Rev. Lawrence Davies Political Biography (view photo)

Within two years of his 1962 arrival to serve as pastor of Fredericksburg’s Shiloh (Old Site) Baptist Church, Lawrence Davies was appointed to the Fredericksburg Biracial Commission. This commission opened public accommodations in the city to all persons regardless of race and successfully -without violence- broke down most racial barriers.

Soon afterward, Mr. Davies organized Citizens United for Action, a political organization which mobilized black residents- drawing them into the mainstream of community affairs through appointments to local boards and commissions- and changed the political history of the area.

In 1966, Mr. Davies became the first African-American to be elected to the Fredericksburg City Council and in 1976, the first black mayor of this city. Continuing to make history, he served for 20 years as mayor- longer that any other occupant of that office.

During his tenure, he was elected president of the Virginia Municipal League and became third vice-president of the National Conference of Black Mayors. Governor Gerald Baliles appointed him a member of the Commission on Transportation in the 21st Century and to the Board of Visitors of Mary Washington College. He was appointed to the Commonwealth Transportation Board by Governor L. Douglas Wilder.

Broadening his public service beyond the area of politics, Mr. Davies founded the Fredericksburg Area Sickle Cell Association, and served, among other organizations, as president of the Virginia Mental Health Association and president of the Fredericksburg Association for Retarded Citizens, and was a member of the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation Board.

As mayor, he spearheaded the now-growing FREDericksburg Regional Transit system and is still actively involved, currently serving as the Public Transit Authority Advisory Board’s Chairman.

For his many and varied services, he has received 26 awards and is listed in “Who’s Who Among Black Americans.”