Today In Black History: Ed Davis
The first African American to own a Big Three car dealership.
Issue #884 Today In Black History, Monday, July 7, 2025
Ed Davis was the first African American to own a Big Three auto dealership in the United States, Davis Motor Sales, in Detroit, Michigan.
Davis was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1911. He moved to Detroit in the 1920s, during the Great Migration, where he graduated from Cass Technical High School (my alma mater). Despite pervasive racial barriers, Davis worked diligently, learning every facet of the automobile business from the ground up.
After graduating from Cass Tech, Davis opened a car wash but would eventually find success in sales at a local Dodge dealership. In 1938, he opened a used car lot, and two years later, he became a Studebaker dealer. Studebaker Corporation faced financial difficulties in the 1950s, which led to Davis closing his dealership in 1956. In 1963, he opened a Chrysler-Plymouth dealership, which he ran until 1971.
Following his retirement from the car business, Davis accepted an appointment as general manager of the Detroit mass transit system from Mayor Roman Gribbs. During this time, he also wrote his autobiography, One Man's Way, which was published in 1979.
In 1996, Davis became the first black inductee in the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Ed Davis died on May 3, 1999. He passed away at the age of 88 in Detroit, Michigan, due to congestive heart failure.
Today In Black History
In 1781, James Armistead, a spy during the Revolutionary War, participated in the operation that surrounded British army leader Lord Cornwallis, ultimately leading to the British surrender.
In 1794, Rev. Richard Allen, Rev. Absalom Jones, and Dr. Benjamin Rush organized the non-denominational “African Church” in Philadelphia.
In 1801, General Toussaint Louverture declared Haitian independence.
In 1948, the Cleveland Indians signed Negro Leagues pitcher Satchel Paige.
In 1996, Nelson Mandela stepped down as president of South Africa.
If you like us, REALLY like us, please click the little heart “Like” button at the top of this post!
Buttons:
Heart: Like Bubble: Comment Arrow Up: Share Arrows Circle: Restack
If you like us, REALLY like us, please click the “Like” button at the top of this post!
Your “Likes” mean a LOT to us! We appreciate your support!
Buy Pam a cup of Colombian Coffee!
Engage with us and our posts on Substack Notes, where we publish new content almost daily.
Our June 2025 subscriber goals are 400 new free subscribers and 80 new paid subscribers! You can help us reach our goal!
We Are Speaking is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Follow Pam on Bluesky, the best “X” alternative.
Follow Keith on Bluesky, the best “X alternative.
Independent Authors and Creative Professionals: Check out my valuable books and courses on Branding and Marketing just for you via Pam Speaks 2 You.
