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The Junior League of Greater Lakeland was founded in March of 1933.
Ninety-two years later, on May 7, the local organization, known for its volunteerism and good works, inducted its first Black president.
“It still feels a little unreal,” said Angel Davis, who will lead the organization for the 2025-2026 term beginning June 1.
Paula Mims, a longtime member of Lakeland’s Junior League, said no one else was surprised by Davis’s elevation because she’s so popular in the group, where she’s known for asking great questions backed by data.
“She’s a great collaborator and could bring multiple groups together who disagree, and everyone will walk away feeling validated and more deeply connected,” Mims said.
Current President Katherine Fitzwater called Davis a dedicated community leader with “a “true servant’s heart.” She added that she is “proud to watch her shatter this glass ceiling as our organization’s first Black president,” and that Davis “has a deep love for this community, its history, and the women who have come before her.”
What’s the Junior League? The Junior League of Greater Lakeland is a charitable organization for women, focused on developing leadership skills and investing time and funds in projects that impact children, such as the annual Christmas parade, “Reading is Fundamental” book distribution program, “Clothe our Community,” “World of Reading,” and the “Black Diamond Ball.”
It reaches more than 10,000 families a year through its programming, according to its website. It’s a member of the national association of Junior Leagues.
Who’s Angel Davis? Davis, who joined the Lakeland Junior League in 2015, wears a short afro and is known for rocking Converses with her dresses at league meetings, because heels put too much pressure on her ankles after years of playing basketball, she explained, adding, “I’ve never pretended to be someone I’m not.”
She was invited to join the organization several times, she recalled. And then, “I had more free time one year and I ran out of reasons to say no.”
She has served as chair of the nominating committee, which pushes other women to serve in leadership positions. She also has chaired its “Ready to Read” program.
Davis previously served as a supervisor of librarians at the Larry R. Jackson branch of the Lakeland Public Library, before transitioning to supervisor of the city’s Office of Innovation and Strategy. She also serves on the board of Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE).
The United Way of Central Florida awarded Davis Citizen of the Year in 2020.
The backstory: Davis said the organization’s membership has mostly consisted of wealthy white women seeking to help the less fortunate, as reflected in the 2011 movie “The Help,” about a group of Black maids working for affluent white women in the South.
But, she said, it has evolved as Lakeland and the nation have.
“Ten years ago, when I told my Granny I was joining Junior League, she asked, ‘ Isn’t that the club for doctors’ wives?’
“I pointed out that it couldn’t be since they were letting me in.”
Lakeland’s Junior League has been working to diversify its membership to better reflect the community it serves. It has a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging committee, which hosts the annual Women Entrepreneurship Panel, where half of the panelists this year were Black women who own businesses.
It’s becoming more intentionally diverse in its membership, Davis said, which also includes Hispanic women, and this year, new members from Ukraine and Mexico City.
“You don’t have to be white or wealthy.”
Members needed: Lakeland’s Junior League is looking for new members. They undergo a 10-month training course before becoming active members. Fees are $275, including a registration fee, annual dues and spring banquet ticket.
A prospective member social will be held:
- May 29, 6-8 p.m., at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, 3772 U.S. Highway 98 N., Lakeland
- June 10, 6-8 p.m., at Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland
Members have until June 21 to apply.
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