Eric Davis was recently the recipient of the Jefferson Community Achievement Award from WACH Fox News recognizing that “His work is endless”. All however with one theme – peace and bringing the Midlands to a path for a better future and putting our communities into a better light.
Eric W. Davis is a proven leader in the church, the community, and across the State, as well as nationally and internationally.
Bishop Davis is no stranger to activism. He answered Columbia, SC–Richland County Sheriff Lott’s call by inviting former Crips, Bloods, Piru, Gangster Disciples (G.D.), and Folk Nation members to the dialogue. He discovered that these Street Ambassadors were also eager to “change the streets” in their respective neighborhoods. They joined forces with Bishop Davis and created the coalition – G.A.N.G.S. In Peace, whose acronym means Getting A New Generation Started (in peace). Since the inception of this community advocacy group, there have been no incidents of youth violence directly related to gang activity, and the organization wants to extend this record of NO deaths in some of the poorest neighborhoods in the City and County.
To date, Bishop Davis and his WOG congregation have solely supported the group – G.A.N.G.S. In Peace – and its initiatives. Holding multiple planning meetings and recently hosting a Family Fun Day event, at their Broad River campus, for the entire community. The time has come for the City and the County to step up and provide “much-needed financial support” to sustain the work of these Street Ambassadors.
At last week’s Richland County Council meeting, Davis and the Street Ambassadors were asked to present a proposal totaling $200,000. The proposal includes overnight Conflict Resolution Camps; sports programming, including Midnight Basketball pick-up leagues, boxing clinics, fall and spring football and basketball teams; and a host of academic services, including a back-to-school kick-off jamboree, a Safety Series initiative for elementary students (including parent guides for at-home reinforcement). The G.A.N.G.S. In Peace ambassadors proposing to visit all schools in the City and County at large assemblies to discourage youth violence while uplifting communities.
Since the inception of this community advocacy group, there have been no incidents of youth violence directly related to gang activity, and the organization wants to extend this record of NO deaths in some of the poorest neighborhoods in the City and County.