March 25, 2020
For immediate release


Langston Centre to start Ralph E. Davis Leadership Academy

The Langston Centre, 315 Elm St., in partnership with East Tennessee State University, is currently accepting applications for the Ralph E. Davis Academy, which will launch in September. The academy is designed for youth ages 15-17, who will receive weekly training in community engagement and leadership.

ETSU’s Clemmer College will guide the workshop curriculum, and ETSU students will serve as mentors. Participants will have an opportunity to apply their training at local nonprofits. The academy will culminate with all participants presenting about their experiences at a February symposium held at the Langston Centre.

The academy was named for Ralph E. Davis, a longtime community leader and president of the Johnson City/Washington County NAACP, who passed away in July. Davis earned a degree in Political Science and History from ETSU and was very active in the community, dedicating himself to civil rights and social justice. Appointed by then-Gov. Phil Bredeson as a representative to the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Davis served in that capacity for seven years. He was also a member of the Johnson City Black and White Dialogue and the Johnson City Community Roundtable.

There is no cost associated with either the application or participation in the Ralph E. Davis Academy. For more information or to apply, contact the Langston Centre at 423-434-5785.

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