Local Civil Rights Advocate, Ernestine Davis, Receives City Proclamation Dedicating June 23 in Her Honor
by James Coulter
For more than six decades, Ernestine Mason Davis has advocated for civil rights and equality in her community of Winter Haven, even at her ripe young age of 84.
For her tireless dedication in uplifting others through civic, political, educational, and humanitarian causes, Davis was honored by the City of Winter Haven with an official proclamation.
At their regular meeting on Mon. June 23, Winter Haven city commissioners presented Davis with a proclamation dedicating that day, June 23, as “Ernestine Davis Day.”
The proclamation honors her commitment in “lending a hand to initiate and participate in a peaceful manner to bring about change, [which] is still a passionate pursuit for her.”
Because of her commitment to helping others in her community and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she lives by her motto: “I am happy, and always happy to serve the community.”
Davis was the first African American cashier to work at Henley’s Grocery store in Florence Villa. Her crowning achievement was founding and establishing Concerned Citizens of Winter Haven, Inc.
She has also been engaged in many other local organizations and boards, including: East Central Polk Democratic Club Council, Lake Maude Recreation Center (now known as the Neighborhood Service Center), Polk County Opportunity Council, Haven Daycare Center, various service centers, youth athletic leagues, and the Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. (ALPI)
Of the many awards and recognitions she has received over her six-decade-long career, she was recognized as one of the 2022 Winter Haven Local Black Heroes, presented the 95th Banker’s Cup 2021 Woman and Citizen of the Year Award by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, and recognized as a 2025 Polk Pioneer by the Polk County Historical Association (PCHA).
Davis was present at the city commission meeting to receive her proclamation and say a few words on her behalf: “I would like to thank the City of Winter Haven. Thank you very much. I am so happy…[and to] my family and friends, thank you very, very much.”
