Maria Davis

Maria Davis is a former hip-hop music promoter and a minister at First Corinthian Baptist Church.

In 1995, Ms. Davis unknowingly contracted HIV from her then fiancé. She received a letter informing her of her exposure. Three years later, she was diagnosed with AIDS, which ultimately transformed her into a devoted advocate for HIV/AIDS education and awareness.

Ms. Davis has been outspoken about living with HIV/AIDS, lending a voice to the many women affected by the epidemic. She has dedicated her life to educating women, men and children across the country, especially in the New York City area, where she was raised and still resides.

She has leveraged her position in the entertainment industry to bring her public health message to the community at large. She has collaborated with organizations such as amfAR, Life Beat: Music Industry Fights HIV and BET Rap it Up Community Service, and has served as a keynote speaker for the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc. She regularly volunteers her time speaking to educators, healthcare providers and others regarding the importance of HIV/AIDS education and awareness.

In recent years, Ms. Davis hosted events that offer food, coats, and toys to those in need. She is a staunch community health advocate who speaks of the benefits of healthy eating and exercise, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was a featured speaker on numerous virtual platforms on how to get tested, stay safe and protect against the virus, while distributing PPE to the public at her masked and socially-distanced outdoor events.

Since the COVID-19 vaccines were approved, she has been a major force in her beloved Harlem community, bringing seniors to appointments and helping over 300 people get vaccinated. For the past 20 years, Ms. Davis has become known as the founder and promoter of her legendary music showcase, “MAD Wednesdays." This event highlights signed and unsigned R&B, hip-hop artists and comedians. One of those early artists was Jay-Z, who later put Ms. Davis on his debut album, “Reasonable Doubt.”

Ms. Davis has been the spokesperson for Bristol-Myers Squibb (PREVAIL) and “I Design,” Merck’s national HIV education campaign. Through this work, she has helped bridge the gap between HIV and music. She aspires to do much more in the upcoming years under the umbrella of her not-forprofit organization, Can’t Be Silenced, Inc.