Centennial 2021-2022


On May 4, 1922, the Junior League of Dallas began
with 40 women
determined to make a difference in our city.
This year, we honor JLD’s first 100 years ​and imagine the next 100.

Women had received the right to vote two years prior, but opportunities outside the home were still few. The Junior League provided a place for these women to grow their talents and give back to their city. View our timeline.

Today, the League is nearly 5,000 women strong. It is a special place for women to flourish and impact Dallas’ most critical issues.

Centennial Celebration Week

Get ready for a weeklong Centennial celebration with the Centennial Milestones Luncheon on April 21 and the Centennial Gala on April 23, both at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.  Mark your calendars and purchase tickets now.

 

Centennial Project: Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House

Ms. Craft devoted her life to equal rights. From 1950 until her death in 1985, her home near the Fair Park neighborhood served as command central for many pivotal civil rights moments in Dallas, across the state and beyond. We have joined key organizations and community leaders in donating critical funds and support to restore her home, so it can be a place for all to learn about its place in Dallas’ history and civil rights. The ribbon cutting will be in May 2022. Learn more in this Dallas Morning News Op-Ed.

 

Welcoming All Junior Leagues to Dallas

From May 12 – 14, 2022, we will host the 100th Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) Conference. It’s been 20 years since we’ve hosted this conference and we’re excited to welcome Leagues from around the world back to Dallas!

 

Investing in the Next 100 Years

The Centennial Endowment Foundation was established in 2018 to bolster the League’s training and support fund and help us develop the next generation of Dallas’ women leaders. Former JLD President Lyda Hill generously pledged a lead gift of $5 million with an additional $5 million challenge grant. For more information, please contact Centennial Co-chairs Andrea Cheek and Margo Goodwin

 

Bringing Our History to Life

​This fall, the League hosted an interactive exhibit of our history and impact on Dallas at the Hall of State at Fair Park during the State Fair of Texas. This exhibit was presented through a generous donation from Sewell Automotive Companies.  Read more about the exhibit here.

The Centennial Endowment Foundation

The Centennial Endowment Foundation was established in 2018 to support the Junior League of Dallas’ training and support fund. It ensures the Junior League continues to develop Dallas’ future leaders for generations to come. 

Former JLD President Lyda Hill generously pledged a lead gift of $5 million with an additional $5 million challenge grant. We continue to invite major donors to match her gift. 

Legacy Leaders

The Legacy Leaders program was created in 2017 to honor women who have been JLD members for 50 years or more. They are recognized annually at our Milestones Luncheon with a special Legacy Leaders pin. See the JLD Sustainers who have been in the League 50+ years.