The Columbus Human Rights Commission each year presents an award to honor a person in the community who has advocated for the rights of others who face discriminatory barriers, or has helped foster relationships and understanding between people and groups.
The William R. Laws Human Rights Award is named in honor of a man who was a strong advocate of civil rights in the 1960s while pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Columbus, and who helped create the city’s human rights commission.
This award that the commission will bestow Thursday at its annual dinner meeting at The Commons fittingly is going to a man influenced by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and who as a pastor is shaped by God’s love for others.
The Rev. Clement T. Davis, pastor of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church and simply "Father Clem" to many, has done plenty to distinguish himself in the area of human rights during his 22 years in Columbus, taking stands for justice, inclusion and nondiscrimination.
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Early in his career in Columbus, Davis was one of only a few ministers locally who supported Columbus Engine Co.’s decision in 2000 to offer domestic partner benefits to its employees.
In 2014, following an incident of spray-painted graffiti on St. Bartholomew and two other churches, which was made to look as if it was done in the name of Islam, Davis worked with the Muslim community on initiatives to promote understanding between local Christians and Muslims. A Christian-Muslim dialogue program resulted that received great participation and fostered enduring friendships.
Those are but two examples of Davis’ human rights efforts, but shining examples of a person who is driven by a concern for others, a desire to care for people and the need to treat his fellow man with dignity and worth.
Davis is a worthy recipient of the Laws Award and a great example of what it represents.
