FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           
Wednesday, January 15, 2003

CONTACT: Ryan Mulcahy, Assistant to the Mayor, 266-4611

                DR. RICHARD DAVIS TO RECEIVE CITY'S
        DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HUMANITARIAN AWARD

        The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award, 
bestowed annually by the City of Madison, will be presented to Dr. Richard 
Davis by Mayor Susan J.M. Bauman during the 18th Annual City-County 
Observance of Dr. King's birth at the Madison Civic Center, Monday 
evening, January 20th.
        Dr. Davis is an international performing musician and Professor of 
Bass (European Classical and Jazz), Jazz History and combo improvisation 
at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
        Dr. Davis has founded numerous organizations that involve students 
and faculty in discussions regarding the reality of prejudice, bigotry, 
racism and sexism.  Among the organizations are the Richard Davis 
Foundation for Young Bassists, Inc., that annually brings together 
seventeen (17) bass instructors/performers and young bassists between 3-18 
years of age; the Retention Action Project (RAP), that provides assistance 
to students struggling financially to stay in school; and the Madison 
chapter of "Institutes for the Healing of Racism."
        Mayor Bauman called Dr. Davis a true humanitarian.  "Dr. Davis has 
worked tirelessly to involve students and the university in creative ways 
to undo racism.  His efforts are in line with similar goals the city 
pursues through the Study Circles on Race program and many other initiative
s I've undertaken to ensure equal opportunity for all in housing, 
education and employment.  Dr. Davis' commitment to build bridges of 
mutual respect and understanding between all people has been a positive 
force for change, and helps boost a community-wide appreciation for 
diversity," Bauman said.
        Dr. Davis' goal is to promote good people-to-people relationships, 
and to build bridges between university faculty, staff, students and the 
larger Madison area community.  He works to help students of all ages 
understand that a good education opens the door to future opportunities.  
He recognizes the importance of truly valuing people for their differences,
 as well as their similarities.  "I'll never retire, "Davis states, "there 
is still too much to do."
        Dr. Davis is passionately committed to social justice, human 
rights and equal opportunity for all.  He exposes injustice wherever he 
finds it.  He seeks solutions to difficult situations and galvanizes 
others to respond appropriately.  He freely shares his wisdom, home, and 
resources with all to help create an environment where all can experience 
dignity and peace.

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