Remembering Dr. Alfred Davis – Baristanet
Dr. Alfred Davis, Montclair Board of Education member and longtime chiropractor in Montclair’s South End has passed unexpectedly. Dr. Davis joined the BOE in May 2019.
The Montclair School district released this statement:
The district is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Alfred Davis who served on the Montclair Board of Education since May of 2019. We lost a dear friend, a consummate and astute professional, , and a champion for public education. He was a gentle, thoughtful man and highly respected by the community and his fellow Board Members. He worked tirelessly serving our community through his medical practice, his many dedicated years as founding member of the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation along with its parade and festival, as well as being the Board’s liaison for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Scholarship Breakfast. His character was beyond reproach, and everything he did during his service to our schools was for the betterment of our students. Dr. Davis provided insight and wisdom until the end and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this difficult time.
Latifah Jannah, Board President
Jonathan Ponds, Superintendent
“Dr. Davis was a special person who I admired for his business acumen. I really respected for selflessness and care for the community,” said Fourth Ward Councilor David Cummings. “He was a quiet activist who advocated for what was right. His service to the community goes way beyond being on the Board of Education. He was a presence in the South End and just a really pleasant and wonderful man. I feel for his family, especially his son Alfred.”
“My deepest sympathy to all in the Davis Family. I have known Dr. Al Davis for 30 years,” said Councilor at Large Bob Russo. “He took care of all my aches & pains with his skillful hands! I was discussing the picture on his wall with him last year which shows him leading the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Chiropractic Board. Dr. Davis was the first African American Chiropractor to chair that State liscencing board, appointed by Gov Jim Florio when I also worked for the Dept of Law Consumer Affairs Division. He was always advising me and supporting me through my many years on the Council and as Mayor. I will miss him dearly for his volunteer service to Montclair through the MLK Scholarship fund breakfasts and the BOE, as well as his years chairing the NJ State Board of Chiropractic. Dr. Al Davis is irreplaceable.”
“I was shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Albert Davis,” said Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill. “Like many, I was proud to call him my friend. Through his personable nature and tireless work ethic, he was highly respected by so many people throughout Montclair and beyond. In his capacity as a well-known chiropractor, a member of the Montclair Board of Education, and a founding member of the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation – he was always at the forefront of service with respect to our children and the entire Montclair community. Dr. Davis will be missed dearly. I offer prayers and well wishes to his entire family, and to all who loved him.”
“I have known Dr. Davis for over 30 years and worked very closely with him during my tenure as the 4th Ward Councilwoman, from 2008-2020,” said Dr. Renee Baskerville. “He was the 4th Ward Commissioner of Health and attended our monthly collaborative “Calm-Unity Meetings” and kept us informed about matters pertaining to the health and wellness of our community and health in general. He was my “inner circle” and one of my “kitchen table confidants.” Most importantly, he was my friend. He gave generously of his time, talent and treasure to people, organizations and situations, always leaving things better than when he found them. It is difficult to find the words (yes…me….finding words difficult (smile) to capture someone who was a kindred-soul with whom I shared many interests in our community including a desrie to serve and to heal.
Dr Davis was “THE SPINE” of our community!! The Spirit of Generosity that forged village “Calm-Unity”.
I send my love and condolences to Diana and the entire Davis family. Diana, I am here for you and stand with a community of people who are here to help you through this rough part of the journey to help you to continue to walk “in the light.” Thank you for sharing Al with us and remember that “God’s Got You and he will never let go.”
A funeral service will be held Friday, December 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Christ Church Rockaway.