From participating in civil rights campaigns with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to serving as a passionate and involved preacher of Salt Lake City’s Calvary Baptist Church, Reverend France A. Davis’ legacy has been centered on promoting unity through tireless advocacy.
In December of 2019, Reverend Davis retired as a preacher after 46 years of service, causing many to reflect on his contributions as not only a faith leader, but as an educator and activist across the state. To honor his work, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson proclaimed February 4th, 2020 as Reverend France A. Davis Day in Salt Lake County.
“His contributions to the state of Utah is without question a selfless act of servant leadership.”
Emma E. Houston, Director of the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion
Emma E. Houston, Director of the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion and chair of the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission, attended the official proclamation reading. She shared, “It was an honor to be present during the Salt Lake County Council meeting as the members and Mayor Jenny Wilson recognized the work and good deeds of Reverend Davis. His contributions to the state of Utah is without question a selfless act of servant leadership.”
In response to Reverend Davis’ retirement, she added, “Although he has retired as Pastor of the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, I know he will not sit idly by and do nothing. His work in the community has only shifted focus and I look forward to seeing what his next season in life will produce.”
We, at the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, thank Reverend France A. Davis for his leadership and influence. We hope that his example empowers others to promote equity and inclusion in their capacities to create an environment of belonging across the state.