Junior League Of Columbia Swears In First African-American President

May 17, 2022
Rania Jamison Rania Jamison

COLUMBIA, SC - Local entrepreneur and community leader Rania Jamison made history in front of a standing room only crowd when she was sworn in as the first African-American President of the Junior League of Columbia.

“The last few years have dealt us all some serious blows,” Jamison said. “Now we need to get back up. The community needs us. They’re waiting on us. So it’s time to get out here and get the work done.”

Touting a number of accomplishments ranging from their work to promote childhood health and prevent domestic violence to leading the charge to create Columbia’s volunteer guardian ad litem program, Jamison paid homage to the organization’s proud history of engagement and leadership while challenging its members to take the next step and build on that legacy.

“It’s time to imagine what we can do when we partner with people who are as committed to eradicating these problems as we are,” Jamison said. “Imagine what we can do when we put those dollars to work the right way. Imagine what we can do when we tap into the full potential of our almost 1.500 hundred women strong organization.”

“It’s not time to be meek. It’s not time to lay back. It’s time to step up and be bold. It’s time to show what the junior league of Columbia can do.”

Founded in 1924, the Junior League of Columbia has been a leading force for volunteerism and community improvement in Columbia for nearly a century leveraging fundraising and volunteer hours to accomplish projects that include helping develop Columbia’s Children’s Theatre and establish Sistercare to promoting childhood literacy and health through its annual Healthy Kids Fun Fair.

Founder and CEO of Purpose Promotions, LLC Rania Jamison serves on a number of other local boards including Central SC Habitat for Humanity, where she serves as president, and Richland Library Friends and Foundation as well as the advisory boards for Leadership Columbia and Talented Tenth. Jamison is also co-owner of The Lick and Great Escape.