12 Year Old Jabari Davis Makes Alabama History

Townsend Nissan proudly presents the 2026 Black History Makers of Alabama, a celebration of excellence, impact, and legacy.

This special initiative is brought to you by Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and The Tuscaloosa Thread, alongside our valued community partners, the Tuscaloosa Branch of the NAACP and the Tuscaloosa County–West Alabama Chapter of the NPHC, united in honoring the individuals who shape our community and inspire the next generation.

Black History Maker of Alabama – Jabari Davis

Jabari Davis is a 12 year old sixth grader at I Dream Big Charter School in Tuscaloosa who is already making a powerful impact across West Alabama through public service.

While most students his age are focused on school and sports, Jabari is focused on serving others. He is currently leading a diaper drive to help families in need by providing clean, dry diapers through his partnership with Bottoms Up Diaper Bank. In the coming weeks, he will also volunteer with Ramey Veterinary to collect donations to support animals in local shelters.

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Jabari’s heart for service did not start with this drive. His mother, Marquita Leslie, says his compassion comes naturally.

Black History means everything to me. It means resilience, strength, pride, and change. Black history is courage. Black History is everything because the knowledge of what my ancestors fought to overcome and fought for me to have is encouraging. Because of my Black History I am encouraged to be a voice and be a change. So many have pave the way for me to be able to live not just exist. Black History is POWER.- Jabari Davis

“As a mom, I am very proud of my son. Jabari takes the initiative without being prompted to help others," said Jabari's mom Marquita Leslie.

"It truly warms my heart to see his caring and compassionate nature working with non profit endeavors.”

In the past, Jabari reached out to the AKA Tuscaloosa Chapter to help donate feminine hygiene products to his school so that girls would not feel embarrassed or unprepared. For his birthday, he used his own money to purchase toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant for people in need and donated them to The Salvation Army. During the Christmas season, he worked with local businesses to provide games like Uno, Monopoly, Jenga, and Phase 10 so every student at his school could enjoy meaningful family time.

Jabari Davis is proof that leadership, generosity, and compassion have no age limit.

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa thanks Townsend Nissan for supporting our yearly Black History Makers of Alabama spotlight. Be sure to visit them at 2620 Skyland E Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405.

Be sure to download our free app for more details on the Black History Makers of Alabama.