During Black History Month, we take time to honor the contributions and legacy of Black Americans by educating ourselves and others on their significant impact across communities. It also reminds us of the steps we have yet to take to reach racial equality in our nation and encourages us to support the success of the Black community with a focus on intersectionality.
United Way continues to work toward a future where Black Americans have increased access to employment, education, health care and housing. We’re thankful to benefit from the work of exceptional Black leaders in the 6-county area United Way of Central Alabama serves. Meet a few of these community members, and learn what has inspired them to give back through United Way.
Corey Green
Meet Corey Green, Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager At Regions Bank. He is a member of the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society and serves as co-chair for the committee at Regions. His inspiration and motivation to give back stems from his faith in God, his family and A.G. Gaston.
“As a Black man, my father has been my hero and someone I look up to as a man based on his character, work ethic and dedication to the community in making it better. My father-in-law is a businessman and trailblazer that has helped me understand and appreciate the history of Black men in business in Birmingham. A.G. Gaston is a legacy figure in Birmingham that I have been very motivated by through learning his story and how he impacted our community in various ways.”
Corey Green
Working in the financial sector, Corey has seen first-hand the positive influence these leaders have on the Black community. His career and involvement with United Way help him build connections with influential changemakers in every area, from education to government. Through these relationships, Corey is helping create more opportunities for those in Birmingham and beyond.
Alesia Jones
Meet retired Chief HR Officer for UAB Alesia Jones. She supports United Way’s mission by serving on the Board of Directors, as Chair of the Community Initiatives Committee and as an active member of the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society.
One champion for civil rights who encourages Alesia to enact change within her community is Rosa Parks.
“Her resistance to the established norms not only took courage but commitment to a future vision. Many recognize the need for change; but the courage, strength and commitment to make change a reality does not always equal the assessment of the need. Mrs. Parks placed her life and livelihood at risk in support of the needed change. This is something I will always respect.”
Alesia Jones
Shera and Daryl Grant
Meet Shera and Daryl Grant. Shera serves as a District Court Judge for the 10th Judicial Circuit of Alabama and Daryl is Managing Director for KPMG Advisory Services.
They are both members of the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society (JMDLS) and advocate for United Way and the society by participating in JMDLS events.
Shera takes inspiration from her mother Loretta Jones — particularly for her commitment to education.
“She is my role model, because of the example she set as it relates to the importance of educational attainment — having worked to achieve her Master’s in Library Science at the age of 60.”
Shera Grant
Daryl uses changemaker A.G. Gaston and his work in Birmingham as a roadmap for his philanthropic efforts.
“My role model would be Birmingham’s own A.G. Gaston for how he leveraged his groundbreaking entrepreneurial endeavors to provide critical support for the Civil Rights Movement.”
Daryl Grant