New York landmarks glow pink and blue for Jack and Jill leadership event

Four New York City buildings will light up in Jack and Jill of America’s colors as nearly 1,000 mothers, youth and community leaders gather Nov. 13-14 for a leadership and service weekend. The event spotlights Black youth development, scholarships, mentorship and philanthropy across New York and beyond.

Why it matters: - The skyline tribute highlights Jack and Jill of America’s role in developing Black youth leadership through education, service and civic engagement. - The weekend also ties celebration to direct community impact, including scholarships, mentorship and donations for families in need.

What happened: - Four New York City buildings will illuminate in pink and blue from 4:39 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, through 2:00 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. - The buildings are One World Trade Center, 151 West 42nd Street, Sven in Long Island City and Halletts Point in Astoria. - Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is marking the Eastern Region Metropolitan Cluster Area Work Day under the theme “Empowered Women, Empowering Generations.” - Nearly 1,000 mothers, middle schoolers, teens, Associates and regional and national leaders are expected to take part. - The gathering starts with a welcome reception at Saks Fifth Avenue and continues Saturday at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, New Jersey.

The details: - Youth programming will focus on identity and advocacy, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship, creativity, civic responsibility and college readiness. - The sold-out Saks Fifth Avenue reception will support philanthropy. - Saks will donate 10% of eligible event sales throughout the weekend to the Jack and Jill of America Foundation when shoppers present the promotional barcode. - Featured speakers and participants include NYU constitutional law professor Melissa Murray, TODAY co-host and author Sheinelle Jones, Tony Award-winning performer Renée Elise Goldsberry, CROWN movement advocate Faith Fennidy, young entrepreneur Ian Brock and Doodle for Google winner Kameirah Johnson. - The Metropolitan Chapter has awarded 24 four-year college scholarships to Manhattan students since 2020, paired with sustained mentorship. - Chapter families provide winter essentials to about 800 New Yorkers experiencing homelessness each year. - At Area Work Day, mothers and children are collecting 200 full-size personal care essentials for Sanctuary for Families, which supports survivors of domestic and gender-based violence and their children.

Between the lines: - The event uses a visible citywide landmark moment to reinforce a broader message: Black leadership development is being framed as both cultural pride and practical investment. - The mix of speakers, youth sessions and service projects suggests the organization is pairing inspiration with concrete pathways for education, entrepreneurship and civic participation. - The Saks partnership also shows how a social event can be used to generate funding for the foundation without separating celebration from fundraising.

What's next: - The two-day program will continue through Saturday with workshops, discussions and service activities. - The Metropolitan Chapter will keep centering scholarship support, mentorship and community donations as part of its ongoing work. - Jack and Jill of America, founded nationally in 1938, will continue advancing leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. - The Metropolitan Chapter, founded in 1939, remains the organization’s second chapter and the first in New York State.