The Legacy of Melvin “Mel” Davis
Introducing Mevin Davis
Melvin “Mel” Davis left a tangible legacy in his wake filled with public service and a steadfast drive to make a difference. This month, From the Reference Desk would like to highlight the life and accomplishments of Monroe official and resident, Melvin Odell Davis.
Melvin Davis was born on November 3rd in 1923, in West Virginia. He attended and graduated from DuBois High School; an all-Black school established in 1917 during segregation. He served in the Army in World War II and following his service, moved to Monroe, where he worked for the Detroit Stoker Company as an inspector and foreman. He retired after 35 years in 1981. In 1968, he married his wife, Lela Sellers and together they shared 23 years of marriage. Melvin was also a member of the Second Baptist Church.
He served as Special Deputy for the Monroe County Sherriff’s Department, one of the first minorities to hold that role. Melvin was also a member of the American Legion Carl F. Payson Post 60, and a lifelong member of the Detroit NAACP chapter. He helped establish – and remained a devoted supporter of – the first Monroe NAACP chapter as well.
Throughout his life, Melvin served on numerous community boards, including the Monroe County Board of Health and the Monroe Housing Commission. In 1970, he was elected to the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, representing the 5th district until 1972. Notably, he was the first and only Black individual to serve on the Monroe County Board of Commissioners.
In addition to all of these local achievements, in 1971 Mr. Davis was named the second Vice Chairman of the Second Congressional District of the State Democratic Convention. He was also honored with an invitation to attend former President Jimmy’ Carter’s Inaugural Ball in 1976.
Later on, he co-established an organization called The United Cause located on Second and Winchester Streets, next to DiSabatino’s Shoe Shop. The organization focused on giving people a way to voice concerns, including issues such as the living conditions of migrant workers in southern Monroe County.
Among his many accomplishments, Melvin was also the first Black licensed boxing referee in Michigan. Passionate about boxing and committed to making a difference in the lives of young people, he became involved with youth programming at the Monroe Community Center. During that time, he formed a lifelong friendship with former Community Center Director Matt Urban.
To pay honor to his memory after his passing, former Monroe City Mayor, Sam Mignano Jr. designated August 14, 1986 as Melvin Odell Davis Day.
Melvin Davis was an advocate, mentor, leader and a pillar to the Orchard East community. This November, we remember Mr. Davis for his service and unwavering commitment to Monroe.
About this Story
This piece is part of a series to highlight images and documents from the Memories of Orchard East Digital Archive; a participatory and community-centered archival collection project that focuses on the history of the Orchard East area of Monroe.
Special thank you to Melvin’s son Mr. Anthony Grant for allowing us to scan and share these documents and images as part of the Memories of Orchard East digital archive project. Thank you also to Kellie Vining for her assistance with oral history interviews and community knowledge.
If you have any other information about Melvin Davis- or anything relating to the Orchard East, Community Center or Second Baptist Church- please contact the library at (734) 241-5770 ext. 217. We would love to hear your stories!