Lead with Purpose. Give with Purpose. Create Lasting Change.
Cultivating a Network of Black Leaders Driving Community Change

The J. Mason Davis Leadership Society is a network of Black leaders and philanthropists who support United Way of Central Alabama’s work to strengthen communities across Central Alabama. Through giving, service and meaningful connections, members come together to create lasting community impact and help advance a tradition of Black leadership and philanthropy.
The J. Mason Davis Leadership Society (JMDLS) brings together African American professionals, business leaders and changemakers who believe in the power of philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy to improve lives across Central Alabama.
Named in honor of legendary Birmingham civil rights attorney and community leader J. Mason Davis, the Society celebrates a legacy of leadership while inspiring today’s leaders to create opportunities for future generations.
Whether mentoring students, advocating for stronger communities or investing in United Way’s work, JMDLS members share one belief: when we lead together, we create lasting change.
Why Join the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society?
Membership offers opportunities to connect with other community leaders, participate in exclusive events, engage in service and make a collective investment in the issues affecting Central Alabama.
- Build meaningful connections with business and community leaders.
- Participate in exclusive events and experiences throughout the year.
- Support meaningful community impact through United Way.
- Help strengthen the next generation of Black philanthropic leadership.
See the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society in Action
Hear from members about the relationships, leadership and community impact that make the Society special.
J. Mason Davis Society Impact
Members. JMDLS proudly boasts a membership of more than 500 active members.
Million Contributed. JMDLS members have collectively donated more than $1.4 million to Central Alabama communities.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
J. Mason Davis and the Power of Community Impact
Mr. J. Mason Davis was one of Birmingham’s most esteemed attorneys, a dedicated community leader and a lifelong advocate for civil rights. His unwavering commitment to justice and service has made a lasting impact on both his profession and the broader community.
As the first African American Chairman of the Board for United Way of Central Alabama, he played a pivotal role in advancing health and human service initiatives, championing equity and fostering positive change.

2026 J. Mason Davis Leadership Steering Committee

Ken Davis
Regions Bank
Steering Committee Chair

Cleo Crawford
Regions Bank

James Mathews
Thompson Tractor Supply

Ike Matthews
Spire Energy

Jimmie Washington
Alabama Power Company

Val Williams
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Jasmine Wright
Protective Life
Learn More about the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society
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 Mr. Davis’s 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.
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 (more than $38.7 million in 2024) 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
J. Mason Davis Leadership Society Staff
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You won’t go to college if you don’t apply. And you probably won’t apply if you can’t pay for it.
“Are You Ready If a Disaster Strikes?” Workshop to Be Held Near Anniversary of April 27th Tornadoes
As tornado season approaches, UWCA is hosting an “Are You Ready if a Disaster Strikes?” workshop on April 26th. This event will cover planning, emergency kits, and insurance, commemorating the April 27, 2011 tornadoes.
“Head Shot Happy Hour” Gets Serious about Answering Community Needs
Members of the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society recently gathered at Alcove Birmingham for a “Head Shot Happy Hour,” combining networking with professional photo sessions courtesy of photographer Brian Pride.
