Honorees
Legacy Honoree
McLain "Chip" Davis
McLain “Chip” Davis Jr.’s life is a symphony of notes well played. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, for more than 40 years, he has helped proclaim the gospel through music. The ministries of Chip Davis Productions, Chip Davis and Composition, and Davis House of Gospel all became the vehicles for local and national artists and plays to find their way to the City of Columbus and surrounding areas. McLain, fondly known as “Chip”, began playing the piano at 8 years old. He soon adapted his musical talents to the drums, saxophone and flute. There was something about the sound of the saxophone, that pierced his soul. The alto saxophone became his instrument of choice while also picking up soprano sax, tenor sax and flute. He marched and played in the East High marching Tiger band. Chip graduated from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC, studying music and earning his BS in Biology. While there, he played in one of the south's favorite R&B bands called NEW BORN JOY. He also marched and played in the South Carolina State Bulldog Marching 101 band .After graduating, he returned to Columbus and became a life insurance agent for Equitable Life. During that time, he also began building his real estate portfolio and started his own company, Davis and Associates, accumulating over 32 pieces of property. While perfecting his gift, Chip became the saxophonist and one of the drummers for The Columbus Chapter of The Gospel Music Workshops of America (GMWA) and recorded with the National GMWA on drums, “All is Well” written by Roger Hairston and “No Greater Love" on Saxophone, written by David Allen. He also recorded with Raymond Wise and "The Raise Production Choir". He had the distinct honor of recording with " The Mississippi Mass Choir" on the "It Remains to be Seen" video and album on the songs: " Hold on Old Soldier", led by the late great Walter Hawkins and "Your Grace and Mercy", led by the late great Frank Williams. Chip has also brought many plays to Columbus, such as, "When a Woman’s Fed Up", "Woman Thou art Loosed", "Be careful What you Pray For", "My Grandmother Prayer for Me", "What's Love Got To Do With It", "Fake Friends”, and " Mama, I'm Sorry". Chip worked with Producer Bobby Cartwright and artist Keith Dobbins in bringing GOSPEL SUPERFEST "2" to Columbus that was televised and drew several thousands of concert goers in attendance. Davis House of Gospel, “the House”, a record store belonging to Chip and his wife Monique, was located on McGuffey and became a hub in the Linden community as the place to get current and vintage gospel music and preaching on cassettes, CD's and videos, along with other merchandise. Chip Davis Productions has been blessed to bring this ministry to many different venues. This would not be possible without the Lord directing his path and for the many Pastors that opened their church doors and the many wonderful and dedicated volunteers that helped make Chip Davis Productions move smoothly. Retired after more than 20 years of service through Community Action, Chip now uses his gift to minister to those in need, wherever that may be. Amazing Grace resounded through the streets of Columbus as he played during the George Floyd riots. Their family consists of sons Moses (24’ Graduate of Kentucky State University with a BS in Psychology ) and Mario, (Sr. At Kentucky State University majoring in Business), daughter Takesha Palmer, and six grandchildren. They are all his pride and joy and loved unconditionally!!! Chip’s involvement in the gospel community has lifted the hearts of many and has kept all styles of gospel music in each listening ear. Chip will always be known for his signature performance pieces, "Center of My Joy" by Richard Smallwood and "Stand" by Donnie McClurkin. Etched in our hearts is: McLain" Chip" Davis Jr., the man, the music and the ministry of gospel.
Community Leadership Honoree
Dr. Chenelle Jones
Dr. Jones is the Chair of the Public Safety Programs and the Director of the Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education (CPSCE) at Franklin University. She earned her B.A. in psychology from Wittenberg University, M.S.E. in Human Services from the University of Dayton, and her Ph.D. in the Administration of Justice from Texas Southern University, where she was the first to graduate from the program.
In her current role, Dr. Jones champions academic and inclusive innovation by developing and implementing curricular and co-curricular opportunities that support student success in higher education. She has also made an indelible mark in the community by creating and implementing programs to improve police/community relations. Specifically, she was the visionary behind the 2020 Columbus Black Women’s March that convened over 3,000 Black women in downtown Columbus to stand in solidary against police brutality. She was instrumental in developing the Columbus Division of Police Community Immersion Training which is a 192-hour training that teaches new officers about the Columbus Community and its residents. She also serves as the National Director of Research for the Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy which is an international program designed to reduce social distance between teens and the police.
While a highly sought-after speaker, presenter, and media commentator, Dr. Jones was an analyst for TV One’s hit show “For My Man.” She has also written numerous articles and book chapters on public perceptions of the police, race, and the administration of justice. In fact, she is the co-editor of A Critical Analysis of Race and the Administration of Justice. Dr. Jones is a scholar activist whose research highlights critical issues in policing, intersectionality, and the invisible labor of Black women in academia. Her critical work led her to establish Jones Advantage, LLC, which is a consulting firm that provides research and training on diversity, equity, and inclusion to both government and private entities.
Dr. Jones’ work is so well recognized, that she has been named the recipient of numerous awards including Wittenberg University’s Professional Achievement Award, Franklin University’s Dean’s Award Recognizing Excellence, Franklin University’s Core Value Award for Respect, the Central Ohio Social Justice Award for Education Advocacy in Higher Education, Columbus CEO’s Future 50 Award, Columbus Business First’s 40 Under 40 Award, the Conley Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Sankofa Award for Education, and the Visionary Award by Columbus City Council and the Create Columbus Commission. Dr. Jones is also the 2018 recipient of the Emerald Literati Award for Most Outstanding Author Contribution for her book chapter The New Jane Crow: Mass Incarceration and the Denied Maternity of Black Women.
Dr. Jones serves on the Columbus Civilian Police Review Board, the Board for Grant Medical Center, the Columbus Impact and Inclusion Advisory Board for Columbus Young Professionals, and the Advisory Board for ThinkMakeLive Youth. Dr. Jones is also a member of several community and professional organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the American Society of Criminology, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and the Racial Democracy and Criminal Justice Network.