Lead with Purpose. Give with Purpose. Create Lasting Change.

Cultivating a Network of Black Leaders Driving Community Change

Color logo for the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society, a United Way of Central Alabama donor network that brings together African American leaders committed to philanthropy, volunteerism, advocacy, and community impact.
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.

Become a Member

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

500+

Members. JMDLS proudly boasts a membership of more than 500 active members.

$1.4

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

Ike Matthews

Spire Energy

Professional portrait of Jimmie Washington with Alabama Power, who serves on the steering committee for the J Mason Davis Leadership Society of United Way of Central Alabama. He is wearing a well-tailored blue suit with a white dress shirt and a patterned blue tie. His neatly groomed beard and confident, composed expression convey professionalism and leadership. He stands against a dark gray brick wall with his hands gently clasped in front of him. The neutral background emphasizes his strong presence and polished appearance.

Jimmie Washington

Alabama Power Company

Val Williams, New Member Chair J Mason Davis Leadership Society of United Way of Central Alabama

Val Williams

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Professional portrait of Jasmine Wright, a member of the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society Steering Committee and a representative of Protective Life. She is smiling warmly, wearing a light gray blazer over a soft pink blouse, with a simple silver necklace. Her natural, polished look conveys confidence and approachability. The softly blurred outdoor background with greenery enhances the warmth and professionalism of the image.

Jasmine Wright

Protective Life


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.

Legendary Birmingham civil rights attorney J. Mason Davis (center) with members of the Society named in his honor.

J. Mason Davis Society Membership Information Form

Name
Address

J. Mason Davis Leadership Society Staff

headshot of Traci Chapman, United Way of Central Alabama Individual Giving Officer

Traci Chapman

Individual Giving Officer

Email