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Interviewer: Steven Payne

Interviewee: Crystal Isom

Summary by Sarah Neiman

July 7, 2022

Disciplines

African American Studies | Public History

Abstract

Crystal Isom is a New York native and the eighth president of the Bronx chapter, also known as the family chapter, of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Jack and Jill works to improve the quality of life for African American mothers and their children through providing them easy access to new opportunities such as scholarships for college and other job opportunities . Isom was raised within a small family dynamic. Her mother was a seamstress who raised Isom on her own. Isom lived in an apartment in East Harlem with her mother, aunt, and grandmother. Her childhood was filled with a supportive family and teachers that taught her a hard work ethic. This hard work she put in led her to becoming a student at Brooklyn Technical High School as an electrical engineering major. Each morning she would take the 4 train on her commute, where she was introduced to her husband by a mutual friend on the platform. After her years at Brooklyn Tech, she attended Clark Atlanta University, completing a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management in four years instead of five to achieve a tuition free education. Isom then moved back to New York City and found a job in medical records. She moved in with her husband to West 137th Street. They soon got married at St. Luke Baptist Church in Harlem and had three children together. Isom and her family were deeply involved in community service at St. Luke Baptist Church. She and her husband became officers at the church. Isom entered the church as a single woman and came out with a community, a strong Christian identity, and became a leader in the community. It was through this passion for community building and family that led her to the Bronx chapter of Jack and Jill. She originally found out about the non-profit organization through her friend Danielle who she met through her son’s little league team. She also thought

that it would give her daughter Gabrielle good opportunities. The power of Jack and Jill was created by the mothers that were committed to advocating for their children to gain as many opportunities as they could. Isom followed suit by leading as Jack and Jill’s sitting president for four years. Her greatest passion has been mental health, especially children’s mental health in the Bronx community. While Isom was president, the Bronx chapter of Jack and Jill gained a five star rating for the first time ever. This rating, given by Charity Navigator, is based on the level of support and opportunities the chapter gives to the community. In the next few years, Isom wants the chapter to grow even bigger, eliminating stereotypes about the Bronx community as well as making a direct change within the area. Isom wants Jack and Jill to always be known for having made a big difference in the community. Isom utilized her passion for family and public outreach through being the president of the Bronx chapter of Jack and Jill, and she continues to obtain fulfillment from this work today.

Link to Video Recording: https://cdm17265.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/baahp/id/66/rec/19

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