Lydia, 5, and Vivienne, 7, daughters of Mary Behler, JLC Chief of DEI, show off the T-shirts they dyed at the DEI Committee’s Tie-Dye T-Shirt event on August 6. 
JLC members and their family and friends attended the DEI Committee’s Tie-Dye T-Shirt event at the League building on August 6. 
JLC Transfer Coordinator Anna Reilly shares her colorful shirt at the DEI Committee’s Tie-Dye T-Shirt event on August 6 
JLC members and their family and friends attended the DEI Committee’s Tie-Dye T-Shirt event at the League building on August 6. 
JLC Communications Manager Janica Jordan participates at the DEI Committee’s Tie-Dye T-Shirt event on August 6. 
Ashley Crawford, JLC Board of Directors member-at-large, (left) helps her daughter, Grace, 4, add color to a T-shirt at the DEI Committee’s Tie-Dye T-Shirt event on August 6.
The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) members and their family and friends tie-dyed t-shirts to wear at the Charlotte Pride Parade this month.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee hosted the gathering, which offered supplies, instructions and care tips for the vibrant creations while energizing everyone ahead of attending the parade as a League on Sunday, August 20, for the first time.
“Historically, the JLC hasn’t been involved in Pride, and this feels like a natural extension of our work in the League and in diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Mary Behler, Chief of DEI.
The city’s annual Pride festivities kick off in Uptown Charlotte on Saturday, August 19, with a festival, followed by a parade on Sunday. In 2022, there was record-breaking attendance and even more people are expected to turn out this year, according to the event website.
Showing up as allies aligns with The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc.’s (AJLI) commitment to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ communities.
“Having our Provisional, Active and Sustainer members come and support and make this a priority for them and their families is an exciting way to bring the broader Junior League of Charlotte community together,” said Jaiden Bonapart, Vice President of DEI. Jaiden encouraged everyone to consider experiencing the celebration – even if you are unfamiliar with the tradition.
“It’s OK to do something that is uncomfortable and to do things that you are unsure about. You learn so much about yourself and others by leaning into that and showing up with good intentions and an open mind and heart. Ultimately, people will find that there’s a lot of joy and new people to meet.”
