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

2023 J. Mason Davis Leadership Board

Cleo Crawford, Co-Chair – Regions

Ike Matthews, Co-Chair – Spire Energy

Val Williams, New Member Chair – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

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

Name

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Phone

Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

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J. Mason Davis Leadership Society Staff

Jacob Gordon

Director of Individual Giving

Victoria White

Individual Giving Officer

JMDLS Spotlight

MARCHING TO A MAGIC CITY CLASSIC DRUMMER

Members of UWCA’s J. Mason Davis Leadership Society (JMDLS) participated in the Magic City Classic parade, featuring floats and celebrities as well as the infamous bands and dance teams from Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University.

J. Mason Davis Leadership Society