Participants will also gain knowledge on how to be an effective leader in a volunteer organization and how to navigate leadership in Jack and Jill at the chapter,  regional, and national level.


JMB Teen Leadership Summit: "The Power of ONE Voice," July 24 (By Invitation Only)
For teens who have successfully completed the prerequisite teen leadership development and financial literacy modules.  This year's TeenLeadership Summit will celebrate our Oratorical Masters and be an interactive, high energy, day filled with leadership activities, motivational speakers, and will create a platform to have their voices heard.  Registration is $80 and separate from a Teen Registration for the National Convention.


Go See KC Dine Around, July 24

Welcome to one of "America's 10 Best Downtowns" (Forbes). Hop on the street car and head to the Power & Light District, an eight block entertainment hub full of restaurants and shops. When it comes to Kansas City cuisine, barbecue tends to get top billing, yet the city's vast array of international flavors gets more impressive by the day. 


National President's Shabby Chic Party, July 25

Cool and Comfortable, Understated Class, and Always Gorgeous! Our National President welcomes you to the chicist party of the year! Entertainment, refreshments, and hors d'oeuvres will be served.




American Jazz Musuem and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Interactive Tours, July 25-27
Associates (7/25), Teens (7/26), Children (7/27 AM) and Fathers (7/27 PM), Each group will have a unique tour of two of the city's most celebrated museums at the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District.  The American Jazz Museum pays tribute to America's top jazz musicans. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum re-creates the look, feel, and sounds of Negro Leagues Baseball from the 1860's to the 1950s.



On Trend, July 26
Associates--while sipping champagne, learn what's on trend for this season as the stylist experts at Halls Deaprtment Store review the latest fashions. Learn how to make the most of your body shape assets and learn what is most flattering for you as well as how to best accessoirize that one of a kind outfit.  Sponsored by Halls Kansas City

The state-of-the-art Halls Kansas City is a contemporary, high energy, retail shopping experience, where you will find fashions and accessories that express your personal style, exclusive cosmetics lines, unique gifts, elegant accessoires for the home and garden--and more! 


Central Region Family Fun Night, Adventures in OZ, July 26 
An enchanted evening of exploration and excitement as you journey through the Central Region with great food, live entertainment, dancing and fun!                                                   
                                                                                                          





Leadership & Legislative Breakfast, "The Crusade for Children Continues," July 26
Building tomorrow's leaders and targeted legislative advocacy is the framework of the goals and objectives of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Awards will be given to chapters who have demonstrated exemplary legislative outreach and community service.  Guest speaker is The 60th Mayor of the City Atlanta,  Keisha Lance Bottoms.

As the second woman elected Mayor in the city's history, Mayor Bottoms is committed to creating safe communities, expanding access to public transit, developing opportunities for jobs and economic growth, and advocating for high quality public education.  Mayor Bottoms' commitment to community and public service has been recognized by the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers. She was previously honored with The Trailblazer Award for Outstanding Community Service, The Community Service Icon Award, and the Keeper of the Dream Award.  Sponsored by Bank of America.     

Associates Workshop, "Disrupt Aging:  Living Your Best Life at Every Age With Kim Coles," July 26
AARP presents Disrupt Aging: Living Your Best Life at Every Age with Kim Coles. Celebrity actress, comedienne, author and speaker Kim Coles will shed light on her experience with ageism in the acting industry and her ability to transition to living her best life, as an empowerment coach and author of 3 best-selling books, “I’m Free But It Will Cost You: The Single Life According to Kim Coles.” "The Gratitude Journal " and "Open Your Gifts -22 Lessons for Finding and Embracing Your Personal Power.”   

Well-known comedienne, actress, author, playwright, speaker and TV personality KIM COLES continues to bring her fresh take on love, life, and laughter to comedy club stages across the nation. KIM COLES is truly a renaissance woman. Best known for her five-season turn as the unforgettable “Synclaire” on FOX’s ground-breaking comedy series, Living Single, KIM COLES has starred in numerous hit television programs including Frasier, Six Feet Under, In Living Color, One on One and the uproarious TBS comedy series 10 Items Or Less. Coles has been a guest co-host for various shows, including The View, The Talk and Good Day Live. She was the host of BET’s My Black is Beautiful, celebrating the diverse, collective beauty of African-American women.







Programming Luncheon, "Through the Looking Glass," July 26                                                                   
Join us in a vibrant CELEBRATION honoring our legacy of stellar programming--a showcase of impactful events and activities that demonstrate the development of our children and communities.  You don't want to miss the festive recognition as we roll out the purple carpet for our Best of the Best programming celebrities.  


The Power of the Purse & A Little Black Dress Associates Luncheon, July 27



Join the Associate Jewels as we celebrate
 the joys of being an Associate!   The Associates Luncheon will feature your favorite purse fashion show to include categories such as the most creative, the most stylish, the most exquisite, and the most meaningful, great entertainment and most importantly, you!  The Bridging Over Ceremony for Graduating Mothers will also be conducted.





Election Party, July 27 
Celebrate our new National officers, laugh with comedian D.L. Hughley, and jam to superstar recording artist, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. Immediately after, party like only a JJOA Mom can!  


Past National President New History Book Signing & Meet & Greet, July 28
In celebration of 80 years of making a difference in the lives of all children, our beloved Past National Presidents will be available to sign your copy of the new Jack and Jill History Book, For the ChildrenSponsored by Hallmark


Jack and Jill of America Foundation Formation Rally, July 28


Celebrate good times with your Foundation!  In honor of 50 Years of the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, celebrate our past, learn about our present purposeful impact, and our challenge for the future. Celebrate the achievements of each region, hear inspiring words from our grant programs and learn how we are making a difference across he nation!  This will be a spirited, heart warming and inspirational meeting not to be missed!




The Power of Service Closing Gala, July 28
Join us for a Black and White Closing Gala.  The Black Tie Affair will include cocktails, dinner, and dancing while we honor the work of the organization and those who inspire us. 
 

Christmas in July:  Community Service Project, July 25-July 28

In support of The D.L. Hughley Foundation and in partnership with the Special Needs Network, we are asking each registered mother to bring an unwrapped toy for Christmas in July.  Each toy will be donated to children with autism, special needs, and/or living in foster care.


Vendor Showcase, July 25-July 28
Shop till you drop with our wonderful vendors. This year's vendor booths include unique jewelry, beautiful gifts, clothing, and of course, Jack and Jill paraphernalia.