A Letter from Kelsey Barker, The CRIER Editor 2020-2021

2020 was a tough year for just about everyone in the world and Charlotte has not been spared. So many “unprecedented” things happened in 2020 that the word “unprecedented” became a cliché. Families quarantined at home; many watched loved ones fall ill; a spark lit in the pursuit of social justice; and soaring unemployment and business closures predominantly affected the most vulnerable members of our community.

But the women of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) didn’t back down. JLC leadership, committees, and individual members pivoted quickly to respond wherever they could. Organizing donation drives, leading fundraising efforts, marching in the streets, advocating for those still finding their voice - we took action in stride even as we ourselves had to deal with massive changes to our own personal and professional lives. It was an incredible moment to watch and be a part of - not simply because of the gravity of the situation, but because of how readily these women rose above it all.

The thing is, that’s exactly what the League is structured to do. We keep our finger on the pulse of the local community and consistently revisit our mission and our partnerships in response to what the community needs. At our core, the League is a group of women pooling their resources and saying “Okay, what needs doin’?”

That responsive call to service is what makes the League an irreplaceable partner to the community. Our aim with this issue of The CRIER is to explore how the JLC has pivoted to meet the Charlotte community’s needs - not just in 2020, but in our 95-year history. Because the incredible work done by our members in 2020 was anything but unprecedented - the Junior League of Charlotte has served the community for almost a century. My hope is that you read these incredible stories of service and fortitude and are inspired to create your own.

With gratitude,

Kelsey Barker

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