Jam Steppers Seek Support

Something came up at Monday's City Council meeting that will cause Plaintalker to deviate from the usual topics and make a further departure by suggesting support for a local group.

Several young children and a couple of adults came to the meeting and one of them, Jerome Cabble, made a pitch to the council for funds. Cabble is the new director of the Jam Steppers Drill Team, one of the first organizations I learned about when I first came to Plainfield. The director then was Jeanette Lacks, who impressed me with her determination to provide children with an activity that built teamwork, dedication, commitment and the competitive spirit while celebrating and excelling in an African-American tradition.

As I recall, over 30 years in Plainfield, I helped publicize the team's successes while I worked at both weekly and daily newspapers and I gained much respect for Ms.Lacks, who went on to become a teacher in Plainfield.ion

If you have attended the annual July Fourth parade or the PMUA Environmental Fair, you probably have seen the Jam Steppers. They also compete widely in drill team contests and, according to a press release handed out Monday, the team is now a member of the American Marching Association and holds the title of Multi-State Intermediate Division Champions. On June 7, they will take part in a championship competition in Ohio and that was the reason for the funding request.

Unfortunately, the governing body is prohibited from appropriating public funds for such a purpose, although elected officials can encourage their constituents to donate to a worthy cause. I was picky or mean enough to   raise this point myself in public comment, but after the meeting I went over to Cabble to ask about
 Ms. Lacks and to get more information.

Anyone who is so inclined can send a check made out to "Jam Steppers Drill Team" to Cabble at 532 West Fourth Street, Plainfield, NJ 07060 to defray costs including uniforms, boots, drums and travel.

Click here to see a video of the Jam Steppers at a competition in Connecticut. Their goal is to raise $8,000 and they welcome fundraisers such as candy/bake sales, dinner sales, raffles and other efforts for their cause.
Sponsors are also welcome.

I can't tell you how often I have heard people say there is nothing for youngsters to do in Plainfield, but there are sincere adults in the community who take time to coach and support children and teens in worthwhile activities that build character and provide positive camaraderie.

Here is what the Jam Steppers say: "Our purpose is to strive to establish a team foundation that not just focuses on the physical but also the social-emotional and spiritual well-being of all members."

Let the people say amen.

--Bernice