BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Birmingham Chapter, and community members will honor the life of young Carole Robertson by celebrating “Carole Robertson Day,” Saturday, September 21, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Smithfield Public Library Branch.
Carole Robertson Day is dedicated to the memory of young Carole Robertson, a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Birmingham (AL) Chapter, who was tragically killed in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing on September 15, 1963. Carole was only 14 years of age at the time of her death. She was very active in the organization and her mother, Mrs. Alpha Robertson, served as Regional Director of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Southeastern Region.
During the event, members of the organization plan to share video footage compiled about the life of Carole Robertson, the impact of the bombing on her family and community, the critical role of children in the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement, and a dedication on behalf of Jack and Jill 50 years later.
In her honor, Jack & Jill will dedicate a custom-carved “Carole Robertson Reading Bench” and children’s books to the Smithfield Branch of the Birmingham Public Library.
Carole Robertson
Carole lived in the Smithfield community of Birmingham. At the time of her death, she attended Parker High School and was a member of the marching band and science club. Carole was an avid reader and a straight “A” student.
Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Jack and Jill is a nationwide organization with over 220 chapters in 35 states and the District of Columbia, representing over 30,000 family members. The core of the Jack and Jill of America philosophy is that every child – if given the proper guidance and opportunity – can be developed into a leader. The organization’s National Theme: “Power & Potential: Parents Empowering Youth through Leadership Development Cultural Heritage and Community Service.”
Annually, More Than 220 Chapters of Jack & Jill Across the Nation Remember Carole Robertson
At the Jack and Jill National Convention in San Francisco decades ago, a resolution was approved by members that all chapters honor Jack and Jill member, Carole Robertson, posthumously, in September of each year, with an activity that highlights the goal of improving human rights, civil rights and racial harmony that Carole did not live to enjoy.
Members of the Carole Robertson Committee are: Judge Nyya Parson-Hudson- Chair, Majella Hamilton, Erica Edwards-Lankford, Dr. Anabela Simon-Lee and Demarish Ruffin-Smith.
