5 things I learned at the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society launch event

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Sekou Kaaland Samuetta Nesbitt Waymond Jackson J Mason Davis Natalie Davis 1 e1570479745665 5 things I learned at the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society launch event

An attentive audience gathered at Red Mountain Cabaret Theatre on October 3 to launch the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society formed by United Way of Central Alabama.

The new affinity group, named in honor of noted Birmingham attorney J. Mason Davis, brings together African American changemakers who champion diversity and opportunity, and are striving to positively impact the community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy.

Here are five key things I learned at the event.

Be intentional

Fireside chat with Sekou Kaalund Waymond Jackson 5 things I learned at the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society launch event
Sekou Kaalund, Head of Advancing Black Pathways, a JPMorgan Chase initiative, talks with Waymond Jackson, Senior VP of Public Policy for the Birmingham Business Alliance at the launch. Photo by Sonja Lother for Bham Now

Keynote speaker Sekou Kaalund, head of JP Morgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways initiative and moderator Waymond Jackson, Birmingham Business Alliance’s Senior VP of Public Policy, focused on the need to be intentional in creating opportunities for African Americans and black business in the Birmingham area and beyond to succeed.

“We have to build initiatives by understanding what solutions are needed and deliver opportunities in areas where we are. That’s achieved by recognizing opportunities to make an impact with the right partners and people in ways that are sustainable,” Kaalund said.

Sekou Kaaland Samuetta Nesbitt Waymond Jackson J Mason Davis Natalie Davis 5 things I learned at the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society launch event
Left to right – Sekou Kaalund, Head of Advancing Black Pathways, a JPMorgan Chase initiative, Samuetta Nesbitt, Senior VP Public Relations and Community Affairs for United Way of Central Alabama, Waymond Jackson, Senior Vice President of Public Policy for the Birmingham Business Alliance, J. Mason Davis, attorney Sirote and Permutt and Natalie Kelly, Manager, Brasfield & Gorrie Corporate Responsibility. Photo by Sonja Lother for Bham Now

Black entrepreneurship can make a difference

If entrepreneurs of color owned businesses at the same rates as white entrepreneurs, it would result in 9 million more jobs and $300 billion in worker income, Kaalund said.

“The opportunity to drive economic growth by investing in black families and businesses is real. Black buying power is currently at $1.2 trillion but is on track to reach $1.5 trillion by 2021. That is nearly equivalent to Russia’s GDP, said Kaalund. “With that, we need to address financial literacy and stability, changing the narrative to a savings and investment mentality.”

Natalie Davis Samuetta Nesbitt J Mason Davis Jeff Stone 5 things I learned at the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society launch event
Left to right – Natalie Kelly, J. Mason Davis, Samuetta Nesbitt, and Jeff Stone, Brasfield & Gorrie Executive VP and United Way 2019 Campaign Chair. Photo by Sonja Lother for Bham Now

Affinity groups can guide future impact

Natalie Kelly, a key organizer of the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society, said, “Being in an affinity group like this allows United Way donors to focus on issues they care deeply about—in this case, improving the quality of life for underserved African American groups.”

“This is an exciting chance to rally around United Way and give input and future direction on ways to help promote financial success and stability in the African American community,” said Kelly, manager of Brasfield & Gorrie Corporate Responsibility.

Drew Langloh Mallie Ireland Natalie Davis Sekou Kaalund 5 things I learned at the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society launch event
Left to right – United Way of Central Alabama CEO Drew Langloh, United Way Board of Directors Chair Mellie Ireland, Natalie Kelly, and Sekou Kaalund. Photo by Sonja Lother for Bham Now

Be inclusive

Jackson and Kaalund agree that being inclusive is the name of the game. “Don’t leave people out from having access to capital if they have ideas,” said Kaalund.

“We need to work with professional employee organizations to invest our assets in training, education, and entrepreneurship to increase the impact of African American economic development,” Jackson said.

Sekou Kaalund J Mason Davis Jeff Stone Drew Langloh 5 things I learned at the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society launch event
Left to right – Sekou Kaalund, J Mason Davis, Jeff Stone, and Drew Langloh. Photo by Sonja Lother for Bham Now

Learn from the giants

During the Q&A, Kaalund and Jackson advised the audience to teach the younger generation by raising awareness about the living legends among us. “People in this room represent doors that have been opened,” Jackson said.

“Future generations look at your example so they know they can achieve it,” said Kaalund, “Promote those like J. Mason Davis who have had a successful corporate and community impact.”

Screen Shot 2019 10 07 at 3.04.09 PM 5 things I learned at the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society launch event
Left to right – Employee team members of United Way with J. Mason Davis. Photo by Sonja Lother for Bham Now
Chip Smallwood Jessica Payne Sekou Kaalund Drew Langloh 5 things I learned at the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society launch event
Left to right – JP Morgan Chase’s Chip Smallwood, Jessica Payne, and Sekou Kaalund with Drew Langloh, President, United Way. Photo by Sonja Lother for Bham Now

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