A forerunner of the Civil Rights movement, Ira P. Davis was a social and political activist whose educational, professional and military experience well prepared him to speak out about racial injustice in Miami. Born in Jacksonville, he was a veteran of the Medical Corps during World war I. He earned an undergraduate degree from Florida A & M College, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Howard University School of Dentistry in 1929. After completing an internship at Freedman’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., he moved to Orlando, Florida, and practiced dentistry there until 1936, when he relocated to Miami. He maintained two offices: one at 1036 N.W. 2^nd Avenue and the second, on Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove. He was married from many years to the former Louise Stirrup.

Dr. Davis quickly involved himself in the affairs of his new home and was determined to work for positive changes that would benefit blacks in Miami. He joined the committee that successfully lobbied for the establishment of the Negro Police Force in 1944. Dr. Davis and other supporters believed that black patrolmen and a precinct in the black community would provide a greatly needed law enforcement presence, but one that demonstrated sincere interest in the black community. The first five officers were installed in a ceremony that took place in Dr. Davis’ office. Dr. Davis also played an instrument role in the 1950 appointment of the first black judge over Miami’s all-Negro Municipal Court.

Dr. Davis pioneered in other departments of civic life. He was the first Negro District Commander of the American Legion Department of Florida (May 1946), and he was a member of the committee that successfully negotiated for Negroes to be admitted to the Orange Bowl stadium in January, 1947. Dr. Davis was a key member of the group that invited the Orange Blossom Classic (FAMU) to Miami in December, 1947. In 1948, he served as director of the Dade County Council of Community Relations. He was instrumental in the effort to integrate golf courses in Miami, as well.

Dr. Davis’ extensive civic and professional involvements included board membership at Christian Hospital, the private, black-owned facility, for many years. He was chairman of the board there from 1949-60. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Florida Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association. From 1961 to 1963, he led time the Greater Miami Urban League as its president, and he was at one time the chairman of the local United Negro College Fund committee. The South Florida Boy Scout Council, Orange Blossom Classic Committee, Florida Civil Defense of Dade County, Community Chest Board (now known as the United Way), the Beautification Committee for the city of Miami and the American Red Cross are some of the many organizations that benefited from Dr. Davis’ membership and leadership. Dr. Davis was active in politics and was a delegate to the historic Democratic National Convention in 1968. He served on a fifteen-member national advisory committee on older Americans during President Lyndon Johnson’s term of office. He died in 1970.

Sources:    Biography; Obituary and Order of Service, n.p.