Economic development is the cornerstone of any thriving community. It is the gateway to financial independence, self-sufficiency and wealth-building.
The National Bankers Association – a consortium of African-American, Native-American, American-Indian, East-Indian, Hispanic-American, Asian-American and women-owned banks – is committed to operating with a community-centered and customer-focused mindset that fuels this continued progression. The Association will hold its 89th Annual Convention here in Detroit, October 5-6, at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel.
The convention’s culminating event will honor the memory of legendary Detroit banker Don Davis. A Grammy Award-winning music producer, Davis founded First Independence Bank and served as chairman until his death in 2014. Black Enterprise Magazine ranked First Independence as the 11th largest African-American owned bank in the United States.
On Thursday, Oct. 6 the Don Davis Legacy Foundation will be officially launched at its inaugural awards and tribute gala fundraiser, 5:30 p.m. (VIP Reception), 7:30 p.m. (program), at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison in Detroit. Tickets range from $45 – $250 for VIP, and proceeds benefit the Don Davis Legacy Foundation.
MTV, BET and NAACP Image Award-winning actress and producer Vivica A. Fox, along with NAACP Image Award-winning film and television actor and producer Laz Alonzo will serve as co-presenters at the gala. Renowned R&B music sensation Johnny Gill will perform for the audience of more than 1700 convention attendees and guests.
The Don Davis Legacy Foundation was envisioned shortly after his passing to preserve his legacy and continue his efforts to spread prosperity to underserved communities – and it is therefore a continuation of his philanthropic efforts to give back and help facilitate successful legacies through scholarships, grants and services that impact youth, families and organizations in the community. Kiko Davis, widow of the late Don Davis, is founder and president of the Don Davis Legacy Foundation.
“It had been a long-time vision of my late husband and myself to continue working towards community empowerment, a vision that he and I both shared,” says Kiko Davis. “I proudly enter into our foundation’s endeavors with the dedication to carry out Don’s wishes, with pride and enthusiasm, and to do the work that impacts our community in a positive way.”
Don Davis was an active member of the National Bankers Association, helping to improve regulations and policy. Over the last few years, the NBA has taken their concerns about the challenges facing member banks to senior staff at the White House, to leaders in Congress – especially the chairman and ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee – the Secretary of the Treasury, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, the Comptroller of the Currency and the Chairman of the FDIC. The NBA works closely with the CDFI, allowing members’ banks to increase minority business lending; and has also collaborated with the Small Business Administration.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.DonDavisLegacy.org. To RSVP for red carpet attendance (limited) please contact Lisa Wilmore for press credentials at (313) 980.4766.
The Don Davis LEGACY Foundation is a collaborative empowerment initiative that bridges the gap between financial need and achievement. The foundation honors the life of the late Don Davis – a Grammy Award-winning music pioneer, banking mogul and visionary – by continuing his philanthropic efforts to give back and facilitate future successful legacies with scholarships, grants and key services. The foundation’s aim is to sustain the synergistic impact of partnership with our youth, families, assist organizations and the entire community that Don Davis so passionately supported.
For more information, visit www.DonDavisLegacy.org.
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