Dr. Howard Carlton Davis's life was one of excellence. He was Valedictorian at Randall Junior High School. Upon graduating from Dunbar High School in 1946, he entered Howard University, where he was President of his Freshman, Sophomore and Senior Classes well as President of the Student Council. In addition, Howard was on the Dean’s List for four years, received many awards in ROTC, and later served in the US Army and the US Air Force Reserve.

Dr. Davis graduated from the Howard University College of Dentistry in 1961 and received the Dr. Joseph C. Brazier Prize for maintaining the highest scholastic record for four consecutive years. For over 37 years, he maintained a successful dental practice in Washington D.C.

To combat the historical discrimination of the banking industry, Dr. Davis and a group of like-minded individuals founded Independence Federal Savings Bank of Washington in 1966 and he served as vice-president of the board of directors until his passing in 2000. He was the first African American to be elected President of the Potomac Area Council of Campfire Girls, Inc. and received their highest award for volunteer service. He also served as Chairperson of the Washington Urban League. He was also active with the United Way Capital Area; the United Negro College Fund, Nation’s Capital and the Anaconda Economical Development Corporation. He was a Life Member of the Omega Psi Phi and The Group and served as an elder for Northminster Presbyterian Church.