A fitting honor!
An Alabama Winn-Dixie grocery store just celebrated a 101-year-old employee by naming a grant in her honor, Good Morning America reports.
Romay Davis was born October 29, 1919, in King George County, Virginia. During World War II, she made history as a member of the first all-Black Women Army Corps unit. After the war, she began a three-decade career in fashion as a model in New York, acquiring several honors and accolades along the way, including a master’s degree and a Black Belt in Taekwondo.
Photos Courtesy Romay Davis/Good Morning America
Davis retired in 1982, spending time with her husband and family. After her husband died in 2001, Davis decided to go back to work, coming on as an employee at a local Winn-Dixie at 80. For the last two decades, she has worked at the grocer, celebrating her 100th birthday in 2019 at the store and even working throughout the current coronavirus pandemic.
Photo Courtesy of Winn Dixie/Good Morning America
Now, in honor of Davis and to commemorate Black History month, Winn-Dixie has created a grant named after her. The “Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant Program” will support nonprofits fighting for racial equity and social justice. Funds from the grant will go to support the nonprofits and help address racial disparities in education, health care, and issues of food insecurity. The store has even created #RomayDavisDay celebrating her in Montgomery, Alabama.
Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of Winn-Dixie, spoke about the decision to honor Ms. Davis in this way, saying, “As we celebrate Ms. Romay, we are moved by her unwavering dedication and strong work ethic, which inspires others to be their best.”
Thank you for your service and all of your work Ms. Davis!
Photo Courtesy of @winndixie/Instagram