J. Mason Davis Society Shares the Love of Learning, Reading and Books with Children

Volunteers packing bags full of books.

Members of the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society (JMDLS) are doing their part to support early learning through high-quality childcare in our community. As a donor society of United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) that brings together African American leaders committed to diversity, equity and opportunity, JMDLS recently teamed up with United Way’s Success By 6 program to distribute books to children in Birmingham City Schools. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to support early childhood education and instill a love of reading in the city’s youngest citizens.

A Commitment to Early Childhood Education

Since its inception in 2003, Success By 6 has been a cornerstone of early childhood development in Central Alabama. The program focuses on preparing children for success in kindergarten by raising the standards in Pre-K classrooms, providing teacher training, enhancing learning environments with books and educational materials and engaging parents in their children’s education. In 2024 alone, United way’s Success By 6 served more than 2,300 children.

As Victoria White, a representative of the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society and Individual Giving Officer at UWCA, said, “Research shows that access to books can make a lifelong impact on a child’s education. Distributing these books ensures that children in our communities are given the opportunity to read.”

The JMDLS has long recognized the power of reading. Throughout the year, the society hosts events that center on the importance of education, ranging from reading to children in classrooms to mentoring middle school students.

“The J. Mason Davis Leadership Society is highly focused on empowering young students through education, which is why we wanted to collaborate with Success By 6,” White said. “JMDLS knows how powerful reading is in a child’s life and we really take the time to spread that message.”

The Impact of Early Literacy

Studies have shown that 90% of brain development occurs during a child’s first five years of life, making early exposure to books and learning to read critical for cognitive development. Programs such as Success By 6 help ensure that children enter kindergarten with the foundation they need to succeed academically.

The book distribution event was a dynamic and heartwarming demonstration of this commitment. Volunteers worked in teams at long tables, packing bags filled with books. By the end of the event, JMDLS prepared more than 700 bags — each containing five books.

The collection included a kindergarten-readiness calendar, books on a variety of topics, family resources and a bilingual book. In total, around 3,500 books were distributed across the community, with 300 bags sent to independent childcare centers and 500 to Birmingham City Schools.

A Spirit of Volunteering

This book distribution event also marked one of the first volunteer initiatives for several new members of the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society. One new member said, “I’ve always been passionate about community service. Although I’m not originally from Birmingham, I’ve lived here for a year now, and I wanted to find a way to connect. There’s no better way than partnering with United Way to give back.”

Another actively engaged member Jimmy Oliver also reflected on the personal significance of volunteering and giving back. “It’s a privilege to be able to give, to offer your skills, time and talents. You are a success because of the blessings you’ve received — everything that’s gotten you to where you are today. And today, we get to give back,” he said.

Oliver also urged others to continue supporting their communities. “At the end of the day, you want to be able to say, ‘I made a positive difference today.’ Keep giving your time to the community — it’s one of the most valuable gifts you can offer,” he said. “You never know how your actions might impact others.”

Looking Ahead

The partnership between the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society and United Way’s Success By 6 program is just one example of the transformative power of community collaboration. By continuing to invest in early childhood education, these organizations are helping build a brighter future for Birmingham’s children — one book at a time.

To learn more about UWCA’s impact on Early Childhood Development and Education, click here.

Learn More About UWCA’s Impact On Early Childhood Education & Development

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