The JLD Little Black Dress Initiative

What is LBDI?

The Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) is a global initiative started by the Junior League of London to raise awareness of the impact of generational poverty. Advocates wear one black dress (or outfit) for five consecutive days to illustrate the effects poverty can have on a woman’s access to resources, her confidence, and professional opportunities. Each Advocate wears along with her dress a pin that reads “Ask Me About My Dress”, which invites dialogue among colleagues, friends and strangers about this important initiative.

Throughout the week of March 6-10, 2023, The Junior League of DeKalb (JLD) and LBDI Advocates seek to raise awareness and funds for issues surrounding generational poverty.

What is Generational Poverty and how can a ‘Little Black Dress’ help?

Generational poverty occurs in families where at least two generations have been born into poverty. Georgia is the 6th worst state for child poverty, with more than one quarter of its children living in poverty and generational poverty is felt by many residents in DeKalb County. The United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Child Wellbeing Index reported in 2018 that 30% of children in DeKalb County ages 6 to 10 years old lived in poverty with only 37% exceeding a third grade reading level

As a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, already vulnerable children and families have seen greater stress and instability because of the economic challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic. By leveraging the iconic "Little Black Dress" and participants' social media channels, we will shine a spotlight on the issues surrounding poverty and the limits poverty can place on children and families in DeKalb County.

The JLD is committed to helping eradicate generational poverty in DeKalb and the greater Atlanta area, and through efforts like LBDI, we as an organization are able to provide critical education on this issue and raise money to effect change.

What is JLD doing to make a difference?

Beyond advocating on generational poverty at the government and local levels, the JLD partners with many organizations that help support those experiencing generational poverty.

This year, the funds raised through our 2023 LBDI Campaign will go towards the following initiatives:

JLD Annual Fund - The Junior League of DeKalb County's Annual Fund sustains and grows the League’s programs and ultimately helps make our community a better place. The JLD Annual Fund provides DeKalb County community stakeholders with an opportunity to support the League’s programs with a charitable financial contribution.
DeKalb Saturday Scholar Initiative– Donation of books to the DeKalb Saturday Scholar Initiative (DSSI). These books will be donated to student participants and to the media center of schools in the DSSI program.

For more information about JLD, please visit our website at https://www.jldekalb.org.