Members of United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) J. Mason Davis Leadership Society recently honored the Society’s namesake by collecting books for children across Central Alabama.
The Legacy Book Drive commemorated what would have been J. Mason Davis’s birthday while honoring his lifelong commitment to literacy, education and opportunity. Members donated 189 books to Pre-K classrooms supported through Success By 6, a UWCA program that helps children enter kindergarten prepared to learn. Following the drive, members gathered to sort and organize the donated books for distribution.
“Access to books gives children opportunities to strengthen their skills, discover new ideas and develop a lifelong love of learning,” said Traci Chapman, Individual Giving Officer at UWCA. “Through this drive, J. Mason Davis Leadership Society members are turning Mr. Davis’s commitment to education into meaningful action for the next generation.”
Continuing a Legacy of Leadership
J. Mason Davis was a pioneering civil rights attorney, civic leader and dedicated advocate for education and opportunity. He also made history as the first African American Chair of UWCA’s Board of Directors, serving from 2002 to 2003. But his connection to United Way began much earlier.
As a student at Tuggle Elementary School, Mr. Davis participated in a United Way “pennies campaign,” which introduced him to the power of collective generosity. He later served on the Success By 6 Blue Ribbon Committee and remained closely connected to efforts that helped children learn and thrive.
“Teaching young people to read is changing lives and changing the community,” Davis once said.
That belief continues to guide the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society today. Members support early literacy by reading to children in Success By 6 classrooms, preparing book bags for local families and participating in other volunteer projects. The Legacy Book Drive added to those efforts by putting more books into Pre-K classrooms.
As part of this year’s Legacy Book Drive, JMDLS members are also delivering books to Tuggle Elementary School, bringing the effort back to the school Mr. Davis attended as a child. The delivery creates a meaningful connection between his early experience with United Way and the Society’s work to provide opportunities for the next generation.
Books Build Foundations for Learning
Age-appropriate books help children develop vocabulary, comprehension and communication skills while encouraging curiosity and a love of learning. Success By 6 fosters that growth by strengthening early learning environments and supporting educators and parents in their roles as children’s first teachers.
By expanding the selection of books available to Pre-K students, the Legacy Book Drive will give children more opportunities to read, explore and build the skills they need for kindergarten and beyond.
“Every book donated represents an investment in a child’s future and a meaningful tribute to the values that define our Society,” said Ken Davis of Regions and chair of the JMDLS Steering Committee.
Through their generosity and hands-on service, JMDLS members are carrying Mr. Davis’s dedication to education forward and helping a new generation of young readers thrive.
To learn more about the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society, click here.