Detroit Auto Show Luncheon Will Honor Ed Davis
4 November 1998
Detroit Auto Show Luncheon Will Honor Ed Davis: Pioneer and Inspiration DETROIT, Nov. 3 -- As the first African American to own an
automotive franchise, Ed Davis tore down racial barriers and blazed a trail
for other minorities to follow. In 1940, Davis became the owner and operator
of a Studebaker franchise. And in 1963 he went on to become the first African
American to own a Big Three dealership, opening a successful Chrysler-Plymouth
franchise in Highland Park, Michigan.
On Thursday, January 7, 1999, in conjunction with the North American
International Auto Show (NAIAS), a tribute luncheon will be held to honor
Davis for a lifetime of success in the face of adversity. The event,
spearheaded by African Americans On Wheels (AAOW) magazine and the National
Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) will be held from
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom of the Cobo Convention
Center in Detroit, Michigan. A VIP Reception will precede the luncheon,
running from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
"Ed Davis fought to realize his dream of owning a dealership at a time
when African Americans were shut out of management in the industry," said
Randi Payton, publisher of AAOW. "In his first sales position, he wasn't even
allowed on the showroom floor, but that didn't stop him from succeeding. He
looked at something others thought was impossible, and made it happen."
An indication of the type of admiration Davis has inspired is the caliber
of those companies lending their support to the luncheon. Ford Motor Company,
Chrysler Corporation, General Motors Corporation, Honda, Mercedes Benz, BMW,
Jaguar, Volkswagen and Nissan are just a few of the corporations that will
participate in the event.
"Last year, Ford was honored when AAOW named us Company of the Year," said
Elliot Hall, vice-president of dealer development for Ford Motor Company. "It
is a pleasure and a privilege to be part of this event recognizing Mr. Davis
for his outstanding accomplishments."
W. Frank Fountain, vice president of government affairs at Chrysler
Corporation felt the same way. "Ed Davis' first Big Three dealership was a
Chrysler dealership," said Fountain. "We're proud to have been a part of the
history he made back in 1963, and we're glad to support this tribute to a
pioneer in the industry."
More than 2,000 people have been invited to join the tribute to Davis and
his wife, Mary Agnes, including business and community leaders, supplier
representatives and minority dealers from around the country. NAIAS will
provide special registration for minority dealers to supplier preview days and
the auto show. A highlight of the luncheon will be the launch of the Ed Davis
Scholarship Fund, to benefit African-American students pursuing a technical or
college degree in the automotive field.
"The scholarship fund will be an excellent way of recognizing Ed Davis for
his contributions to minorities in the industry," said Sheila Vaden-Williams,
executive director of NAMAD. "As minorities gain more representation in the
industry it will benefit everyone. Astute automotive manufacturers recognize
that the world is becoming increasingly diverse. Without diversity of
perspectives and experience, major pools of talent will be left untapped.
Valuing diversity is a wonderful business strategy that benefits ethnic
minority consumers, business persons and manufacturers alike."
The fund will be administered by Auto Industry Diversity Efforts, a
nonprofit, Michigan-based organization formed by AAOW. Charter members of the
board will be announced at the luncheon.
Roy Roberts, vice president of GM sales, service and parts management,
applauded the initiative to bring more diversity to the field. "When we
invite many voices to the table, we create a better product, and we're able to
better serve a diverse community of consumers," Roberts said. "African
Americans are an important part of that community."
"African Americans are a major market for automakers," agreed Payton,
whose national magazine has grown to a circulation of 600,000 in just three
years. "We look forward to seeing more African Americans in key positions in
the industry. And with pioneers like Ed Davis opening new doors and creating
new opportunities, we're on our way."
Tickets for the luncheon are $50 per person. A special commemorative
souvenir book, will be published highlighting the life and career of Ed Davis.
For information on advertising in the book and about the tribute luncheon,
contact African Americans On Wheels at 313-963-2209 or http://www.automag.com.
