This week, thousands of Black families from across the nation are gathering in Baltimore for the 47th National Convention of Jack and Jill of America. For many, it’s a celebration of leadership, education, service, and fellowship.
For me, it’s something even more personal.
As a father and grandfather, I have the privilege of watching my daughter and my granddaughter participate in an organization dedicated to preparing young people for leadership and service. Seeing three generations represented reminds me that our greatest investment has never been buildings, politics, or programs—it’s our children.
My daughter, Miesha, is a proud member of the Jack and Jill of America, Westchester County Chapter in New York. She attended the National Convention alongside her Chapter President, Janelle Bradshaw, Program Director Summer Derrick, fellow chapter mom Tiffany Gordon, and, of course, my granddaughter, Maisarah.
Watching them represent the Westchester County Chapter was a source of tremendous pride. It was inspiring to see families from our community join thousands of others from across the country, united by a shared commitment to developing the next generation of Black leaders. As a father and grandfather, seeing my daughter invest in my granddaughter through an organization that emphasizes leadership, service, education, and cultural enrichment is a reminder that legacy is built one generation at a time.
Too often, headlines about Black America focus on our challenges. We read about crime, failing schools, political division, and economic disparities. Those stories deserve attention, but they are not the whole story.
Across this country, thousands of Black parents are quietly making sacrifices every day to expose their children to opportunities that build confidence, leadership, discipline, and a sense of purpose. Jack and Jill of America is one example of that commitment.
As a father, there is something special about watching your child become a leader. As a grandfather, there is an even greater joy in watching that same legacy continue through the next generation.
When I look at my daughter and granddaughter participating in this convention, I don’t just see matching outfits or memorable photos. I see the passing of values. I see the importance of family. I see a community of parents intentionally creating spaces where young Black children are encouraged to dream bigger, serve others, and believe they can make a difference.
Leadership doesn’t begin when someone becomes a CEO, an elected official, or a business owner. It begins in the home. It is reinforced by parents, mentors, teachers, churches, and organizations willing to invest time in young people long before the world notices them.
That is what makes gatherings like this important.
As someone who has spent much of my life advocating for Black communities through law enforcement, publishing, and civic engagement, I have learned that sustainable change doesn’t happen only in city halls or state capitols. It also happens around dinner tables, at youth meetings, during community service projects, and through organizations that help shape the character of our children.
Watching families from across the nation come together reminds us that there is still tremendous strength within our community. There are mothers, fathers, grandparents, mentors, and volunteers working every day to prepare the next generation—not simply for success, but for significance.
This convention is about much more than a week in Baltimore.
It is about legacy.
It is about parents choosing to invest in their children.
It is about grandparents watching seeds they helped plant begin to bear fruit.
And for this father, seeing his daughter, granddaughter, and the Westchester County Chapter proudly represent their community on the national stage is a blessing that words can hardly capture.
As Black families, we often talk about building generational wealth. We should. But generational wealth begins with generational investment—investing in character, education, leadership, faith, and family.
Watching my daughter and granddaughter together reminds me that the greatest inheritance we can leave our children is not simply money. It is values, opportunity, and the confidence to become the leaders God created them to be.
To the members of the Westchester County Chapter, the national leadership of Jack and Jill of America, and the thousands of parents and volunteers who dedicate countless hours to nurturing our youth, thank you for continuing the important work of building leaders, strengthening families, and inspiring generations to come.
