R.E.A.L. Talk Self with Sylvia Gina Hunt – Episode 20 (Part 1 of 2)

An emotional, profoundly historical, and poignant discussion about the life and legacy of Elmyra Wilkinson Jack was featured in Episode 20 of R.E.A.L. Talk Self with Sylvia Gina Hunt. Julienne Jack, Hunt's special guest, paid tribute to her late mother's remarkable journey from her early days in Montclair, New Jersey, to her career as a singer, wife, mother, and eventually the wife of the first African American borough president of Manhattan. Hunt led the discussion with kindness and deference as Julian related a variety of tales that honored her mother's life while also making connections to the greater narrative of American history.

An intimate account of Elmyra's 1918 birth opened the episode. She entered the world as a twin, but tragically, only she survived after a precarious infancy. Julienne explained how her grandmother, Carrie Johansson Wilkinson, kept her premature babies alive by heating the oven and then placing them in warm baskets inside. Even though one twin died, Elmyra's survival would pave the way for a resilient and successful life.

Her early years had been filled with both joy and sadness. As a tomboy who loved playing with her brothers, Elmyra's life was forever changed when her mother passed away in an accident while expecting a second child. Elmyra was raised by her father when she was just seven years old, and then by a stepmother who assisted in providing for the family. She found music to be a passion and an outlet in spite of these obstacles. Through church events and the BYOB (Bring Your Own Bible) choir, she got involved in her community. Her singing ability developed over time into something truly remarkable. Elmyra even showcased her operatic abilities by playing the lead role in Madame Butterfly, which was an incredible accomplishment for a young African American woman in her time.

She returned home after completing her education, where she made friends and led a busy social life. Strong ties were forged during that time, as evidenced by the fact that many of her peers lived into their 90s. However, Elmyra's story took a new turn when she met her future husband, Assemblyman Hulan E. Jack. By that time, Hulan was already a widower with a young son named Edwin. Due in part to her understanding of the anguish of losing a mother at a young age, Elmyra developed a strong bond with the child. In those early years, Edwin was just a bright youngster that Elmyra helped raise; he would go on to become a distinguished atomic physicist and college professor.

The couple married in 1941, and Elmyra quickly became known as the “Bride of the Assembly.” She carried herself gracefully, emulating the social expectations of a political spouse while simultaneously making her own contributions to her community during a period when politics was an exclusively male domain. Despite having to give up her dream of becoming a professional singer, she founded social clubs such as the Quinn Towners, a local women's club that met for games, camaraderie, and community service.

The Second World War brought with it new duties. At home, Elmyra participated in the war effort by helping organizations that supported soldiers and rolling bandages while her uncles were in the military. As a startling reminder of how Elmyra experienced some of the most famous and tumultuous events of the 20th century, Julian recalled how her mother even saw the Hindenburg disaster.

Even though she was elegant and accomplished, Elmyra's culinary skills were lacking at first. The story of her mother's first Thanksgiving, in which Elmyra unintentionally used Ivory soap to clean a turkey before seasoning and cooking it, was humorously recounted by Julian. Despite the fact that the food was inedible, this incident became a family story that represented her will to grow and learn. She eventually improved her cooking skills and made sure her kids wouldn't inherit her husband's incapacity to boil water.

Elmyra's family and community were shaped by her grace and inventiveness. From creating exquisite clothing to assisting her husband in his historic career, she personified fortitude, love, and legacy; her tale inspired generations through both successes and setbacks.

Click to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n6Muju8wkE