Mississippi River Boat Cruise
Take a narrated sightseeing cruise on a historic Minneapolis Queen Paddleboat, a modern day replica of the grand riverboats that used to ply the Mississippi River. Sail along the southern trails of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Heritage Trail, along the U of M Campus riverfront and under the stunning 35W Bridge. Along the way, you’ll get stunning views of St. Anthony Falls, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, and the legendary river bluffs with the downtown Minneapolis skyline as a backdrop as you see the best the Mississippi River has to offer!

Welcome Party Featuring DJ Vince Adams and Shelia E.

Kick off the 46th National Convention with an iconic Welcome Party!  DJ Vince Adams is a name that has resonated throughout the party scene for the past 25 years and one of the few Chicago DJs to personally spin for President Barack Obama. 
 

What better way to be welcomed to Minneapolis than by world famous Percussionist Shelia E.! Get ready to dance the night away to her hits "The Glamourous Life" and "Love Bizarre."

Associates Breakfast
"Crown Jewels of the Pink and Blue"
Ahh...the Associates Life! Let's show the mothers what the other side looks like by having a good time with music, fun, and other surprises. All Assocaites are encourgaged to welcome our new Associates in the Bridging Over Ceremony

Legislative Luncheon
"Democracy, Justice, & Equity:  The Power of Advocacy"
Join us for the Legislative Luncheon at the Minneapolis Hilton on July 25, 2024, from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm, where legal luminaries, including state attorneys general and judges, will share messages of hope and encouragement amidst the tumultuous legal landscape of the past five years in the US, under the theme "Democracy, Justice, & Equity: The Power of Advocacy". Experience an inspiring gathering in the Grand Ballroom as we delve into the transformative potential of advocacy in shaping a more just and equitable society.

JJOA Family Night
“JJOA Family Night Sports Center, Celebrating the Sports Culture of Minneapolis"
Bring the whole family for an evening of laughter, games, and bonding at our Mid-Western Region Family Fun Night! From carnival games to interactive activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Create cherished memories with your loved ones as you partake in the fun-filled festivities.

Anda Spa at Hotel Ivy
Like the best things in life, the philosophy at Anda Spa, a Swedish word meaning ‘spirit’, is rooted in balance. This  modern wellness retreat focuses on a deeper sense of well-being, allowing you to reconnect your body, mind and spirit. Personalized spa treatments and rituals are inspired by a sense of vitality which offers you a calmer, more balanced, perspective on life. Anda Spa offers a full range of wellness offerings inspired by the healing power of crystals and mindfulness including massages, advanced facial treatments, nail services and fitness programming. SPA TREATMENTS ARE AN ADDITIONAL COST. The link to schedule services will be in the registration confirmation email.

Election Party and Concert Featuring Bel Biv DeVoe (BBD)
Celebrate the "Masterpiece of Leadership" with BBD. The band is best known for their debut album, the multi-platinum selling Poison, a key work in the new jack swing movement of the 1990sthat combined elements of traditional soul and R&B with hip hop. 

Select from 4 Activities:

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Join Mother Lynn Farmer for a signature afternoon at the Minneapolis Institute of Art in their Herschel B. Jones Print Study room. We will be viewing prints, drawings and unique books from African American artists and other iconic items that are rarely on view.  Staff will be on hand to explain the history of each piece, the artist's influences and how artists evolve their works over time. Light refreshments provided.

Queen Anna House of Fashion

Queen Anna House of Fashion’s Royal Soirée, a bespoke Sip and Shop event tailored for the distinguished Associates of Jack and Jill. This exclusive event is designed to offer an unparalleled shopping and styling experience, highlighting the elegance and sophistication of the Queen House of Fashion. This experience will include a VIP Sip and Shop Black-Owned Luxe Experience and a Live Q&A segment for real-time fashion advice and discussion.

Mall of America

Two-way transportation to the Iconic Mall of America. The "Mall of America," the largest shopping mall in the United States of America and the Western Hemisphere. We can describe the Mall of America as the mall of all the malls and the ultimate destination for worldwide shoppers.

Closing Gala, "A Crystal Night in Lights" with Jay Ellis

Celebrate the Masterpiece of Legacy at 46th National Convention Gala hosted by Jay Ellis. Mr. Ellis the is an LA-based actor, writer, director, and producer. He is best known for his role s ‘Lawrence’ on HBO’s critically-acclaimed, Golden Globe-nominated series Insecure, created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore. Ellis also played ‘Lt. Reuben ‘Playback’ Fitch in the recent box-office hit Top Gun: Maverick. Ellis most recently appeared opposite Alison Brie in the Amazon Prime romantic comedy, Somebody I Used to Know. Jay won a 2018 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actor” in a Comedy Series. Jay also starred as ‘Bryce “Blue” Westbrook’ on the hit BET series The Game from 2013-2015. Jay served as the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Spokesman. The Obama administration requested him to speak and moderate a panel at the White House for the final My Brother’s Keeper summit.

Music Entertainment Provided by Gritz and Jelly Butter Band.