Just a Little Girl from Savannah, GA
Charletta Wilson Jacks began as a Southern girl who grew up to be a strategist in the community and in life. She’s a champion for all, not just a select few. No matter who you are, she will root you on. As a cheerleader in high school, captain of the Varsity squad for two years and Miss Homecoming at Alfred E. Beach High School, she has always brought the energy.
The Ultimate Cheerleader
The quality that she carries over from her cheer life that has led to her success is being able to meet people where they are. She’s able to sense determination and spirit, bringing agape love and true friendship. She prides herself on being able to lead anyone, including different types of people because each person brings her own value to the world. “I’ll judge you based on my experience with you, not on someone else’s opinion.”
A big believer in sisterhood, Jacks mentioned that in AKA, the sisters had to bond together to survive on campus. She is such a thoughtful person and often mails a card or handwritten note to members of the sorority. Her gift lies in this level of care. She is able to remember almost every member’s name along with some interesting fact about them. “People can see that I’m a Sister’s Sister. I care about who you are and what your heart is like,” she told our publisher and AKA member Michelle Taylor Willis.
Michelle Taylor Willis notes Jacks shows high level of discernment. At this point Jacks says that protecting her peace is paramount. She is able to discern a person’s gifts and decides what to say in each situation, meeting people where they are. “I know how I need to respond to protect who I am,” she says.
MTW: I really love that you responded to the question about who you are without just giving a title. So many of us define ourselves with how people see us.
CWJ: You have to do a self-assessment. I always try to bring my authentic self to the table. My grandmother told me that though things may not always work out but people will know the definition of you. If I’ve shown you who I am, no one else can define me.
For example, Jacks’ son wants her to stop losing pounds on her weight loss journey. But he’s not familiar with who she was before becoming a mom. He doesn’t know the thinner lady that was a student on Howard University’s campus. “I was never the thin girl. I wasn’t a size two. Even as a cheerleader trying to learn do a cartwheel, I learned how to not accept limits and believe in who I am.” She says, “The titles will come and go. I’m no longer the Deputy Director for the City of Atlanta but I am still Charletta.”
The GOAT- On Becoming the “Greatest of All Time”
When talking to another young person on her way up careerwise in the Mayor’s Office, she said, “You have to develop relationships. Don’t take your title in the room. Take yourself in the room.”
Legacy, Legacy, Legacy
MTW: How did you decide to become an AKA?
CWJ: My mom is an AKA so there was no other choice but I saw my aunt and her friends who were educators. In 1972, they were traveling to Boule in Denver and I went with them. I was a young person. I went to the Public Meeting and they had these little purses and gloves. They were just gorgeous. I said, ‘Auntie when I go back to Savannah and grow up, I’m going to be an AKA. Then I said I want to sit on the stage and walk like that and talk like those ladies.’ I saw role models in those ladies. Young girls need to see what they can be. That’s why I bring my granddaughter with me everywhere. I could see myself in them. I went to Howard because my aunt went to Howard. Though my best friend is a Delta, there was no other sorority for me.
In 2018, I ran for first VP, and I didn’t win. I didn’t have any experience not winning. I was even the student council president in school. I was used to winning. I learned it was ok not to be liked by everyone.
MTW: When I think of AKA, it’s the cream of the crop. Everyone is IT! How do you keep going through disappointment?
CWJ: I had served as the International Secretary. I really wanted to do that job. I didn’t see it as a stepping stone or a pathway to anything else, though some other sisters did.
I realized that God is in control and God said to me, ‘Not now.’ But the timing was perfect. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms came to me right after that and asked me to work for her and I wouldn’t have been asked if I had won the First VP position then. I focused on family and career and worked in my chapter but some sisters came to me and wanted that cheerleader energy back. When I decided to come back, no one could take my joy, win or lose. I was able to tell the story of falling down and getting back up.
Others said that timing was everything, and that the members would not have been able to my light in the time of the pandemic.
MTW: The sisterhood is like a family. How do you reconnect with the family? Your life of significance is something you were born into. You were destined to empower people so that they can empower others. All of your backup plans will still end up in that place. It may not work out how you think but God’s plan will always work out.
Balance
MTW: How can women find a place of peace when they are high performers? Leading organizations and families simultaneously?
CJW: There is no balance. The scales will always lean one way or another. Pay attention to the most important thing right now. I have included my husband in sorority events when I could. He enjoys a Western on tv and he enjoys cooking.
Married 43 years, he’s a keeper, but they are very different people. “He’s secure and God sent him because I didn’t need a mate that wanted to compete with me. I’ve got something to do. He enjoys his life and supports me in the sorority. I took my son, 33, with me to sorority events as he grew up. He got tired of it but now he’s my protector. He’s ready to travel the world with me. My granddaughter got to see me in action in Anaheim.
I have a regular spa appointment because I have to take care of me.”
MTW: What would a great day in Atlanta look like with sorority members and guests?
I’d take them to the AUC. Education is key and it’s the cradle of the civil rights movement. We would go to Pascal’s and then by City Hall. To showcase the history of Mayor Maynard Jackson and Ambassador Andrew Young. Even South Fulton started from the legacy of the AUC. The minority contracts at the airport and other opportunities are what helps to make Atlanta special.
MTW: Can you give us one word AKA that demonstrates what it means to you?
CJW: Fulfilling.
Vision for 2026 and Beyond: Back to Basics
MTW: What’s the vision? What do the next 2, 4, or 10 years look like?
CJW: OWN IT! You are here because you were chosen to fulfill something, even legacies. Own the gift that you have received. As you unbox it, if you take care of it, revere it and protect it, it will keep on giving. Let’s execute the vision of the founders and make their dreams a reality. Let’s go back to the basics. Our first programming was in education. We have to now draw on our time and talents to execute the vision of service to all mankind. They served by giving of themselves and going into the community. I will bring back a successful program from each former International President. Then we will revamp and remix them. It’s my vision to have program of service that’s adaptable, customizable and flexible for your communities. What will impact your community the most? I want people to be able to tap into the time and talents of each sorority member. I want to bring the energy but I want the same level of excitement in 4 years. Then I’ll know my time has been well spent.
We are looking forward to Vegas! As she becomes the 32nd International President in the sorority’s 118th year.
“I’m a planner so right now I’m working on putting the pieces together. But I will be so excited when we get to Vegas!”