Junior League of Columbia launches Little Black Dress Initiative week to raise awareness and support for poverty relief
February 17, 2026
The Junior League of Columbia (JLC) announced its annual Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) Week, taking place March 9–13, 2026. This impactful awareness and fundraising campaign is designed to spark meaningful community conversations about poverty in the Midlands while raising critical funds to support local programs and partnerships.
The 2026 Little Black Dress Initiative Week is proudly presented by Southeastern Freight, whose generous support helps advance the Junior League of Columbia’s mission to address poverty and strengthen families across the Midlands.
As part of its ongoing commitment to break the cycle of poverty, the Junior League of Columbia encourages participants to wear one black dress, or a single black outfit, throughout the week. This visual representation reflects how limited financial resources can restrict choices, access to opportunities, confidence, and even basic necessities. Participants also wear LBDI buttons and share their experiences on social media using #JLCLBDI and #AskMeAboutMyDress, prompting dialogue and increasing awareness of poverty’s real and lasting impact.
“Wearing the same outfit for five days is a simple but powerful way to start conversations about the challenges many individuals and families face every day,” said Elisabeth Justice, member of the Junior League of Columbia. “Little Black Dress Initiative Week is about building empathy, raising awareness, and mobilizing our community to support meaningful, local solutions.”
Community Impact
Poverty continues to be a significant challenge in the Columbia area, with local poverty rates exceeding the state average and contributing to ongoing food insecurity, housing instability, and limited access to essential resources. Funds raised during Little Black Dress Initiative Week directly support the Junior League of Columbia’s community programs and partnerships that work to improve lives across the Midlands through effective action and leadership.
How to Support the Little Black Dress Initiative
While Junior League of Columbia members serve as the official fundraisers, the entire community is invited to support the Little Black Dress Initiative and its mission.
- Donate Online: Contributions of any amount help fund programs and partnerships that address poverty and improve quality of life for families throughout the Midlands. Donations can be made at:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/jlc-little-black-dress-initiative–2025 - Spread the Word: Community supporters are encouraged to wear black during LBDI Week and share photos and stories on social media using #JLCLBDI and #AskMeAboutMyDress to help amplify awareness and spark important conversations.
Every contribution, whether through a donation or by sharing the message, helps advance the mission of the Junior League of Columbia and strengthens our community.
About the Junior League of Columbia
The Junior League of Columbia is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more than 100 years, the Junior League of Columbia has worked to strengthen the health and well-being of children and families throughout the Midlands.
