The DC Black Concerned Businesses was created to provide a platform for Black businesses to advocate for inclusion on the major development and construction initiatives planned in the District of Columbia. A significant number of Black businesses competing in the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) market has been diluted without their participation being included based on race. Although a diversity study is current underway for the first time, the Black businesses have coalesced to establish a competitive edge in the accelerated rate of economic recovery projected in the City.
Derek Davis represents the DC Black Concerned Businesses for the Coalition and serves as the Business and Education Liaison on the Jobs Not Guns Initiative. Mr. Davis is a decorated combat veteran of the United States Army, who received the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal among various other military awards and decorations. An award-winning barber and a certified barber science and special education instructor, Mr. Davis is a product of the District of Columbia Public Schools and earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland and completed graduate studies in education at a host of institutions. He is the former Chairperson of the D.C. Board of Barber and Cosmetology and past President of the National Association of Barber Boards of America. He created and wrote the first curriculum for barbering science for the D.C. Public Schools System in 1982. As one who embraces the principles of servant leadership, Mr. Davis and the Davis Barber and Beauty Services have donated free back to school haircuts to the community from the late 1960s to present day. He has also volunteered for over twenty years as Community Facilitator Patrol Service Area (PSA 706-708) with the Seventh District Metropolitan Police Department and served with 8D Advisory Neighborhood Commission on various community activities. He works tirelessly to promote and provide job opportunities to the community in an effort to help eradicate gun violence. As a lifelong leader and participant in barbering industry events, he steadfastly promotes education, volunteerism and opportunities for professional barbers and the trades.