Chapter News
Time To Celebrate NAN’s Women Of The Movement: Ms. Cynthia Davis
—On behalf of our Founder and President, Rev. Al Sharpton, Chairman of the Board Rev. W. Franklyn Richardson, National Field Director Rev. De Ves Toon, we salute the dedicated women of National Action Network!
Women have been an intricate part of the development and success of National Action Network. In honor of Women’s History Month, the National Field Department will acknowledge our unsung heroines every Wednesday during the month of March. These four women have dedicated their strength, resilience and commitment to eradicating injustices throughout their community. Although there are hundreds of women who support the overall goals of National Action Network on a daily basis, we would like for you to join us in recognizing four of these amazing women during March 2019.
Ms. Cynthia Davis
Cynthia Davis is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. Growing up in Montgomery her family participated in numerous marches seeking equal rights and justice for all mankind with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Reverend Ralph Abernathy, Reverend Jesse Jackson, John Lewis, Hosea Williams, Community Leaders and Members. She was very young at the time, however, without complete understanding of what was going on she realized that black people weren’t being treated fairly in life and it just was not right. Even at an early age, she did not like seeing people helpless or suffering.
Cynthia has been a resident of New York City for over 25 years. She is a graduate of Drake College, New York Institute of Technology, Computer Science, Stores Online Inc., Internet Marketing and is a Licensed Chaplin with the New York City Police Department and National Police Association.
Cynthia has been involved with and is known for her Community Activism in New York City for over 25 years. She worked as a National Crisis Director for Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network for over 15 years where she traveled across the country assisting people in crisis situations. One of her first major tragic experiences as National Crisis Director happened in March of 1999 when she along with Reverend Sharpton and 26 others were arrested for civil disobedience in the unjustified shooting of an unarmed young black man Amadu Diallo by NYC police officers. Unfortunately, those arrests continued to happen over the years, Sean Bell, NJ Turnpike and too many more shootings and killings of people of color by police officers with no justification.
On a much lighter note as Crisis Director of NAN Cynthia created the Sharp-tones Step Group consisting of young people from the community in the belief that we must do everything in our power to keep young people off-of the streets.
In 2001 when Reverend Sharpton was arrested for protesting the bombings in Vieques she created a tent city directly across from the jail where she stayed in a tent for 90 days joined by her 4 years old son Airrion until Reverend Sharpton was released.
In 2004 when Reverend Sharpton ran for President Cynthia and Attorney Michael Hardy hosted the Saturday Morning Rally live on air every week until the election was over. Additionally, the same year Cynthia along with then Field Director Kelvin Alexander organized NAN’s entire National Convention and bought in dozens of Chapters members and leaders from across the country.
Upon moving to Staten Island 11 years ago the reputation of her activism closely followed. She began to receive numerous phone calls from residents requesting assistance feeling that their civil or human rights were being violated. It was then when she realized that Staten Island needed a National Action Network Chapter. It was that realization that encouraged her to seek and get permission from NAN National to create a chapter in, Staten Island where she holds the title of president. She is also Executive Director of Mt. Sinai Center for Community Enrichment. NAN Staten Island Chapter was at the forefront of the Eric Gardner case (which received national attention). Cynthia and National Action Network Staten Island was chosen by the family to be their voice in seeking justice for his untimely death.
Cynthia strongly believes that people should not hunger for food. Because of her strong belief in God and the power of Prayers she has been placed in the position where she freely feed hundreds of families on a weekly basis including a weekly hot community dinner. Additionally, she distributes Christmas toys and clothing to needy families.
In her quest for equal justice for all people, Cynthia has received numerous awards including the Point of Light Award for the 21st Century from Reverend Dr. Al Sharpton and Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, former Chief of Staff to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., (Women of Excellence Award, NAN’s Women Auxiliary), (NAACP William A. Morris Humanitarian Award), (Staten Island Most Influential Award, Staten Island Black Heritage), (Staten Island 100 Most Influential, City & State Magazine), (NAN Chapter of the Year 2015), (Citation City of NY Mayor Bill De Blasio), (Certificate of Recognition, State Senator Diane Savino), etc.
Cynthia’s favorite quote is taken from a Black American Proverb “Each One Teach One.”
She is forever thankful to her family, Reverend Al Sharpton and mostly to God for all the great lessons in life and giving her the opportunities to excel.
Cynthia is the proud mother of four children, Monique, Walter, Priscilla, Airrion and seven grandchildren.
Ms. Cynthia Davis’ Community and Political Affiliations:
National Action Network
October 1996-Present
Mt. Sinai United Christian Church
2009-Present
NYPD Citizens Task Force, Member
January 2013-Present
Executive Director, Mount Sinai Center for Community Enrichment
2009-Present
NAACP Staten Island Chapter Executive Board Member
2009-Present
New Brighton Coalition for Concerned Citizens
2009-Present
(JAFASI) Just a Friend Away, Staten Island-Director
2013-Present
Cindy Cares Resource Center-Founder/President
January 2014-Present
100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care
October 1995-Present
Chief of Staff, Kelvin Alexander for State
Senate March 2004-September-2004
Community Board # 9 Youth Director
February 1995-June 2000
Office Supervisor, David Dinkins for Mayor
November 1992-November 1993
Assistant Coordinator, Jesse Jackson for President
January 1987-Nov 1988