Davis, John Aubrey, Sr.

(1912–2002), professor, political science, Lincoln University, Ohio State University, City College of New York; member, New York State Commission against Discrimination; served with Mitchell on FEPC, heading Division of Review and Analysis (Aug. 30, 1943–May 1946); consultant to NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund; personnel consultant to State Department (1952-53); member, NYSCAD (1957–61); member, CEEO (1961–66). He prepared memorandum opposing Lodge-Gossett Bill to eliminate role of electoral college. Davis’s paper argued that under circumstances then prevailing the measure would give undue political influence to the South, reduce importance of blacks, other minorities as swing voters in states with large numbers of electoral votes, lead to creation of a multiparty system, and destroy president’s effectiveness in foreign affairs. A pioneer in employing economic boycotts to achieve civil rights objectives, he also helped prepare the NAACP’s brief in the Brown case.