Name: Malcom-Omari Davis
Age: 25
Title/Company or main life purpose: CEO, Ocalumni Corporation and Ivey League Marketing Firm
Favorite word: The word I chose is #Blacklivesmatter. The reason behind it is simple and yet complex. #BLM was founded in 2013 when I was 18 years old. Now 25, I’m still explaining how my black life is precious and meaningful. When people view me they should see Tamir Rice, Jordan Davis, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Oscar Grant, Sean Bell and so many others for I am no different. My black life is just as important as the names listed and just as important as anything else living.
What aspirations do you have for yourself in the next 40 years? In the next 40 years I see myself as the family man I always wanted to be: an amazing father and husband and a prominent community leader. I want to continue with my many entrepreneurial endeavors and basically, I want to be the person my father has guided me to be and reflect his teachings.
Favorite way to give back to the community? Anything involving the younger generation and bringing the community together. Last year, out of the several events Ocalumni hosted, the beautification project in Parkside Gardens is a memory that will forever be with me. Seeing the kids embrace the beauty of their community regardless of how others feel is a sense of perseverance we all should practice.
What do you love and/or hate about the Ocala area? I love Ocala because it’s home. My family has built a legacy here that is destined for me to continue – it’s inevitable. The Pinkston blood is something that pumps fiercely in my Davis veins. The Pinkston name to me is synonymous with Ocala. I want to finally embrace it. Hate isn’t necessarily a word I use on my behalf, but I strongly dislike me not fully appreciating all the opportunities I once had in Ocala. After starting my career in Tallahassee, I knew I had the right passion, but wrong city.
A few albums and movies you’d bring to a deserted island? Prince’s Purple Rain, Smino’s Blkswn, Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN., 04l Jigg’s 5 Burners, DJ Won6 YSL Tape, Bently Breezo’s Summer Breeze.
You never leave home without: My phone; it’s literally my lifeline.
If you could tell your 16-year-old self one thing: The mistakes you will make aren’t always mistakes; some are valuable lessons and those lessons need to be retained in order to grow.
Anything else you’re super passionate about that you’d like to tout: Any and everything I do I’m very passionate about, however, when it comes to my faith that is where I can say I’m super passionate. God has blessed my family, my friends and me for years. Believing in his son, Jesus Christ, as my Lord and Savior has brought me through many trials and tribulations. For that, I know I can never lose because of whose team I’m on. Every day I thank God for his grace and mercy; anybody who has ever felt the two can express the passion that comes with a relationship with God.
