Marshall L. Davis, Sr. honored by Miami-Dade County School Board Member Dorothy Bendross Mindingall surrounded by Davis’s family and staff. Photo courtesy of Gregory F. Reed, MFA.
Overwhelmed. Honored. Proud.
Those are the words Marshall Davis, Sr. said when asked about the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center being renamed in his honor. He has dedicated more than 40 years of his career to the center, serving as its managing director since 1983.
“This is an overwhelming moment that I cannot put into words. To be honored in this way, realizing the work you have done has been significant enough,” said Davis. “Being noticed by political figures that want to distinguish what you have accomplished.”
Davis also loves that his name will be incorporated into the center’s name because “African heritage is a group of people that I’ve always strived to represent so I’m glad that they are incorporating my name into the name of the center.”
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, District 3, and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs leaders will be on hand Thursday, Aug. 1 for the renaming ceremony at the AHCAC in Liberty City.
Hardemon expressed his admiration by saying, “Marshall Davis has played a quintessential role in the development of young talent for the past 40 years. He has opened doors and invested his time and energy to those who have pursued their dreams in the arts. Those types of efforts deserve to be celebrated and acknowledged.”
He continued, stating, “Marshall Davis has transformed this community for the better. He has built a program that is not only reflective of the people who live here but has created a platform of opportunity for many artists who want to showcase the arts from their point of view.”
Marialaura Leslie, director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs said, “Arts and culture are an important element of a connected and thriving community, and for the past 40 years Mr. Marshall L. Davis, Sr., has played an integral role, developing a program that has transformed the lives of countless children. Under his leadership, the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center has become the ‘gold standard’ in arts education in the heart of Liberty City. There is no one more deserving of this incredible honor. Mr. Davis has touched many lives, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Always aiming to improve and grow the center’s programs, as he’s done for four decades, Davis said he is going to build on what the center currently has, like the Cinematic Arts Program where “we have a Cinematic Arts Program and a wonderful person here who is ready to train any kids interested in this.”
However, the AHCAC has a rich history of producing successful alumni from their programs, educated by some of the best staff at the center.
The list of influential educators Davis has worked with over the years is impressive. The late Jazz Musician, Educator and Founder of his namesake Jazz Festival, Melton Mustafa grounded the AHCAC’s musical program and Isis Roberts who has been a music and arts educator there for more than two decades, are just two of those individuals.
Marshall Davis, Managing Director of the soon-to-be- renamed African Heritage Cultural Arts Center. Photo courtesy of Gregory F. Reed, MFA.
“There are so many more,” Davis said. “Robert Battle’s teacher was also someone that was very influential.” Battle who attended AHCAC, served as Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company from 2011 to 2023. Additionally, Ashlee Thomas, deputy director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, began attending programs at the center while in elementary school.
“One of the blessings of being here is seeing Ashlee Thomas grow and flourish in the arts, all the while discovering who she is and reaching such great heights in our arts community,” said Davis.
Additionally, Davis said many of their students have received full scholarships to prestigious universities such as Berkeley and have gone on to be professors at FAMU.
Davis has always confronted challenges with vibrant, even as a young man who realized he had a natural artistic talent that was not being realized.
“I realized how far behind I was and that is why at AHCAC we are going to find the artist in that child, actualize that and help them find the wherewithal to succeed,” Davis said. “We are here to make a difference in their lives and help nurture and help them flourish in the arts. How do we make Black Lives Better? That is what our program aims to do.”
Cava echoed that sentiment and said, “His work is a reminder that from its rich history and vibrant arts to its indomitable spirit of resilience and innovation, Black culture is a cornerstone of our community and identity. I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Mr. Davis and his legacy. Together, we must continue to uplift and support Black voices, ensuring that the legacy of Black culture thrives for generations to come.”
The goal is to build a new center that will in some ways be similar to the Heritage Museum in Washington DC “so that we become a facility that really speaks to the work that’s been done here over the years,” he said.
Written By Josie Gulliksen
August 1, 2024 at 1:58 PM
