Jack and Jill Brings Literacy and Service to North Charleston

The premier African American family organization's 2026 Biennial National Youth Trip focused on community impact and cultural connection.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:19pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of children's books in vibrant neon colors, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the literacy-focused community service provided by Jack and Jill of America.The Jack and Jill of America community service activation brought literacy resources and lasting impact to North Charleston families.North Charleston Today

Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, brought its 2026 Biennial National Youth Trip to North Charleston, South Carolina, where families from across the country engaged with the region's history and cultural legacy while making a meaningful impact through a community service activation focused on literacy. The event included building permanent community libraries, distributing over 400 books and literacy resources, and supporting the Jenkins Freedom School Summer Program.

Why it matters

The Jack and Jill service activation in North Charleston reflects the organization's enduring commitment to leadership development, literacy, and community impact within the African American community. By pairing cultural engagement with hands-on service, the event aimed to create lasting resources and opportunities for local children and families.

The details

As part of the 'Journey to History: Lineage and Legacy in the Lowcountry' theme, Jack and Jill families partnered with Jenkins Youth & Family Village and Murray Hill Recreation Association for a literacy-focused day of service. Families helped build permanent community libraries, distributed over 400 books and literacy resources, and donated to the Jenkins Freedom School Summer Program. The event also featured an interactive storytelling and creative writing session led by South Carolina author Antwan Eady.

  • The 2026 Biennial National Youth Trip took place in April 2026.

The players

Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated

The premier African American family organization, founded in 1938 to nurture future leaders by stimulating the growth and development of children through educational, cultural, civic, recreational, health, and social programs.

Darlene McGhee Whittington

The 28th National President of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.

Ja'nister Herring

The Interim Executive Director of Jenkins Youth & Family Village.

Antwan Eady

A South Carolina author whose award-winning picture book 'Nigel and the Moon' has been widely acclaimed.

Jenkins Youth & Family Village

A community organization that partnered with Jack and Jill for the literacy-focused service activation.

Murray Hill Recreation Association

A community organization that partnered with Jack and Jill for the literacy-focused service activation.

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What they’re saying

“This year's theme calls us to listen more closely, to see more deeply, and to help our children understand that history is not simply something to be memorized — it is something to be encountered.”

— Darlene McGhee Whittington, 28th National President of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated

“With books and literacy resources being donated to the community, it became a really meaningful and fun literacy day for everyone.”

— Ja'nister Herring, Interim Executive Director of Jenkins Youth & Family Village

What’s next

The Jack and Jill families plan to continue supporting the Jenkins Freedom School Summer Program and other local literacy initiatives in North Charleston.

The takeaway

The Jack and Jill service activation in North Charleston demonstrates the organization's commitment to empowering African American youth through educational, cultural, and community-based programs that foster leadership, literacy, and lasting impact.