In 1983, June Johnson and Winifred Johnson, members of the Denver Chapter of Jack and Jill (JJD), established Colorado’s first beautillion in an attempt to counter negative media portrayals of young African American men.
Now a hallmark event, the Jack and Jill Beautillion celebrates the achievements of high school students, fostering leadership and community involvement among participants.
The History of Jack & Jill
Jack and Jill America, Inc. (JJA) was founded by Marion Stubbs Thomas in 1938, fulfilling her vision to create social and cultural relationships between children. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the first chapter consisted of twenty mothers who worked collaboratively to create opportunities for children ages 2 through 19.
In less than 10 years since its inception, JJA expanded into 10 chapters and was officially incorporated in 1946, during a nationwide restructuring process.
Now, with 262 chapters across the country, the organization serves over 50,000 family members in annual programming focused on five pillars, including cultural awareness, educational development, social/recreational interaction, health and civic advocacy.
By acknowledging customs and traditions passed down generationally, the organization honors and preserves cultural heritage while teaching participants to cherish the past in the process of building brighter
futures.
The core of its philosophy rests on the idea that every participant can be a leader with the appropriate guidance and opportunities, and programming that fosters healthy peer interactions and lifestyles supports the development of community leaders.
Additionally, with a focus on legislation to support positive outcomes for youth, JJA facilitates health and wellness initiatives, voter registration and education-based advocacy.
Jack and Jill of Denver
With chapters across the United States, the Denver Chapter of the organization was organized by Isabella Bartholomew in 1955. This year, the organization celebrated 69 years of youth development activities and service projects that support community needs.
Led by chapter president Allison Trimble and vice president Beth Robinson, JJD partners with local and national organizations to drive youth-focused initiatives forward. According to its website, the organization is composed of “mothers engaged in cultural, philanthropic and community activities intended to nurture our children to gracefully evolve into African American leaders.”
On Dec. 15, 2024, the Jack and Jill Beautillion will celebrate year-long programs that provide mentorship, while raising money to support the educational pursuits of young people.
When it was created, the beautillion’s creators recognized a gap in positive representation and mentorship for young African American men or “Beaus,” despite not having sons of their own at the time.
“We noticed the need for young Black men to be inspired and have good stories told about them,” recalls Winifred.
From modest beginnings with just 17 participants, the event has now grown to include over 300 young leaders.
Throughout the decades, the event has honored individuals who have gone on to achieve remarkablesuccess. Among its celebrated alumni are former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and NBA hall of famer and coach, Chauncey Billups.
In 2022, the Denver chapter expanded the program to recognize young women, known as “Belles,” alongside the Beaus. The event now acknowledges the achievements of both male and female juniors and seniors – an expansion that aligns with the organization’s commitment to increasing scholarship opportunities and celebrating Black excellence.
“We’ve evolved to address the challenges young people face today, ensuring the program remains relevant,” says Simone Ross, the chapter’s co-chair.
Reflecting on the lasting impact of the program, she says, “For 38 years, we’ve been changing the headlines. It’s important that we tell our own stories and create narratives that reflect our excellence.”
The Road to Becoming a Beau or Belle
The first step to becoming a Beau or Belle for the Jack and Jill Beautillion is identification from community leaders. Potential participants are recommended by school counselors or principals during their sophomore or junior year in high school.
Once accepted, participants engage in workshops focusing on emotional intelligence, etiquette and community service, with lessons culminating in a formal dance performance at the beautillion.
The year-long program emphasizes academic excellence, leadership and extracurricular involvement, requiring Beaus and Belles to give back to their communities.
On Oct. 26 the Beaus took part in the “Great Beautillion Give Back,” assembling care kits in partnership with organizations such as Girls Inc., the Denver Dumb Friends League, the JEKL Foundation and Urban Peak.
Community service has always been a cornerstone of the program, with previous projects including youth leadership conferences and public forums with district attorneys to discuss the role of the DA’s office.
The grand culmination of this year’s efforts will be the annual Jack and Jill Beautillion Gala event on Dec. 15 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown, themed “Every Great Dream Begins with a Dreamer: Uplifting Dreamers and Leaders.”.
Editor’s note: For more information about the organization, visit https://www.jackandjillinc.org/chapter/denver/. Tickets are available at https://allevents.in/denver/denver-chapter-of-jack-and-jill-presents-belle-beautillion-2024/80002122098436.
