History of the Junior Civic League

The Junior Civic League (JCL) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that was formed in the spring of 1952 by the Civic League.  The membership elected Geneva Fleming Mason as its first President. The organization’s meetings were held in the Belmont YWCA and then in the member’s homes.

Charter Members were:

The Civic League organized the Junior Civic League for the sole purpose of needing younger women to continue operating the Rhoda Johnson Well Baby Clinic, which they organized and operated for many years at the West Federal Street YMCA. The Clinic was named for Rhoda Johnson a community leader. The clinic provided free medical care to minority infants and young children free of charge for those needing this service. Each week the clinic serviced 50 to 100 babies, where capable Doctors volunteered their time. To name a few: Dr. W.P. Young, Dr. Bertie B. Burrows, and Dr. Henry Ellison. All infant immunization shots were provided and complete records kept on all babies in need. The Junior Civic League members volunteered their time weekly for many years continuing the service started by The Civic League until this service was no longer a necessity having been replaced by the State Welfare system and free medical clinics established in our local hospitals.

The purpose of the Junior Civic League is to create an interest in the health, educational and civic affairs of the community and to promote a better understanding of the affairs pertaining to the betterment of our community. The JCL Motto, “Decide at once upon a noble purpose, then take it up bravely, bear it off joyfully, lay it down triumphantly!” This motto was submitted by Henrietta Wainwright and adopted unanimously by the membership. The JCL Motto has been a guiding principle and commitment of the organization since its inception. The Junior Civic League is one of Youngstown’s oldest and prestigious African-American women’s organizations who are dedicated to volunteerism and community service. Thousands of hours of volunteer service by the membership is still ongoing today in our community charitable and nonprofit organizations.

Past Presidents