Brother Joseph Davis

Alpha: January 29, 1920 – Omega: August 2, 2013

Brother Joseph W. Davis was initiated, November 3, 1942, at Dillard University, through Theta Sigma Chapter. Brother Davis worked hard for Omega in Rho Phi chapter. In 1948, Brother Davis and Brother Cecil Carter Sr., re-activated the Chapter at the Dryades Street YMCA. They held regular monthly meetings there, with 9 recently graduated members of Omega. He held the office of Basileus for three terms (1948-49, 1964-65,2004-08) and served on numerous other committees. He also received the Omega Man Of The Year Award, Outstanding Service Award, 50, 60, and 70 years of Service Awards. During his last term as Basileus, Brother Davis opened his home for monthly chapter business meetings while the club house was being renovated after Hurricane Katrina. He also, served on the Board of Directors of the Crescent City “Q’s” Club.

Brother Joseph Davis attended the New Orleans Public Schools, joined the Boy Scout Troop #131, played football and ran track while attending McDonough 35 Senior High School.

Brother Joseph Davis enrolled at Dillard University and was a member of the football team. During his senior year, he was elected President of the Dillard student body, produced the first Dillard yearbook (The Court bouillon), earned the Social Studies Scholarship Award, three letters in football. He graduated in 1948 with a degree in Sociology. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Xavier University and trained in Group Therapy at George Williams College. His Doctorate Degree was earned through the John F. Kennedy Center for Mental Health and Retardation at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University in 1978.

Brother Davis’s support of the Boy Scouts at Central Congregational, was so important to him, that he convinced the members of Rho Phi to become sponsors and financial contributors to his effort. He firmly believed that scouting would keep the boys in the Bienville Street/ S. Tonti street neighborhood, out of the bad gangs and doing something positive in the Good Gang. He also got several Brothers to serve as scoutmasters. He served on all committees over the years.

Brother Joseph Davis worked with the Boy Scouts for many years and became the first African-American in Louisiana to become an Eagle Scout. He also was a member of the New Orleans Goals to Grow Initiative, Agency Relations Committee, United Way; Board Member of the New Orleans Council on Aging; Board Member – Southeast Louisiana Boy Scouts of America, Back Bay Mission and supporter of the Urban League and the N.A.A.C.P. He also served as the Director of the Good Gang Program for Boys.

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