Fostering an organization of Black Community Leaders

United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA’s) J. Mason Davis Leadership Society 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.

Mason Davis is not only one of Birmingham’s most revered attorneys, but an exemplary citizen, defender of civil rights and leader in support of health and human service charities. He has served as Chairman of the Board of United Way of Central Alabama and was, in fact, the first African American to hold that position.

All JMDLS members receive:

Opportunities to network with some of the most service-oriented and influential people in Central Alabama.
Chances to engage your community by volunteering and helping clients at exclusive service events.
Invitations to attend informative events to hear from experts about challenges facing our community.

Make my J. Mason Davis Leadership Society Pledge

400+

Members

JMDLS has more than 400 current members

$750K

Contributed

Society Members have contributed more than $750K

Partnership with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

In honor of Black History Month and as a benefit for J. Mason Davis Leadership Society (JMDLS) members, we have partnered with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) to provide free admission for members and one guest during the remainder of the month of February.

When you arrive, simply show your JMDLS lapel pin!

If you have not yet received your pin, please let us know and we will be happy to arrange its delivery to you before your planned visit. We hope that you take advantage of this additional benefit and support a great organization in the process.

Book Drive

Additionally, we will be holding a book drive to support our early childhood education programs during the month of February. You can support the drive by purchasing children’s books from our Amazon wish list. Books can also be dropped off at our office located at 3600 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222. If you would like to support the effort in an alternative way, please contact jmdleadership@uwca.org.

2021 J. Mason Davis Leadership Board

Natalie Kelly, Co-Chair – Brasfield & Gorrie

Cleo Crawford, Co-Chair – Regions

Jerome Luke, New Member Chair – Regions

Corey Green, Sponsor – Regions

Johnny Smith, Sponsor – Encompass Health

Tony Smoke, Sponsor – Alabama Power Company

Leonard Casey, Sponsor – Spire Energy

Learn More about the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society

What is the JMDLS?

United Way of Central Alabama’s J. Mason Davis Leadership Society brings together African American changemakers who give $1,000 or more to United Way. Members champion diversity and opportunity, and are striving to positively impact the community through a shared affinity for philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy.

Joining the Leadership Society honors Atty. Davis’ commitment to the community. Through this group, you can help build awareness and increase the level of African American leadership donors who give to improve the quality of life for Central Alabama residents.
Why United Way?

Never in our lifetime have we had such a significant opportunity to support our community and neighbors. A global pandemic and the record unemployment it has caused have defined 2020. Many people who ordinarily do not need United Way’s help suddenly do.

Helping people during times of hardship is what United Way was built to do. Our infrastructure enabled us to immediately be on the front lines of the crisis providing relief and access to services—stocking food pantries, delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors, helping families through our 2-1-1 call center and supporting newly unemployed citizens.

Accountability. Our United Way has one of the lowest administrative costs of any charitable organization, allowing 92 cents of every dollar to go directly to helping people, while keeping every dollar we raise (over $38.2M in 2019) here in Central Alabama. UWCA’s volunteers constantly evaluate our partner agencies who receive annual support to be sure our money is well and wisely spent. Review our Charity Navigator page.

J. Mason Davis Society Membership Information Form

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J. Mason Davis Leadership Society Staff

Jacob Gordon

Director of Individual Giving

JMDLS Spotlight

MEMBERS OF J. MASON DAVIS LEADERSHIP SOCIETY FIND PARALLELS WITH UWCA AGENCY FOCUSED ON CHILDREN

Two great legacies converged when JMDLS members toured one of the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club’s facilities.

Read Their Story

J. Mason Davis Leadership Society