Leslie Anthony Davis (25 Nov 1957 - 12 Jul 2024)

My dear family it's never easy to say goodbye but it's a path we all must take ,today as you all lay Leslie to rest may you all find peace and laughter in his memories ,may God comfort you all ....may his soul R.I.P.gone but will never be forgotten...Love you all

Sincere condolences to the Davis family. Man of the people with spirit and endeavour in abundance, always ready to give worthwile advice. His opinion was well respected, and young and elder benifited from his knowledge and keen sense of direction. RIP Leslie, Champion for the less opinionated.

Dearest Leslie,

I will always treasure my memories of you and I am sorry that I am not able to witness, in person, your final journey on this very sad day.

I’ll be looking up with a smile though as the sun shines down on you.

May the angels protect and guide you.

I will never forget you.

Susannah

Raised in Nottingham, living in Birmingham I Connected with Leslie as a conscientious friend & have known him for over 25 years as ‘Spirit’.

A Brother with energy & passion he was a critical thinker whose viewpoint , however different, I valued.

A great Helper an advocate of Good Causes he’s not easily replaced.

May Maxine , Sonia & all of His Family find peace & contentment at this difficult time ; May The Community lift up The Best of His WORK.

To one of My Big Brothers
& with sincere gratitude

Your Brother in peace
Brother Andrew 3X
(known formerly as Andrew Smith)
Nottingham , Birmingham
Co-Ordinator (N.O.I)

My condolences to the Davis family

In the 80’s i visited my family on Noel St.
I decided to stretch my legs .
As you do
Across the road was a group
We Greeted each other
eye to eye contact (The Good olds days.)
Not being a local.

When returning i met Leslie.
After reasoning I notice his clip board.
I signed the petition he was collecting
He explained why it was important to Notts

This period of time black youth’s across Britain
Unaware of each other but collectively petitioned or Squatted an abandoned building

in which we could develop and express ourselves Marcus Garvey Mf Northampton Akkidi centre London name a few.

I received a letter C.E.T.A Training
An Interview
Extra Shampoo
Belt Shirt & Tie
To my amazament the interviewing panel consisted of Leslie Andrew and Leroy.
Leslie had remembered me from our meeting and my skill set.

Sweet I got the job

2weeks into the job I heard Leslie voice arguing
Furniture moving
Yes A scurf full
Unknown too me at the time

Leslie had stood up for me

Likewise the people whom Life journey have met Leslie would say something like his spirit has enriched my life.

The best college tutor and friend a very wise man in Electrical History and human rights I'll miss you greatly.

My deepest condolences to the family of Leslie Davis. He was a talented and intelligent gentleman who dedicated most of his teenage and adult life to fighting for a better outcome for the Black communities of Nottingham and the United Kingdom. He stood openly, expressing his views and opinions, sharing strategies and tactics, and always working to ensure a fair and equal outcome for Black people.

In my opinion, Leslie was among those few special individuals who had a profound love for the Black community. He influenced change in many fields through his involvement in various engagements, whether in politics, education, or the arts. His time, effort, and energy were boundless—he gave us everything! He stood out among our great pioneers and should never be forgotten. While I mourn his death, I would also like to thank his family for lending us Leslie Davis, allowing us to adopt him as part of our broader family.

Rest in greatness!

Leslie was one of my first bosses when I was a young man working for CETA, a black training company back in the 80's. If it wasn't for Leslie I would never gone to college and eventually onto university. Many years later I found myself in the position of being about to be kicked off the course for my first Master’s Degree. I couldn't afford to pay for my final year after being laid off. I mentioned it to him at the Ukaidi Centre when he saw me looking down and asked what was wrong. I confided in him why I was being quiet. He said nothing more after listening. That night, he sent another friend and colleague (Andrew Campbell) around to my flat in St Ann's. He told me Leslie told him my situation, and they had arranged a community whip round and raised the full final year's tuition fee. He gave me an envelope with the check inside and asked for nothing in return. I graduated with my first Master’s Degree and owe them a great debt of gratitude. My heart is so sad to hear about Leslie passing away. He was a great person, fantastic boss and a friend. 😢

Iv loved Lesley what seems like all my life. We lost each other for a period of time ,but Lesley came and found me with his open arms and big heart, his heart so big could take in the whole world with his kindness and love. He answered allot of questions for me growing up as I struggled. He always had the power to make me feel safe and wanted.I love him now and always. I’m sure he will find me again on the other side

Greetings all,

Firstly, sincere condolences to the Davis family for their incalculable loss. The loss of a son, brother, father, grandfather and the many other positions he held within the family. A great void difficult to fill.

I lived in Nottingham until 1983 and was pretty much integrated into the family up until that time and for sometime after.

I was trying to remember the first time I met Leslie/Jasper. It could have been in 1974 on the top deck of the number 40 bus from the Meadows into town and perhaps it was an end of year school disco at Roland Green where I was a pupil. Leslie would've been a school year older than me and from another school and that year’s difference seemed larger back then. Anyway, there was a group of guys sharing the top deck making up noise with banter. One of them clocked me and commented how "mi look like a sweet bwoy eena mi white jacket'. That was Leslie. Can’t quite remember but maybe Clifton and Martin were there too.

Well, some would say that Leslie was 'eggs up' and he did come across as confident, noticeable and larger than life. But in essence he was genuine, upful and honest. So, I always remember that first encounter.

Our paths would cross years after at various stages throughout the mid 70s/early 80s. The House of Dread on Alfreton Road, Quantro sound system, Pan African Congress Movement events and activities, Marcus Garvey Centre, Ukaidi, Ujaama and many others.

I didn't know Leslie had been ill a couple of years ago until I saw him at Johnny's 63rd. He bought drinks but didn't want the return drink. I promised to buy him one next time we 'buk up'. Sadly, that will not now come to pass.

The last time I saw him was when he gracefully sang a song at my Dad's funeral last year. He was well known for his velvety voice, Dennis Brown being an early inspiration. I am eternally, eternally grateful that he blessed the funeral repast with that contribution.

Once again, bountiful blessings to the fam, stay strong for the last farewell.

Walk good bredda Leslie, bless up.

Ambasa, Charmaine and family.

Leslie. I remember you. We would chat. Chew fat. Debate. Share wisdom. About Nottingham. About people. About diaspora. About social change. About learning.
Sometimes we'd be in the studios of BBC Radio Nottingham. Sometimes we would would be chatting for time. We would look and ignore our watches 'cos things needed to be said. Could have been 25 minutes to 2 hours on the streets of Nottingham. I appreciate those wise times. Your voice is still vibrating in my heart. Take time my friend and I give my heartfelt condolences to the amazing and extensive Davis family. B x

A beautiful soul. A beautiful voice. Leslie, you will be sorely missed.