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.
400+
Members
JMDLS has more than 400 current members
$750K
Contributed
Society Members have contributed more than $750K
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
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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.
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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
J. Mason Davis Leadership Society Staff
JMDLS Spotlight
J. Mason Davis Leadership Society Bonds at Local Brewery
At a recent in-person event, members had the opportunity to connect and meet new faces while exchanging ideas for expanding the society’s mission.
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