The Arsht Education Champion Award Marshall Davis
A native Miamian, Marshall L. Davis earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Florida Atlantic University. His long, rich history in leadership began by leading multiple Black Student organizations while in college, which also included recruitment efforts for the University. Davis also served as a former teacher for Miami-Dade County teaching dramatic arts to elementary students. For the past 40 years, Davis has successfully served as the managing Director at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (AHCAC) where he designed a comprehensive developmental multi-arts program that provides methodical instruction and rich artistic experiences; enabling thousands of students to actualize themselves in the arts. As a result of Davis’ curriculum and programming, the raw and natural talent of countless youths have been nurtured to receive acceptance into South Florida Magnet programs. Many former students have been scholarship recipients and matriculated into world renown institutions such as The Julliard School, and prestigious organizations such as Alvin Ailey and more.
Mr. Davis is proud of all his students and has been instrumental not just in the development of their artistic talent and abilities, but also the development of social and interpersonal skills they can carry for life. His students have been featured or have played principal roles in many Broadway productions and have gone on to win the highly coveted Tony Award, as well as a distinguished Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The programs that Marshall L. Davis have designed has laid the foundation for hundreds of students to flourish around the world performing on Broadway, music productions, television, and films. Many have gone on to dominate the arts & culture scene in South Florida and throughout the country. Davis’ visionary leadership is also at the helm of the innovation at the Center by transforming the space over time with the addition of a state-of-the-art Art gallery and an upgrade to the black box theater; creating a more sophisticated intimate experience.
In addition to hosting local television shows on arts & culture, he has received countless proclamations, nominations and recognitions for his leadership in the arts in the inner city. (Miami-Dade Community Affairs Office of Black Affairs, Miami Dade County Children Trust, Miami Children Initiative, Black Archive of Miami Dade County, African-American Achievers, and Florida Folklife Council-Division of Historical Resources.
A fulfilling part of Davis’ legacy in the arts are the accomplishments of his children, and like his students, all are rooted in the arts and have been successful across multiple industries in education, entertainment, and the military.