98 years of change: Junior League helps to shape Montgomery

Alex Gladden, Montgomery Advertiser
·2 min read

For nearly 100 years, women in the Junior League have volunteered in Montgomery, while playing a role in positive change across the area. In that time, the group itself has also changed.

What began as an organization designed for privileged white women has become a space filled with women of diverse backgrounds, said Mitzi Cole. The Montgomery organization turns 98 this year, and Cole became the group's first Black president when she served from 2018 to 2019. “It was really a milestone accomplishment," she said.

“We have women from various walks of life in the League."

The Junior League helps women gain a seat at the table, said Jennifer Rogers, another past president of the League.

“Women can change the world, and I think that’s what the League has done here in Montgomery," Rogers said.

Jennifer Rogers, President of JLM, speaks before a Mayoral Forum presented by Junior League of Montgomery at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019.
Jennifer Rogers, President of JLM, speaks before a Mayoral Forum presented by Junior League of Montgomery at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019.

Annually, the organization donates between $52,000 and $80,000 to Montgomery nonprofits, current President Quenita Mitchell said.

This money helped create one of the city's first libraries as well as the Family Guidance Center and Hands on River Region, Rogers said.

“We’re glad to lend a helping hand to the community," Mitchell said.

The Montgomery Junior League has also produced women such as Kelli Wise, who serves as a state Supreme Court justice as well as Susannah Cleveland, who works for Sen. Katie Britt.

The Junior League of Montgomery's 33rd annual Holiday Market will offer three days of shopping Oct. 7-9 at the Montgomery Multiplex at Cramton Bowl.
The Junior League of Montgomery's 33rd annual Holiday Market will offer three days of shopping Oct. 7-9 at the Montgomery Multiplex at Cramton Bowl.

For Rogers, part of the attraction of the League is the professional experience is builds for members' resumes.

“I currently work in the area that I work in because of my experience here," Rogers said.

Women with the League manage budgets and learn committee structures and parliamentary procedures.

“That’s the whole point to be an active, engaged, well-rounded citizen, so you can go out and be a part of our community," Rogers said.

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Alex Gladden is the Montgomery Advertiser's public safety reporter. She can be reached at agladden@gannett.com or on Twitter @gladlyalex.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: 98 years of change: Junior League helps to shape Montgomery