J. Mason Davis: A legacy of justice and leadership
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Civil Rights and community pioneer J. Mason Davis has died at age 90.
A native of Birmingham, Davis was born July 30, 1935. He attended Tuggle School and A.H. Parker High School before attending Talladega College and Buffalo School of Law.
Even though he was denied entrance into the University of Alabama Law School, years later, Davis would teach at the university.
He began his law practice in 1959, taking on early in his career civil rights cases, including Alabama’s first lunch counter sit-in in Huntsville. That particular case led to knocking down many of Alabama’s segregation laws.
In a post about his death, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin commented on the impact Davis had on his life:
“As a fellow attorney, his drive for justice inspired me. And as a Black man living in this city, my gratitude is endless.”
United Way’s J. Mason Davis Leadership Society
In addition to being a lawyer, Davis was one of Birmingham’s most prominent civic leaders.
Most notably, United Way of Central Alabama launched the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society in honor of him in 2019.
The society’s mission is to bring together African Americans who champion diversity and opportunity and want to positively impact the community through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy.
Bham Now has covered many stories about the society over the last several years, including:
- 5 things I learned at the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society launch event
- A trinity of United Way’s philanthropic societies make great change for Birmingham
- One of Birmingham’s most revered civil rights defenders made a special visit to this school + daycare
“Since his first “pennies campaign” as a student at Tuggle Elementary, J. Mason Davis was a passionate leader in our community. J. Mason Davis leaves an extraordinary legacy of leadership, service and dedication to justice.
As the first African American Chairman of the Board for United Way of Central Alabama, he helped advance our mission and strengthen the community we serve.
Later in his life he worked with United Way to establish the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society. Combining his passion for community with raising up African American leaders. The Society, named in his honor, brings together African American changemakers who champion diversity and opportunity and are striving to positively impact the community through a shared affinity for philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy.
We offer our sincere condolences to his family and all who mourn his passing.”
Drew Langloh, President and CEO, United Way of Central Alabama
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