With Martin Luther King Jr. day on the horizon, students at Highland had an opportunity to learn about the Civil Rights movement by one of its participants. And there is no better person than someone who literally marched with King Jr.
Thanks to Highland’s new program, the Ram Fam, civil rights activist Reverend France Davis was able to meet with about 200 students in the Highland little theatre on Thursday, Jan. 16th during advisory.
During the speech, Davis encouraged students to get involved and told stories about his experiences as a civil rights activist and reverend.
Davis’ first impression of Highland was that he saw a more ethnically diverse community than he had at any other Utah high school he had spoken at.
“I see more African and African-American students in this room then I have seen in most places that I have been throughout the state of Utah,” Davis said.
He then continued his speech by discussing how he came to Utah and the reason he stayed.
Davis moved to Utah in 1972 to participate in a one-year teaching fellowship at the University of Utah. Davis and his wife Willene Davis noticed that Utah was in major need of civil change in churches and community.
He joined the Calvary Baptist Church later that year and since has become a vital part of the church. He served as a pastor for more than 45 years, creating a community that is inclusive to everybody. He spoke not only about his church achievements but the numerous other things he has achieved.
One of Davis’s immense attainments is his education. He has six different degrees from varying universities. Davis believes that education is one of the most powerful tools.
“I recommend getting as much education as you possibly can,” Davis said.
With this education, Davis has done so much for the underrepresented members of Utah. He has introduced housing bills, served on the board of correction and the board of regents, and earned numerous awards.
Davis also spent part of his life fighting in the Vietnam War and because of this he has hearing and sight problems. Because he is a disabled American veteran, the government pays him monthly fees that helped put him through school.
Although his mission has not always been easy, he has had some strong role models in his life. Some of them are famous while others are closer to home.
“My dad and my cousin are my primary mentors,” Davis said.
On top of mentors, he has been able to create a strong African-American community that stands by him. They have marched with him numerous times and help financially support him so he could put all his focus into his work.
When Davis first met King at a young age, he was not interested in King’s work. But as Davis grew up, he came to see just how influential and important King was. Davis joined King in his march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama for African American voting rights.
To wrap up his speech Davis urged all students to get involved and to make the change that they want to see in their world.
“Get involved,” Davis said. “Write letters, do all you can to be in touch with the representatives of your government on your behalf.”
